Victoria McKenney

PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER ENVIABLE DESIGN

Based in Canada, Enviable Designs is the natural evolution of Victoria’s interior design training in Vancouver BC combined with her love of art; she also completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from the University of British Columbia. Extensive travels throughout Western Europe continue to inspire and direct her love for and predominant use of classic lines and materials in her designed environments. Having worked in the industry for 15 years, Victoria is known for incorporating form and function to create warm and inviting residential interiors that her clients can easily recognize themselves in.

What led you to this career path? I have always had a love of design. My degree from university is a Bachelor of Art History. It seemed a natural progression to take my studies and love of art into the home design field.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date. Being recognized by the industry and peers is the most rewarding. We have won several awards by local design communities including Best Bathroom & Kitchen Designer of the Year.

How did achieving this make you feel? It is very humbling to be recognized and creates a sense of motivation to continue creating beautiful designs.

What inspires and motivates you? Travel and seeing new places was always my inspiration. Living in Canada, we have limited cultural history so visiting Europe is always refreshing to see the craftsmanship, history and architecture. Making our clients happy is what motivates me. By producing beautiful designs and homes that reflect our clients and seeing them in the space successfully is very rewarding.

What are you currently working on? We are focusing on several luxury furnishing projects in the Vancouver area and high end custom homes that we design from the beginning to the end.

Tell us a little about this project? This client had been dreaming of their custom home for years. Finally with the construction complete, we were able to help make their dream a reality with beautiful furnishings. The clients wanted a classic and timeless design with some European Flare. We took our inspiration from the architecture which was a beautiful mixture of traditional elements like the wall panelling and more contemporary materials like the white oak floors. Black windows and white walls were the perfect backdrop to our concept. Although the home is impeccably designed, the homeowners enjoy the comfort and usability of the entire house. A design is never successful if the clients cannot relax and truly “be” in the space.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. Our aim will be to continue working on luxury residential projects and focussing more on our client’s direct needs. Because

travelling is limited, we hope to be inspired by our current surroundings and connect with new clients and craftsman.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to? The gulf islands just off of the West Coast. It is a very serene and natural place to regroup and reflect.

Where and how do you find support? My family is my main support - we are very close and their love is my main support. Spending time with family and friends is absolutely my comfort.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work? We have focused on local manufacturers instead of overseas which is actually wonderful that we can keep our local trades in business.

Has it changed your outlook? Certainly. I think we are all trying to navigate this new world but what has become clear, is how important a comfortable home now needs to be as people spend more time at home.

How do you feel it has changed the world? I think there will be a great focus on our surroundings and how we treat and behave around other people.

How will it change the global design sector? I believe it will change dramatically, there will be a strong focus on residential interiors and how we use this space. Home offices will become a new important addition.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now? Always keep searching for inspiration. It is very easy to continue down the path of the “ordinary”. Don’t be afraid to try new things and always challenge your own status quo.

What are your thoughts on the future of design? I am excited to see how we are able to focus this negativity of the pandemic into something that is beneficial for everyone.