Kerri Webb is an interior designer based in Ottawa. A Kingston, Ontario, native, Kerri has literally lived coast-to coast. After a short-period of time living in Kingston, her family moved to British Columbia. They spent about six years there before moving to Halifax and calling it home for seven years. In 2005, Kerri moved to Ottawa, the place where she calls home today. Although she absolutely loves Ottawa, and has put down some major roots, she will always consider the east coast “home.” We can absolutely feel her east coast laid back vibe in her beautifully designed home.
After a three-years of an intensive and rigorous college program, Kerri became a full-time registered massage therapist. Although designing it’s not her full-time occupation, it has always been an important part of her life. In fact, by looking at her Instagram profile you wouldn’t know that she is not a designer by training, and you wouldn’t think she does anything other than full-time interior design. Kerri definitely has the eye for it and no doubt her clients agree!
Designing is a passion of hers and ever since she can remember, she has always been obsessed with rearranging, decorating and finding that perfect “feel” for a room. A passion most likely passed down by her mother who also loved to decorate and change things around their home.
Kerri’s style and inspiration comes from nature, photography, natural textures and architecture. When asked about her end-goal in interior design and career prospects, Kerri says: “I don’t feel that I have any true “end goal” in design besides creating beautiful spaces for myself, my family and the select clients I take on. Spaces that feed the soul and create a sense of calm, regardless of what’s happening on the outside.”
Q&A with Kerri Webb
Is there a designer community in Ottawa or do you all work very independently without ever meeting or even knowing about each other?
There is definitely a great design community in Ottawa! The likes we have seen through Leclair Decor’s great success, as well as several other smaller independents that I know about. It’s really becoming an exciting time for people to hone their craft and share their talents with others.
Who or where do you look for inspiration?
I look for inspiration everywhere! Magazines, Pinterest, my brain. I’ve always been very visual so seeing something, even outside in nature, and then incorporating it into a space is very natural to me. I have often been asked what my style is and to be honest, I have no answer! I sort of just like what I like and when I feel a balance amongst shapes and textures, then I am happy. But when a space feels off to me, I’ll do everything I can do figure out why and then fix it.
What are your favourite trends and colour palettes at the moment? Is it important to follow design trends and often change your home decor?
My favourite trend has to be the massive texture movement that came in a few years ago. More people adding baskets, wood, textiles and plants to their decor. Layers and softer palettes. My colour palette is very neutral. Mixing metals and wood tones and lots of creams and whites. It’s what makes my space feel the most cozy, but also the most timeless to me. I’ve never been a fan of constantly changing decor or keeping “on trend.” Take your time. Make the investments.
Name one piece that someone should splurge on. Can you give us some specific examples?
I think a piece everyone should splurge on would be anything they feel is truly timeless. A custom-made piece of furniture. A dining table that they will love for years and years. I think splurge items are different for everyone. When I splurge it’s usually because a piece is truly unique or it’s something I have wanted for a very long time and I have taken the time to make sure it’s the right fit. Spending good money on larger pieces often insures that they will last and you will take better care of them.
What are your favourite furniture or design stores in Ottawa? What about the rest of Canada?
Some of my favourite design stores in Canada would be West Elm and CB2. I love mixing their pieces with other things from Homesense and IKEA. My house is FULL of “high end meets low end” and I find it’s the best way to truly curate a distinct, personal and beautiful style.
What colours do you see coming back for summer?
This summer I see a resurgence of sage green and muted corals. It’s been slowly integrating in to a lot of people’s homes and the colours are natural and seasonally appropriate but also transition extremely well in to fall which is my absolute favourite!
What are the staple decor items every living room should have?
Staple decor items every living room should have would 100% be the right sized rug (bigger is usually better!), levels of lighting, (meaning table lamps or wall sconces) and a coffee table. A living room will, of course, always have a couch, but I have seen many people try to get away without using a coffee table and it’s truly something that I feel grounds your space and creates form and function. An absolute must have.
How do you turn a “cold” space to a cozy warm welcoming one?
Creating a cozy, warm, welcoming space will always be about colours that compliment each other, textiles and lighting. Lamps offer different levels of lighting to set a tone or mood, textures in rugs or blankets or baskets create a cozy vibe, and having wood tones sprinkled throughout will always make your space warmer and more inviting. Always. Also, fresh flowers and greenery shouldn’t ever be overlooked! They do wonders!
What is the most satisfying part of being in the interior design business?
The most satisfying part about designing is watching a space transform. Watching whoever you’re designing for fall in love, see their personality come through and feel a sense of bliss and in their new space. Also, showing people how and why things work (or don’t) is always so satisfying because they will be able to apply those principles for years to come in all of their future spaces!
What is your favourite interior design show on tv? Who is your design or fashion icon?
I don’t really watch any decor shows, however I will say my design icons would be Amber Lewis or Jake Alexander Arnold. It’s just truly stunning how they mix form and texture. I also really love what Leanne Ford has been doing as of late!
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Note: answers were extracted directly from our e-interview with Kerri Webb. All photos credit to Kerri Webb. If you are a canadian interior designer and wish to be showcased, contact Anaida Poilievre. You can also follow her Instagram account strictly dedicated to canadian interior designers. Seriously, go check her out.
