“Clothes totally matter. They make a difference on how we are received by each other.”
Alison Law speaks with an authority to which she is fully entitled. One of the most visually talented creative minds in Calgary, she is also one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Her interior design business, Studio A Interiors, needs no promotion. A word of mouth, friend of a friend referral network keeps her busy. Clients who work with her receive far more than a beautiful environment within which to live.
Alison becomes animated as she describes a recent project, a home office for a health care worker who was one of many at the front line throughout the pandemic. The constant pressure and stress of critical contact tracing in the race against time was taking its toll on her. As Alison describes her redesign of the space, it is clear that her primary concern was to create an environment that would nurture her client.
Reorienting the desk to give her client a soothing view into nature, comfortable chairs for family members coming in for a quick supportive visit, and an ottoman for man’s best friend – her puppy. The focus is always on the needs of the person. Colours, shapes and textures get folded in as the design process develops. It is not about the expense of the pieces, but rather how the space serves the person. The client’s response to the end result? Absolute joy. “This must be your best work ever! You need it on your website.”
In actual fact, everything that Alison creates is her “best work ever”.
I am lounging comfortably under shady trees in her backyard oasis. The trickle of water from the small fountain disrupts the stillness of the afternoon. I feel utterly relaxed and am reminded of the profound influence our surroundings have on us.
I want to learn more from her about creating spaces that nurture us, as the space we inhabit plays a significant, and often overlooked, role in our personal wellbeing. Much the same way that exercise and nutrition are important, living beautifully further supports our happiness and ongoing success in life. Having a well-appointed home environment lies within the reach of all of us.
So where does one start? The advice immediately becomes practical.
“The most important aspect to address first is room layout. Figure out what you need and understand the function of the space – it’s not about money and adding things. Get rid of the clutter, but keep the personal pieces you love. When decorating always ‘shop’ your own home first. You will find things you have stored which can be repurposed and enjoyed, rather than heading to the store and purchasing meaningless accessories. Mix old with new – it will make the space feel so much more personal.” Alison continues to say that as a designer it is important to understand how clients live and work and that it is not about her own personal taste. “Design is an intimate process. It is not a surface process.” She talks about colour and understanding the nuances and psychological impact it has.
She delights in pushing the envelope herself and has the perfect opportunity with her rental properties. “It has been satisfying to take old houses and, with cost-effective renovations, turn them into beautiful homes. There has been a tremendous diversity of tenants, and many have been affected very positively by living in these homes. They often stay for many years.”
“My sense of success and fulfillment comes from the clients who trust me with their homes and their everyday living. It also comes from the ability to be a creative person, and knowing that my creativity has helped others.”
Alison Law
Her own home is a magical space – every room invites you to just sit and look around at the gorgeous furniture, art and collectibles. The colours are rich and vibrant, and texture abounds. I try to maintain a veneer of politeness and not just stand and stare at it all. It makes a strong case against the starkness of minimalism as it celebrates her journey through life. It is an exquisite little jewel box demonstrating the realisation of the amazing potential that can be found in every home.
“My sense of success and fulfillment comes from the clients who trust me with their homes and their everyday living. It also comes from the ability to be a creative person, and knowing that my creativity has helped others. “
Alison understands first-hand the impact of women encouraging other women. As a new interior design graduate 32 years ago she was employed by a cabinet company. It was the wife of the owner who insisted that her husband employ a designer in this previously male domain, as the industry was shifting from merely selling cabinetry to builders on to the next level of actually creatively designing kitchens. Alison learned to navigate challenging construction sites and do her work alongside the men, soon earning their respect through her professionalism and desire to learn. “I have worked with men my whole career – they have been invaluable in teaching me the technical foundation, which underpins all good design.”
She is widely travelled and loves the outdoors. We talk about life in general. She becomes thoughtful. “I have so much gratefulness for life, and for simple things. How lucky I feel to be in nature, to be able to go out riding my bike, healthy, and to have time to myself. I so appreciate the life we live here in Calgary, in Canada. And to have a home, a beautiful home…..”
The things that matter. Yes, clothes totally matter, and our homes and way of life matter more than most of us realise too!
Written by: Mickey Foulds