Candice Olson Talks Interior Design

Insights and inspiration from one of today’s most stylish and sophisticated interior designers.

by Trisha McBride Ferguson

When it comes to interior decorating, Candice Olson is a household name. She is host of one of TV’s most popular shows, “Divine Design,” in the U.S. and Canada, and author of a weekly syndicated newspaper column and a book, Candice Olson on Design. Her unique style can be found in signature branded products including upholstered furniture (Norwalk), lighting (AF Lighting), area rugs (Surya Rugs), wallcoverings (York), wood furniture (Revco Int.), bedding & bath ensembles (Revman Int.), wall decor (Paragon), fabrics (Kravet) and accessories (MYX Int.)

She took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to share her inspiration and thoughts on color, style and fabric:

Design inspiration

“I’m a realist at heart. People don’t live in magazine-photo homes, they live in houses with kids and pets—so sacrificing function for style is simply unrealistic,” she says. “I always start with function first and then choose the form, and when it comes to the family room, the upholstery is intended to incubate and nurture.”

What people want

“What’s the most common request that I hear from clients? ‘I want a room that’s contemporary but still feels casual and comfortable. I want a home that is carefree and modern at the same time. I need my home to both function well for my family and offer a beautiful but more importantly, nurturing landing spot for me at the end of a long day.’” 

The importance of fabric

“Textiles are the soul of a room,” Olson says. “I like to use textures and patterns that are visually captivating and texturally engaging. My branded fabrics are an extension of my color preferences which are clearly inspired by my Canadian roots: the cool, fresh feeling of watery blues and greys set off by the warm comfort of wood tones.”

Style inspiration

“I love bringing in unexpected elements to a design—it gives a space a sense of play and light-heartedness. I’ll interpret a traditional paisley or damask motif by super-sizing it or using super-lustrous yarns—this gives it a cheeky element that one wouldn’t expect to see in a traditional design,” says Olson. “Warm textures and natural materials are the tools I use to soften the severe lines of minimalism in a contemporary space that can often feel austere.”

Signature look

“My signature fusion of traditional form, scale and proportions are balanced by the simplistic beauty and crispness of modern design,” explains Olson. “The marriage of contrasts—the old and new, sleek and lustrous—brings excitement and individuality to each piece and in turn, your home, because the look is current yet timeless, fresh yet familiar.”