Dart Studio, located in Toronto, is a full-service interior design firm that creates beautiful, practical and authentic spaces. We have had the pleasure of working with principal designer, Olivia Botrie, and her work is always stunning. Here we sit down with Olivia to give you a look into her life as an interior designer. 

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PRC: Tell us about yourself and what you do.

‍OB: Hi! My name is Olivia Botrie and I am the principal designer of Dart Studio. Dart Studio is a full service interior design firm that creates beautiful, practical and authentic spaces. We design, budget and manage projects from conception through to completion; from house through to home.

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‍PRC:  How did you get into interior design?

OB: Growing up, my parents had a passion for renovating old homes so we moved quite a few times, buying the most downtrodden house on the block and bringing it back to life! After university, I attended design school while working behind the scenes on HGTV renovation shows. HGTV was a great training ground because I was in my twenties managing large renovations with basically no experience! It was definitely a sink or swim experience. I got hooked on seeing huge transformations and helping clients improve their homes.

PRC:  What is your favourite room to design and why? Is this also your favourite room in your own home?

OB: My favourite room to design is the kitchen because there are so many moving parts, it’s like a puzzle. Functionality is key and I love the challenge of figuring out how to maximize the space and also make it pretty!
My favourite room in our house is our 2nd floor family room. It has great light and is super cozy!

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PRC: What are some upcoming trends in interior design that you are especially excited for?

OB: I love how we are moving away from grey everything! We are seeing warmer colours like terracotta and caramel used in contemporary spaces. Lately warmer colours have typically  been used in more traditional spaces but they are being used in modern ways which is really refreshing.

PRC: What is your number one tip to instantly freshen up your home?

OB: Paint! It’s so easy to change the feel of your home by painting.
If you don’t have the time for painting, change up your accessories (accent pillows, throw, tchotchkes) and bring in a new palette through your accessories.

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PRC:  What is your favourite neighbourhood in Toronto and why?

OB: Roncesvalles! It’s close to high park, the beach and has so many great shops and local amenities. Plus I live there!

Lightning round!

• PRC: Vanilla or Chocolate?
  OB: Chocolate forever and always.
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• PRC: Winter or Summer?
  OB: Neither! Fall is the best season for wardrobe. Cold enough to layer,warm enough to forgo a hat. ‍
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• PRC: Heels or flats?
  OB: Flats, I’m always running around chasing children or hauling furniture (my job is much less glamorous than it seems) so my practical side prohibits heels. ‍
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• PRC: Carpet or Hardwood?
  OB:  Hardwood with area rugs
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• ‍PRC: Paint or Wallpaper?
  OB: Wallpaper all the way!
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- For more information on Olivia and her team at Dart Studio, visit their website https://dartstudio.ca/ or on instagram @Dartstudioinc

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