It feels to me that there couldn’t be a more appropriate inaugural blog post for a new website than this. An introduction to the woman behind the scenes. After all, if you landed on this website, you must be at least somewhat keen to learn more about me, right?
Me, in a Nutshell
I hope you stick around until the end but if you want a quick snapshot, I’m Yvonne, the principal designer at YCC Design Interiors. I’m also a mom to two wonderful humans and one adorable pup. I’m a former model, long-time resident of The Beaches, lover of great conversations, long walks and good wine. Oh, and being of Dutch ancestry, I’m also on a continual quest to find the best deal in town so if you know where there is a sale happening, whether it’s TP or chocolate, please let me know! 🤣
The way I see design is no different than how I experience all parts of life. I love a mix of old and new, and there always has to be something that will spark a conversation. I don’t live in, or design homes that look like showrooms because I think spaces only come to life when there’s an infusion of the home’s residents.
My business has slowly evolved and grown over the last 12 years. What started as a creative expression to keep me busy and inspired while I raised my two children has become my passion and full-time career.
And now all these years later (is it really 12 years?!) I have a website and a blog which means I finally feel like it’s all coming together. It might seem strange to feel official after 12 years in business, but we all have those benchmark moments, and this is mine. It’s been a long time in the works, and I feel like a proud mama once again.
My Superpower
One of the first things that resonated with me when I started taking on design projects is just how daunting renovation is for most people. I quickly realized being a guide for my clients is my superpower. The ability to walk my clients through the process and make it effortless. Ok, maybe effortless is not quite the word to be used alongside renovation. Let’s just say I have a natural gift for taking the chaos and stress out of the process.
Ensuring no rock is left unturned, I focus on all the details and components required when working on a project. One of my favourite design quotes comes from Charles Eames, designer of architecture and furniture, “The details are not the details. They make the design”. I can’t agree with this more. Putting all the details together and having the design come alive for my clients is where I have the most fun and derive the most satisfaction!
How it all began
I always knew I’d end up doing something creative because there just was no other option for me. Even as a child I could spend hours making something out of nothing.
That led me to study Industrial Design at Carleton University immediately after leaving high school and later, Environmental Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design. And, like so many creatives, I didn’t follow the path of those particular art forms, but instead followed the breadcrumbs and here I am. Still creating and so grateful to combine what I learned in school into my interior design projects.
Along the way, I made a detour into the world of modelling. Although it might not seem related, it taught me a lot about fabrics, colours, photography and styling. The creative worlds are all truly interconnected. It was harder and more challenging than you might think, but it also nurtured my fun-loving side.
If I was asked to describe myself in a few words, I’d definitely say something about being a good mom and a good friend. Maybe I’d say I’m caring but honestly, I don’t like to talk about myself so I asked a friend for some advice.
Her words were deeply compassionate, loving, kind, funny and adventurous. Well thank you and yes, I do humbly agree. Those are the qualities that make interior design so effortless for me. I don’t have to struggle to find compassion for the difficulty my clients experience. I get it! Who would ever want to go through all that a renovation throws at you with someone who is lacking in respect or care. I’ve lived through my own renovation and even as a professional, it’s no small feat to live to tell the story.
But Other Than Design…
So you get the point I love design, but there’s more to me than just that. My number one passion and commitment lies in the form of my two children. I know all moms say that their kids are the best, but I think mine really are! And now, poof in the blink of an eye they’re both becoming young adults. I’m ok with that because now I feel like I have two new friends to go on adventures with around the neighbourhood.
Do people also say their neighbourhood is the best? I definitely think so too! The Beaches has been home to me for a very long time. If you don’t know Toronto, I would describe The Beaches as a small beach community nestled right alongside the big downtown core. It feels like living in a small town where everyone knows their neighbours and keeps an eye on each other. It’s filled with charming, historic homes, a long street of quaint shops and restaurants and my favourite aspect, the beautiful beach that hugs Lake Ontario.
If you’re ever looking for me in the early hours of the morning, you’ll find me there. No, I’m not running or walking my dog. I’m swimming! Some think it’s crazy to be swimming in the frigid waters of Lake Ontario but from April to October I’m in there getting my blood circulating. If you happen to be down at the beach some morning, come on by and say hi.
If you’re here because you’re considering designers for an upcoming project, I hope that gave you a feel for the real Yvonne. If you think we’d be a good fit, I encourage you to peruse the rest of my site and book a discovery call with me. I’m always happy to have a chat and get to know someone new.
Thanks for being here,
Yvonne