Megan Baker is no stranger to the furniture game. In fact, she’s been in the biz since 2011, and has a wealth of knowledge, both from a retail perspective, and the interior design world. What started as a one-woman show has now grown into a full-fledged design firm, with a signature aesthetic that merges modern and classic pieces to create warm, liveable spaces. The Megan Baker Interiors team is constantly growing with new talent, and we’re excited to see what 2022 has in store for her.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to start your design firm?

It has been my dream for so long, I can’t even remember a time before I knew I wanted my own design firm! I was that little girl moving my bedroom furniture around endlessly and hoarding my mom’s design magazines well before I knew that interior design was a career option.

I took a gap year after high school graduation and lived in Paris as an au pair. Being constantly inspired by the romance of Paris every day confirmed what I already knew: I wanted to go to design school. I never considered any other career path. After I returned home, I applied to Kwantlen Polytechnic University and earned a Bachelor of Design degree. After getting my credentials, and gaining invaluable work experience in both classic and modern design & decor, I was ready to make the leap of faith and pull it all together under my own banner. And yes, I am still forever inspired by Paris!

How would you describe your design style and aesthetic? If you have a few different styles, what’s your favourite style?

Warm, timeless, artful, and European-inspired, with a fresh, modern twist. I love neutral spaces with lots of layers, shades and texture, some kind of black & white contrast, and of course, a hint of Parisian decor.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I love to travel and take so much inspiration from it, so the last few years have been especially challenging. I have a real appreciation for the past, from historical design styles to architectural detailing, especially from Europe. It’s amazing that a wall panelling detail or a chair shape from something as historic as the Louis XVI era can continuously be reimagined to stay relevant in interiors, even hundreds of years later. I am equally inspired by the future. Fashion and beauty are incredibly creative and offer daily inspiration because both industries move so quickly. It’s much easier to change clothing, hair and makeup than an entire interior, and watching what people gravitate towards is endlessly fascinating. It provides incredible insight into what people are looking for, and what we might see next in interior design. !

Are there any upcoming design trends you’re looking forward to?

Traditional design is having a moment, and I love the reinvention of these details for the 21st century. Mixing heritage ideas with modern ones has always been trendy in our office, so I don’t see that changing anytime soon!

Which design movement is, to you, the most timeless?

I often find myself pulling inspiration and details from the Arts & Crafts movement to create a timeless design. Look at the way they introduced window and door casings, wall panelling, even some of the curves and arches that are currently having a moment—all of these elements were introduced in the late 1800s in rebellion to the excessive Victorian era. Even though they’re often altered and painted out white, these architectural components remain staples in new Vancouver builds today. I think the Arts & Crafts movement is timeless because it provides a great design base and framework for so many styles of decor, from deco to mid-century to farmhouse.

What do you love most about being part of the design community?

The design community in Vancouver is second to none, and I feel so fortunate to choose my colleagues and the vendors we work with—including CF!

If you could share one key design tip to really make a house feel like a home, what would it be?

Great lighting is key! Too many homes are loaded with pot lights and no other decorative lighting, and homeowners can’t figure out why their spaces feel cold. Low, small lamps are perfect for evening, especially with candles when entertaining or on a chilly night. Floor lamps and ceiling pendants are a must for different zones or activity areas in the home, as are bedside lamps. And I can never get enough sconces—they are the perfect touch for bathrooms, dining rooms, hallways and entryways.

We’ve all had to do some adjusting over the last year and a half. What challenges have you faced over this period, and how did you manage to pivot? Any key learnings you'd like to share?

The first few months were especially challenging. Being a new-ish entrepreneur, I never expected to be faced with a global crisis in my first full year of business! The pandemic forced me to consider my business from a high level and think about how to go digital, while continuing to grow our traditional design business. EnterThe Boutiqueby Megan Baker Interiors, our online shop that just launched this fall! My first product is a series of digitalInterior Finishes Guidebooks, which are essentially a DIY renovator’s best friend. Each guidebook features pages and pages of inspiration, expert design advice, and a full series of curated materials & specifications, all for a fraction of the price of hiring an interior designer. There will be plenty more to come in 2022!

What are your favourite pieces you’ve sourced from CF Interiors?

There are many, but some of my all time favourite pieces I've sourced from CF Interiors are from their lighting selectionThere are few projects I complete without sourcing some lighting from CF. Some of my favourite pieces include the Lilian Floor Lamp, Montreuil Floor Lamp, and Lightwell Chandelier.