Design Experts

20 questions with Wendy Reimer

20 questions with Wendy Reimer

20 questions with Wendy Reimer Author: Style At Home

Design Experts

20 questions with Wendy Reimer

Over the past 20 years, designer Wendy Reimer has owned and operated Reimer Design Incorporated, a boutique design firm located in her country residence in the Toronto area. Combining both classical and contemporary design styles, Wendy creates distinctive residences for city, country and vacation properties and shares with us some of her design expertise, helpful renovation tips and favourite ways to decorate.
inside-design-wendy-reimer-1.jpg
Photography by Donna Griffith

1 If you could shadow any designer for a day, who would it be? 

WR Tastemaker Carolyne Roehm, in hopes of enjoying a tour of her historic Connecticut home “Weatherstone.” She is a gifted interior designer who is also an author, photographer and master gardener.

2 Where do you look for an obscure source of inspiration?  
WR
I tend to find inspiration in obscure places when I travel. Whether it be in the colour or texture of an old stone wall or inspiring architecture, gardens and nature always leave me with a renewed sense of inspiration.

3 Favourite restaurant?  
WR
I have many favourites, however, I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Oceanaire. A wonderful seafood restaurant located in the old United States Trust Company building in the financial district in Boston. High ceilings, beautiful blue lighting, a great juxtaposition of modern design set in preserved original architecture. The food was delicious, we had superior service and I ate with the best of company (my husband).

4 What is your favorite room to decorate?  
WR
I love designing dining rooms because they are a space where so much life happens. Friends and family come together to enjoy great conversation and great food. Clients tend to be more open to stepping outside the box and being a little more adventurous in the design of their dining rooms. There are so many directions a designer can take with a dining space; it is ultimately all about the lifestyle of the client so it reflects them.

Lead image by Donna Griffith. inside-design-wendy-reimer-2.jpg
Photography by Donna Griffith

5 What’s your current paint colour obsession?  
WR
I do not have an obsession with any one colour, however, there are certain colours that do currently inspire me depending on the season. I adore fresh tangerine, plums and several shades of simple white. Colour can be used to create a dramatic punch or used in smaller doses as an accent. The colours I choose for my clients are always driven by what they love. If they do not know what direction to take, we have a lot of fun exploring colours and drawing out of them what makes them feel good.

6 If one song could be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?  
WR
Amazing grace.

7 What’s the one store you could spend hours browsing?
WR
I adore anything Ralph Lauren and can just get lost in the quality of his couture collections, the beautiful detailed stitching, and the choices he makes to embellish a garment – so understated and so special. On the flip side, I also have a blast shopping at Winners. Their runway section is fantastic!

8 London, Paris or New York? 
WR
Paris. The history, architecture, art, and French way of life, I adore Paris. inside-design-wendy-reimer-3.jpg
Photography by Donna Griffith

9 If money were no object, what one thing would you buy? 
WR
A private jet for my husband who loves aviation.

10 What do you consider to be the most iconic design piece of the past century? 
WR
Perhaps the Aga stove. It’s so old world yet so technologically smart; it’s timeless.

11 Favorite Movie?
WR
Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

12 What’s your favorite movie interior?
WR
Something's Gotta Give, with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. His brownstone was very cool and I loved her Hampton’s home. inside-design-wendy-reimer-4.jpg
Photography by Donna Griffith

13 What do you think is the easiest way to update a room?  
WR
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders along with some new home decor accessories or art. Prior to painting, I suggest de-cluttering.

14 Best coffee table book
WR
Photographer Tim Flach’s Equus. It is a beautiful book that took seven years to complete where he captures the human imagination in his documentation of the horse. Another great book is New Traditional Architecture: Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, showcasing their work in city and country residences. Just lovely.

15 What’s your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday? 
WR
Taking the time to sit down with a good book on my terrace. Spend time with my family, enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by my husband and riding my horse.

16 Do you like to be the entertainer or be entertained?  
WR
I am often the entertainer and enjoy it, however, it is a treat to be entertained by others and be able to sit back and relax. inside-design-wendy-reimer-5.jpg
Photography by Michael Mahovlich

17 What do you think is the best home renovation you can do to your home?
WR
If we are talking about an investment, then I would say the kitchen. For me and for most people, it truly is the heart of the home. Kitchen renovations done well always prove to be a good investment.

18 What is your favorite space that you’ve designed? 
WR
While I do not have a favourite, Edgemere Estate in Oakville was fun because the setting was so lovely and I was able to utilize more contemporary pieces in a space that was architecturally more traditional.

19 What’s the biggest design faux pas? 
WR
Not hiring a professional designer. So often, I am redoing mistakes clients have made while attempting to execute complicated design on their own. Training and an innate sense of correct scale and proportion is critical to achieve the desired outcome.

20 Marilyn, Audrey or Jackie?
WR
Most definitely Audrey. I am drawn to Audrey because not only was she a film and fashion icon but, more importantly, she was a real woman of character and a great humanitarian.

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Design Experts

20 questions with Wendy Reimer