Every time that I feel uncomfortable or stressed out or overwhelmed, I’m always like, ‘That’s where the magic happens.’ That’s when you know you’re pushing yourself.
TV’S IMPACT ON HER WORK As the founder and principal designer for DebraLillianDesign in Toronto, Salmoni explains that being on television has forced her to change how she designs for her television clients. She says TV work is “fast and furious,” causing her occasionally to complete projects in four months that would normally take eight. “You have a lot of moving pieces happening at once, all under tight budgets and deadlines.” And although she admits being on television is not glamorous, such as finding herself in the middle of cottage country with no working bathroom in the freezing cold with bugs everywhere, she has stayed true to herself and never pretended to be anyone else. DESIGNING WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE For her, design is not just about aesthetics, but also about creating spaces that enhance people’s lives. She’s passionate about making sure every project is functional and sustainable. “Design has to be functional, whether it’s indoors or outdoors,” she says. Her family’s love for travel influences her design style. “Seeing different designs from around the world broadens your capacity and pushes you as a designer,” she explains. Her diverse style means no two projects look the same. “I like to manipulate, and design based on my clients’ needs and the type of home.” From modern contemporary homes to rustic ranch styles, she embraces a variety of design challenges. THE JOY OF OUTDOOR SPACES Designing outdoor spaces is a bit simpler and faster compared to interiors, she explains. There’s the structure, design, and materials, but often one person can handle it all. This simplicity allows her to complete projects quicker. She loves using high-contrast materials in her outdoor spaces, such as combining Deckorators’ Costa decking with Dark Slate picture frame for a sharp, modern look. “The dark railing on the dark board looks really sharp and classic,” she says. She prefers to create zones and seamless transitions between the indoors and outdoors. “I love that you can create these divides in the space, like a living room area, a dining room area, and have it all feel cohesive.” ADVICE FOR DECK BUILDERS When it comes to design, she recommends builders “take the time to plan your design, even if it’s just with a pen and paper.” She suggests integrating lighting, marrying the inside with the outside, and using consistent materials to create a seamless, high-end look. Staying updated on industry trends is crucial too. “Do your research... it makes you a better contractor,” she advises. Pushing boundaries and trying new things can also keep your work fresh and exciting. “Don’t be afraid to experiment with color and patterns. High-contrast designs can make your outdoor space look really sharp and modern.” LOOKING AHEAD Salmoni is excited about her ongoing partnership with Deckorators, and has some big projects lined up for 2025. On the personal side, now that she’s not filming 14-16 hours a day, she is enjoying a more relaxed schedule, spending quality time with her family, working with her private clients, and renovating her home. Funny enough, despite her 17 years in the industry, Salmoni admits she is still surprised when she sees her renovation designs come to life. “Even today, I’m always blown away by the transformations,” she says. “When it’s done, it’s always better than I expected. It’s that magic moment when everything comes together perfectly.” DS Nov/Dec 2024 | Deck Specialist |
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