No matter where you are, if it’s a home makeover you’re looking for, Toronto’s Cynthia Ferguson will make it happen. With projects and installations scattered around the globe, Ferguson leads her firm, Cynthia Ferguson Designs, with a ferocity and dedication rarely found in principals of her stature. She works closely with every client and their families, ensuring that their needs are met through one-on-one conversations with textiles brands, furniture makers, and builders. Proof of Ferguson’s aim to please is clear; many of her existing clients are recommendations from previous commissions. Cynthia is more than a designer; she is a consultant and a dream-fulfiller, helping clients to laugh and relax along the way, even during easily-stressful large scale projects. This week, take a trip to Canada with Cynthia Ferguson, and find out why she’ll take her ice cream plain, and what Chapstick she recommends.
Who said storage has to look clumsy? Ferguson’s knack for utility brought about this family room’s deeply-shelved walls, which display family photos and keepsakes while housing stacks of books.
Andrew Joseph – What is your wake up ritual?
Cynthia Ferguson – I hate to admit this, but the first thing I do when I wake up is reach for my phone and I check Instagram and my emails to see if any of my trades need me as they start their morning. I can solve lots of problems between 6am-8am if I know what we need to deal with! I then hop in the shower and join my husband for breakfast which starts with my love affair with my Nespresso machine. I have been working on ensuring I eat breakfast every day because I often struggle to fit in lunch. I love starting my day with my husband. We often don’t have dinner together so starting our day together is really important to me!
Andrew – Which modern-day design trend makes you cringe?
Cynthia – I am going to get such heat for this, but I really can’t stand leopard prints. The rugs, the fabrics….all of it…let’s move on! I do however love a great zebra print!
Andrew – What does no one know about you?
Cynthia – I swear I cannot draw a straight line. I know, I know….I am an interior designer and draw every day, but I cannot draw a straight line! Thank goodness for rulers!! Shhhhh, don’t tell my clients! I can see all the rulers I will receive for Christmas now.
Andrew – What is your dream project?
Cynthia – That is an easy one! A boutique hotel. Hands down, my dream project, is a boutique hotel, preferably with a beach location!
What better place to start off a magnificent day than breakfast at a magenta kitchen table?
Using a couch and chairs as a pop of azure, this sitting room from Ferguson is tastefully tied together with geometric patterned curtains.
Andrew – Vintage or new?
Cynthia – Vintage. Every time. Give me the thrill of the hunt and a great find with a story and I am over the moon! It also legitimizes my obsession with collecting and multiple visits to antique markets everywhere I travel!
Andrew – What are three things you can’t live without?
Cynthia – My iPhone, my Moleskin notebook for sketches, ideas and site notes – always in a great color of course. And lastly, my Blistex Bliss Flip lip balm. I am a total chapstick addict! I have them in every coat, my car, on my desk, my night table. I might possibly have a problem!
Andrew – How would you define your design in three words?
Cynthia – Colourful, layered, and detailed.
Andrew – What is one dessert you can’t stand?
Cynthia – Most things with pastry but especially profiteroles! Pastry, ice cream and chocolate sauce; I know it all sounds fab but I am not a sauce fan or pastry fan. Also, how in the world do you eat a dessert that requires a spoon and a fork but no knife without having your dessert roll off your plate?! All too much work for me! I’ll take the ice cream – hold the rest!
Roses are red, this room is violet, if you’ve got a room, Ferguson will design it.
About Cynthia Ferguson | With clients around the globe, Toronto designer Cynthia Ferguson is widely recognized for producing colorful yet classic aesthetics for her sophisticated clientele. Cynthia’s signature hallmarks of color, pattern, scale, and balance have given rise to her popularity among peers and publications. Passionate about her craft, Cynthia is always on the lookout for fresh ideas and inspiration drawn from everyday life. She is constantly taking photos or making notes in her sketchbook which are then translated into her one-of-a-kind installations.
Named a High Point Market Style Spotter for 2019, Cynthia will be scouting upcoming trade shows for the latest and greatest products in the home furnishings world!
About Andrew Joseph | Andrew Joseph’s passion for design and rich journalistic history led to the launch of his boutique PR firm in 2012. Prior to enjoying the successes of Andrew Joseph PR, Andrew honed his editorial skills at Vanity Fair and Allure. This experience, as well as the strong network of contacts developed over the years in public relations, brings a valuable edge to his new role as contributing editor. Let the musing begin.
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