Brittany Shmyr Interview

Brittany Shmyr (@brittanyshmyr), is a “creator of magical spaces”, pinned in her bio on Instagram. It’s safe to say she certainly adds a touch of magic as can be seen throughout her interior designs.

Showcasing remodels and DIY projects has become an Instagram staple for those seeking inspiration. Brittany’s page is not only filled with beautiful spaces within her apartment but the cutest photos of her pup, Stella!

We highly recommend @brittanyshmyr for all and any remodeling tips and DIY projects! We were fortunate enough to interview Brittany and asked her questions about her challenges advice and she provided great answers!

Q&A:

What sparked your interest in interior design?

“I’ve always loved how a well designed space can make you feel. It can transport you back to one of your favourite places or spaces, spark a memory or a feeling. I think interior design has always been embedded in me from a young age. I spent a lot of time at my grandparents home when I was young. They are collectors (but probably don’t know it). They always had pieces carefully curated and displayed throughout their home. From vintage furniture, to special momentos, or collected pieces that brought them joy. When I was young, I remember sitting in their carport watching tv from a wicker swing surrounded by grape vines, hanging plants, rattan + wood decor pieces and carefully curated porcelain figurines. I remember how a stark carport was transformed into an enjoyable lush oasis that we wanted to spend time in. Although it’s changed over the years, there’s something so nostalgic about it. Which brings me back to my interest in interior design. It’s not just about making something look pretty but it stems from feelings. Any space I create for myself, or clients I bring it back to – how does this tell my story? How does it tell their story? And how does it make you feel/how will it make you feel?”

What would you consider your design style?

“Basically strategy-less. It’s more focused on crafting a cozy home that inspires, as opposed to working to achieve a specific look.
If I had to describe it in a couple words I would say
Authentic, Nostalgic, Laidback, Hygge”

Where did your inspiration come from for the cabinet color in the Kitchen?

“Remember 90’s Barbie Kitchen Playset? I wanted that!”

How did you decide on Kingston products?

“I was scrolling through Houzz one night, and came across the Kingston Brass products. I loved all the traditional antique-like styles and knew they would fit seamlessly into my space. The more I searched the more I saw they had beautiful high quality budget-friendly designs that I could justify spending for my rental home. I knew this was a brand my audience could get behind also!”

Are there any designers or influencers you follow that inspire your designs?

“The legendary Elsie De Wolfe + Dorthy Draper
Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow, Emily Henderson, Amber Lewis + DesignLoveFest”

Your bathroom is especially unique and very cool, what were some decor pieces you had to have?

“I wanted to create my own sanctuary, a place I could escape from the bustling city. My initial thought of a tropical oasis was Bali. They are connected to nature, known to live simply, slowly and value self-love. Exactly how I wanted to feel in the space. The dark moody tropical wallpaper was the perfect backdrop to begin to tell this story. Add some bold flooring to reinforce my style/personality, potted plants, foliage both real/fake, sprinkle in some rattan decor, add warm temperament lighting and voila a Bali oasis in the middle of a busy city.”
“Let’s not forget how underwhelming the previous faucet + shower-head was. I opted for porcelain details that helped inject character back into the 100+ year old bathroom.”

What were some of the challenges you encountered, big or small?

“Normally changing a shower-head isn’t that big of a deal, you unscrew the old and screw on the new. Well that wasn’t the case for us. The original shower-head connected to a 3/8″ pipe, while the new shower head needed to be screwed into a 1/2″ pipe. Which means the shower head would not fit! Oh the joy of living in a heritage building with original pipes. My plumber searched high and low for a chrome thread reducer that would connect a 3/8” pipe to a 1/2” pipe, but he kept coming back with brass findings. I knew seeing the brass of the adapter would really bug me – if we had to go this route. After searching for a month we tried good ol’ Amazon and found an option that shipped to Canada. It worked perfectly!”

“It wasn’t just the shower we had problems with but we also had some issues installing the kitchen faucet. The wood countertop was way too thick to attach the new faucet. We thought about drilling the holes out more but overtime the water damage could lead to more problems especially since the countertops are wood. We had to put our sourcing caps back on, this time looking for long enough extending adapters. Happy to say it all worked out!”

When renting a home, how do you do upgrades that aren’t permanent?

“When thinking about what you can and can not do to a rental ask yourself the question, “Can I take this with me when I move?” If the answer is “yes”, then you’re probably okay to make the changes.
Here are some of my rental friendly suggestions that don’t break the bank:
Change outdated light fixtures with fun focal pendant lights

Use removable wallpaper, tiles or contact paper
Paint (you should probably ask your landlord this one)
Create a feature wall
Change the cabinet hardware
Add curtains
Update existing faucets + showerheards (an upgrade worth spending some extra $$ on)
Transform the bathroom – get a fun shower curtain + new linens
Add greenery!!”

How did you incorporate your style and personality while also staying true to the home’s character and history?

“I’m an old soul; a lot of my style + personality is centred around my home’s original beauty and also the location.
I seek a lot of my inspiration from the west coast lush landscape, and love bringing the outdoors in. Plants + wood are main elements throughout, with added textural elements.
My love for the mountains + coastline are displayed on the walls, through photography, art + found objects collected on adventures.
I’m a vintage collector of both furniture + small decor. The bones of my space are all original just given a new life through colour + surface treatments. Everything just works because it’s authentically me.”

Do you DIY the majority of your designs?

“I DIY everything! I am very hands on in my designs for myself or clients. A lot of things in my mind just aren’t readily available. I love trying to figure out how to manipulate pieces to create something unimaginable.”

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

“I say this over and over again; make your space, your home even if you are in a rental. Our home’s play such a significant role in our everyday lives and our well being – our space should be one we love to be in and that inspires us! Take it from me – small changes make a difference!”

For an inside look at Brittany’s Remodel, view here!

Interview: Brittany Shmyr, @brittanyshmyr