When I decided that my living room needed a total makeover, I was apprehensive about implementing…read moredrastic change without professional help. I have always known what I like, but I was intimidated by the myriad of decisions facing me, and more importantly, I did not want to make any expensive mistakes. I live in Vancouver so hiring an interior decorator in Victoria seemed problematic, but I knew what a great designer Sue Pipes was and Janice, the owner of Calla Design, assured me that the extra cost would be minimal. The first thing I have to say about my experience with these 2 highly professional ladies is that we quickly established a very easy working relationship. They were immediately accessible through email and phone, and from the outset exhibited terrific enthusiasm, even though my one-room project was a relatively modest one. They suggested 3 different options for my living room and provided paint, fabric and carpet samples for each look. What was amazing is that they helped me recognize how important it was to keep an open mind and push the boundaries of my comfort zone in order to achieve something special and exciting. The result was just that - a look much bolder and more colourful than I would have ever imagined for myself - but because it was put together with professional expertise and flair, I have to say I am thrilled with the outcome! Along the way one unfortunate problem was encountered with a piece of custom-made furniture where an error in dimensions had been made by the supplier. Sue & Janice swiftly alleviated my concern, emphasizing that my satisfaction was paramount. They resolved a difficult situation in a thoroughly professional manner without involving me. Following this hiccup, Sue worked long and hard to help me in the final stages of the project - assisting me with decisions relating to artwork, and accessorizing - for that final polished result. For anyone on a hunt for a first-rate interior designer who has fresh and original ideas relating to style and a remarkable sense of colour, I recommend Sue Pipes of Calla Design without reservation!

From the owner: A unique home furnishings boutique offering full service interior design, home accessories,…read moregiftware and small treasures. We carry a number of exclusive lines including Canadian furniture company Whittington & Co, bath lotions and soaps from elizabethW, Anitca Farmacista diffusers and Match pewter handmade in Northern Italy. Also included, we gallery the original work of five local artists Complete renovations or if you are just looking to freshen things up...reupholstery, window coverings rugs and flooring. Start with a 1 hour consultation...

Sheri is a fabulous colour specialist and did a great job at helping me choose interior/exterior…read morecolours for our Victoria home. Our style is quite modern and I am quite particular about my style. She suggested black baseboards, paired with dark charcoal brown doors along with crisp, white trim. It is a one-of-a-kind look -- we went from bland and boring to WOW!

I would definitely work with Meade Design Group again! It was a pleasure to collaborate with their…read moreprofessional, kind, and patient team, and the results are incredible.

From the owner: As a well-recognized multidisciplinary firm, Meade Design Group specializes in creating aesthetics…read morethat elegantly reflect your needs and personality. And to make the process more enjoyable, who says design can't be fun? Our fresh approach to design is evident in our efficient use of technology and interactivity combined with a friendly, creative team of designers. Although capable in all design styles, Meade Design Group is known for our modern interiors: sleek ktchens, cool living spaces, and modern bathrooms. For graphics, Meade Design Group ensures each client is uniquely branded while maintaining a professional and sophisticated look.

Throughout the process, in both the design and furnishing of my space, Maddie and Michele…read moredemonstrated a profound inability to listen to and meet the project's requirements. The requirements were communicated clearly at the start of the process, and repeated frequently during meetings and updates. The requirements were not complex either, such as "bright and colorful," "no brown," "no leather," "must seat 10 at the dining table," "must have enough shelf space for display items," etc. And yet, several months into the project, after these requirements had been communicated multiple times, perhaps the most obvious demonstration of failure was their suggestion that I purchase a brown leather arm chair. Not only that, but the chair in question was one I had already tested at their recommendation and found to be uncomfortable. Even with all this information, they still wanted me to purchase an uncomfortable chair in a material I didn't want and in a color I hated. As additional examples of their failures: at no point throughout the many iterations of the designs was there ever a viable option with enough open storage to accommodate the display items; after saying multiple times that I did not want a walk-in closet expanded, they continued to insist that it needed to be expanded and left that work in the specs until I scoped down the project in attempt to salvage it; they attempted to claim that dining chair legs which did not match each other somehow all matched the singular sample I approved; they suggested removing a heavily-used pantry and replacing it with less suitable storage that was outside the kitchen. This is a small sampling of the failures, kept brief for this review. I did my best to listen to their ideas and consider options I otherwise wouldn't have. They did not do their best listening to my feedback. If you want a design that is devoid of color and life, one that doesn't meet clear functional requirements, Spaciz may be able to help you. If you want a joyous, usable space that reflects your personal style, you should look elsewhere. Working with Spaciz was wholly a waste of time and money.

When our builder suggested we use a designer for the build of our new home, i was hesitant. I…read morethought I could make do myself. Hah! 10 minutes into my meeting with Carley I realized my decision to let Creative Spaciz help create our dream house was going to be one of the best of my life. I've been so impressed by her work and so grateful to have Creative Spaciz to do the heavy lifting of such an important element of a new house. Carley has an intuition about people and what will work best for them. There's a credibility about her that invokes a feeling of trust. Now I understand why some people say "just make all those decisions for me - I trust you!" Now I get it. Thank you!!!

After looking around for a TV stand that would actually fit in with my other Danish modern…read morefurniture pieces, which is a lot harder then one would think, I came across Monarch Furnishings. I can't say a negative thing about Monarch. The service was great, the staff was very helpful, and didn't come off as snobby unlike a few other furniture stores that I won't mention here. The furniture itself is fantastic. Real, sustainably harvested hardwood construction with great design aesthetics, and all reasonably priced for the quality of furniture you're getting. Sure, they're more expensive then Ikea, but would you rather spend more for a quality piece of furniture that's going to last you a long time, or would rather spend less for a semi-disposable, particle board, piece of sh!t that every frat boy has?

My wife and I bought a whole bedroom suite from Monarch, and I have nothing but good things to say…read moreabout them. The Furniture is all hand made in Malaysia from beautiful mango wood. It is VERY well made, heavy, and of excellent quality. The price is very reasonable and the quality is exceptional, significantly better than other offerings we found in the same price range at other stores. You have to wait for the furniture as it is built to order and comes from abroad, but Tony the owner is very communicative and attentive, and it's a pleasure doing business with Monarch. I would highly recommend Monarch, and will gladly go to them again for any future furniture needs.

Tricia McMullan designed our custom home. It is beautiful and meticulously designed. Tricia is…read moreimaginative and practical at the same time. In building, everything went according to plan. Now, 12 years later, we delight in every aspect of our home and have been complimented over and over on the beauty and liveability of the design. Everything is as perfect as could be. Thank you Tricia!