Leslie Todd and Elle Hunter are the Co Owners behind Refresh Home Staging, working from Vancouver. Leslie and Elle are both home stagers, utilising their combined experience working in the fashion industry and within visual arts and merchandising. When working on new projects they treat them as custom showpieces to impress home owners, realtors and potential buyers. They also have individual training from the North American designer Matthew Finlason. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Leslie Todd and Elle Hunter.
Image Credit: 1) Jory Brigham Design 2) Timber Tile Inc. 3) Bend Goods 4) Interior Design Show West 2015 5) Propellor
Additional Photos) Paul Grdina, SeeVirtual Marketing & Photography, Dylan Surridge, SeeVirtual Marketing & Photography, Jordan Houston
Sources) IDS West 2015, Matthew Finlason, SeeVirtual Marketing & Photography
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Our creative style is primarily contemporary; however, we do like to bring in a warm and welcoming aesthetic to balance the look. We also love adding whimsical pieces, to make each space even more memorable.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
We like to determine the lifestyle and demographic of the potential buyer first. Then we take cues from the architectural features and focal points of each space. This way, we can customize the property to appeal to that particular potential buyer.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
We jumped at the chance to take an advanced staging course taught by designer Matthew Finalson. He has an infectious enthusiasm for his love of design and non-stop energy. His quick wit always leaves you smiling, too.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
We are fortunate to be living in Vancouver – on Canada’s rugged West Coast. We need only step outside our front door for ‘natural’ inspiration. Keeping a pulse on international design trends and the local creative talent in our city has also been very influential.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Perseverance is key. Be open to ‘shifting gears’ when unexpected challenges arise and, above all…keep your sense of humour!
