At this year's Living Luxe Design Show, held last month at the Toronto Congress Centre, influential interior designer and TV personality Amanda Aerin was hard to miss. She was honored as the show's Women Entrepreneur of the Year and also organized a Made In Italy design competition. Aerin spoke with Sun Homes at the JennAir booth, where a brightly lit onyx kitchen island was displayed.
Design Inspiration and the Kitchen Social Club
Q: What is your design inspiration and what message are you conveying with this booth?
A: It was important for me to create a 'kitchen social club' when designing this booth. Although we have celebrated the kitchen as the heart of the home for years, this concept has come to the forefront recently. With chaos in the world, we are turning inward and inviting people into our homes. We are baking and making pizzas together — there has been a resurgence in cooking and entertaining at home. Mixing traditional and contemporary styles, such as sleek appliances with wallpaper, gives the kitchen a curated feel.
Bold Colors and Mixed Materials
Q: You advocate for braver use of color and materials. How do you make it work at this booth?
A: The juniper color suite was a perfect starting point for this kitchen. Appliances can sometimes be an afterthought, but here they are so beautiful that I wanted them to be a showcase. I incorporated green cabinetry around them for a built-in feel. I also used black for a luxe feeling, especially with a matte finish. Each suite has interchangeable handles — brass, bronze, or stainless steel — perfect for customization. The metallic finishes added an interesting design layer to the overall look.
Tips for Hosting at Home
Q: What design tips do you have for people embracing hosting at home?
A: First, think of your kitchen as a lounge space. Mix warm and durable materials that are cleanable and beautiful. Second, consider great lighting: task lighting for cooking, and ambient lighting for hosting. Finally, mix traditional and contemporary styles, like sleek appliances with traditional wallpapers, for a curated feel.
Made in Italy Designer Contest
Q: Tell us about the Made in Italy designer contest.
A: I was blown away by the presentations from young people. These emerging artists, with less than five years of experience, showed that Canadian talent is incredible. With the Made in Italy theme, we tied in luxury using imagery inspired by Rome's hotels, along with vibrant and muted color palettes. The next generation has an interesting way of looking at design — they love a hybrid of new technology and traditional elements, which will be their sweet spot.
