At first glance, one could never guess that this feminine glamorous woman wanted to be a professional race car driver. Janette Ewen is a successful interior designer, TV personality, and lifestyle expert. She grew up in Burlington with Polish/British parents, studied history and science, and eventually got into decor and fashion. Having years of interior design experience under her belt, she’s considered a leading decor and lifestyle expert, and regularly appears on various TV programs. In 2016, Ewen was honoured to be named a Celebrity Ambassador for Plan International Canada, a charity that is working toward ending global poverty and improving the lives of children.
(Margarita): What was the most exciting project in interior design that you have worked on and why?
(Janette): Gosh, it may be hard to pick just one! I loved designing my namesake furniture collection for Mobilia. Creating a “Blade Runner” inspired dining room in the DX was also a highlight. If I had to pick just one, I think it would be the rooftop Parker Barrow (my design company with Jef Hancock) created for the Fairmont Royal York. It was a challenge to work on (due to access) but beyond exciting. We turned an industrial space into a magical garden complete with an outdoor chefs kitchen, massive bee sculpture – the Fairmont has a number of hives on the rooftop – multiple seating areas and full garden. I am such a fan of Fairmont and to work on one of their most historical properties in the heart of Toronto was a dream come true.
How did you get into interior design and what do you love the most about it?
Interior design found me, I never really sought it out. I started in magazines working as an editor at Chatelaine, House and Home and the now defunct Chocolat Magazine. I wrote, styled and edited. When Chocolat was launched I was sent to promote the magazine on Television and soon found myself co-hosting a design show with Emmy awarding-winning designer and TV host Ty Pennington. So all along this journey I was designing. In 2012 I formed a formal design company (I had private clients prior to that) and that’s, when we started working on commercial spaces, designing wallpaper, furniture, etc. What do I love most about design? Watching a concept that starts in my head end up in someone’s space. When one of my favourite actresses Elisha Cuthbert purchased my lobster lattice wallpaper for her home, I just about died. When people post photos of their homes and tag my furniture collection, I get emotional. I love seeing photos of proposals taking place with our rooftop garden as a backdrop. Knowing people enjoy things and spaces that are derived from my imagination is priceless.
I know you have two homes: Toronto and LA. What are the most important things for you that you love about these two cities?
I love LA for her sense of adventure. That you can get out and explore and experience the history of Hollywood (I love the classic dining spots like the Golden Bull, Sunset Tower and the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills hotel). I also love the outdoorsy elements, from the beach to hiking, LA has so much to offer. The artistic community there inspires me, so many people are willing to share their discoveries, techniques and knowledge. Finally, I love the community of Swedish-born friends I have made there. Swedish people are just born with refined taste and I love learning from them. Now Toronto, I love her hustle and pace. Toronto moves fast and you have to work to keep up. I love that she challenges me, there are so many talented people in that city that I strive to keep up. I also love that my amazing trainer (Josh Adamson of Lift Corktown) is in Toronto. He also pushes me. I think Toronto is about becoming the best you.
Who inspires you to create things and move forward?
My team inspires me so much, Patrick Delanty and Kellee Merrell believe in me, when sometimes I don’t. Their endless optimism is inspiring. Many talented designers from days gone by serve as tremendous inspiration, Dorthy Draper is probably my greatest design inspiration. I also recently met Marc Rosen, one world’s leading package designers – he is responsible for the design Lagerfeld’s “Fan” fragrance bottle, the ground breaking Perry Ellis 360 bottle, Fendi’s iconic bottle… the list goes on. Just this past January I was seated next to Marc at a dinner party. As a fan I was a tad nervous. Marc is such a loving, fun, fascinating person – and so kind, he put me right at ease. It inspires me, when someone so iconic is devoid of ego.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Owning and designing experiential hotel properties in locals that I love and want people to see more of. For example, San Miguel (Mexico), Detroit (Michigan), Warsaw (Poland)… I want to design – with an amazing team – every aspect from brand and decor to the music that is played in the lobby. I want people to feel something special, when they stay on these properties. I want them to experience emotion through design. I love combining my greatest loves – travel, design, food, wine, adventure and art all into one amazing experience. This is what I want most from life. Well, that and to race rally cars and fly planes. I’ve been going to rally school called DirtFish for about 6 years now. I love going fast, and it definitely gets me out of the day-to-day.
