Hometown Favourites Part 1: Sarah Richardson

Quick! Someone get this extremely talented designer/decorator a spot on Oprah. Have you ever just thought, man they are awesome, they should be on Oprah? That's what I think when I see the work of Sarah Richardson.Sarah Richardson, a Toronto based interior designer with a career spanning over 15 years has made such an impressive name for herself in Canada's design world and now also the US and UK. She is my personal favourite Canadian interior designer. She and her shows on HGTV: Room Service, Design Inc., Sarah's House 1&2 as well as Sarah's Cottage are part of the reason I have such a great interest in the subject of (interior) design today. Just take a look through her impressive website: Sarah Richardson Designs and you'll easily be able to see exactly what I'm talking about.Her style is so clean, fresh, and glamorous. Her houses truly feel like homes, the kind of spaces you want to copy exactly and paste in your own home.I think a great part of her appeal is that she is so down to earth. In all of her shows, she shows you how you can achieve the look of a room, or a project with her techniques and tips. After watching any of her shows, whether its for the first time or a repeat, I am always inspired to get up and do something creative/artistic with my time.Back in early 2008 I had the privilege of attending Toronto's Interior Design Show. A major pull for me to go was knowing that she was going to be a guest speaker at the event. Also she and her design team would be designing her own series of rooms that were displayed at the show. She was wonderful as I expected and my brush with Sarah fame came when I went to use the facilities. How do you know you are famous? When random people start harassing you and wanting photos with you in a bathroom. It is important to note that this was not me, I did not ask, I did not go up and start talking to her. I am the one who gave her a sympathetic smile and then went about my business. The point is that I saw her, I saw and experienced her actual rooms from the event; I heard her speak and heck I even saw her wash her hands. She's awesome! Put her on Oprah now please :)

{All photos courtesy of Sarah Richardson Designs}