Interior designer Amanda Evans is the founder and principal of Vancouver based firm, Amanda Evans Interiors Inc. Along with her talented team, she’s known for creating luxurious homes that express her signature style of modern meets transitional design, without forgoing comfort. Amanda’s design aesthetic is influenced by her love of nature and travel and in every home she touches, she strives to create tailored and sophisticated spaces infused with warmth and ease. In 2015, she was the proud recipient of two Ovation Awards including “Best Interior Design Custom Residence” and “Best Custom Home Under $750K” in collaboration with Naikoon Contracting. She enjoys traveling to trade shows discovering new vendors and talents, staying curious, and being on top of ever-evolving technology for the home. Introducing this week’s Designer Friday, Amanda Evans Interiors.
Andrew Joseph: If you could guest star on any TV show -on or off air- what show would you guest star in?
Amanda Evans: Million Dollar Decorators so I could follow along with some of design’s greatest!
Andrew: If you could live in any home in a movie or television series, what would it be?
Amanda: Carrie and Mr. Big’s condo in Sex and the City 2.
Andrew: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a …?
Amanda: I would work in fashion. Design and fashion are so closely related so I think it would fulfill the creative side of me. I would love to own a high-end clothing boutique or be a buyer.
The space above was designed to reflect the gorgeous city-scape outside and the sophistication of the family inside. With fine art, modern touches and contemporary finishes, it’s no wonder Evans made a name for herself in design.
Andrew: What’s your design pet peeve?
Amanda: Not seeing homes or rooms completed because of budgets being stretched too thin. We always recommend to clients to phase their project if the budget is an area of concern. The last thing you want to do is cut corners.
Andrew: Do you get your eight hours a night? – what is your schedule like?
Amanda: I sleep about 6-7 hours a night. I go to bed around 11:00 and wake up at 6:00 to get ready for the day. I’m trying to get more sleep in lately!
Andrew: How would you describe your personal style?
Amanda: This answer is like Instagram vs. Reality- my ideal personal style is Parisian chic with a slight masculine edge. I love a tailored shirt, fitted blazer paired with distressed denim and Gucci loafers. And always a statement bag. But I am more of a frazzled mom of two, but now that my kids are getting out of the baby stage, I can put more effort into fashion.
Andrew: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
Amanda: My dream project would be starting a home from the ground up down from the architectural plans to the last napkin ring with more of a transitional, layered style with rich colors. Here in Vancouver, we tend to shy away from the more traditional elements.
Golden hardware and sharp edges make up this well-tailored kitchen. It’s traditional yet modern, which is exactly what Evans and her team aim for.
Andrew: What are you most proud of?
Amanda: My children, hands down!
Andrew: What are your beauty secrets?
Amanda: Excellent skincare! I use a local company called Skoah for my face wash and daily moisturizer with SPF plus their Dream Cream. I also use Skin Ceuticals products like their Retinol, CE Ferulic and Reservatol.
Andrew: Style (or design) icon?
Amanda: My favorite Canadian design icons are Nam Dang Mitchell, Elizabeth Metcalfe and Les Ensembliers
Andrew: How would you define your work in three words?
Amanda: Elevated, layered, yet comfortable.
Andrew: What might the design world look like in 10 years?
Amanda: I think we will see a lot more of digital design or e-design. I think there will always be a market for it, but I hope that the traditional full-service business model is here to stay as that is where the majority of the industry thrives.
Another view from the first listed image, this living and eating space lets the skyline take center stage. With minimal hues crowding the space, the interior allows for the incredible scenery to be the main attraction.
Andrew: What are some of the podcasts you listen to and why?
Amanda: A Well Designed Business with LuAnn Nigara is my favorite. She interviews some of the best in our industry and has so much insight on the business of design. I was a guest on episode 263, check it out! I also love listening to Trade Tales by the Business of Home and the Design You podcast by Tobi Fairley. Tobi tells it like it is with great advice for the design industry and a lot about the framework of our thinking as design business owners.
Andrew: What were the last 3 things you panic-bought on Amazon?
Amanda: Felts, paper and crafts to keep the kids occupied!
Andrew: What do you find yourself daydreaming about most these days?
Amanda: I think like everybody- traveling to far away places
Andrew: What about your design style has shifted this quarantine?
Amanda: Not much of my style has changed, but the emphasis on making your home your safe haven and a cozy, comfortable spot to be is more apparent than ever with our clients as well as my own home.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for aspire design and home magazine. See more of his work here.
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