Style + Design with Majida
We sat down with our Design Lead Majida Devani to talk about architecture, interiors, and styling. She selects all of our interior specs for each residential project and knows what’s up when it comes to design trends, timeless spaces, and making a space into a home. Read the full interview below!
SC31 in South Calgary, one of RNDSQR’s first residential projects.
How would you describe your interior design style? Is this reflected in every RNDSQR build?
I would say I dabble in a bit of modern, minimal, and worldly design. You could call it “transitional”. I love clean lines, monochromatic backgrounds, warm tones, and lots of textures. Every building we design, whether it be exterior, interior, or spatial planning, I visualize as if I was living there and imagine what I would want.
When did you become interested in Interior Design and Architecture?
My whole family is into the Arts. My father is an Architect, my mother is an Artist and my brother went to school for Architecture as well. I have always been exposed to it even if I didn’t know it. I would say the first time I realized this was what I wanted to do was in Junior High School in grade 8. I wanted to be a Designer. I loved colours, materials, fashion, drawings, and shopping. I thought Fashion and Interior Design were probably the coolest jobs out there. I wrote a small paper on Interior Design. When my dad read it, he told me the best thing about being an Architect was you could design anything. He said it gave him the foundation for all sorts of design. Since that day I wanted to become an Architect. When I realized what it entailed to become an Architect, I wanted to become a Dentist! Hahaha and then I stuck to the 8-year program, sleepless nights at school, endless exams and the countless days of interning. Fast forward 15 years and here I am today with RNDSQR.
“Clean lines, monochromatic backgrounds, warm tones and lots of textures”
What do you enjoy most about the parallel roles of Architecture and Interior Design?
I love the aspect of design and being able to do both. Working with other designers as well, you see how everyone works differently. Some pay more attention to the exteriors, and some to the interiors. You see problems happen when you don’t pay attention to both, like oddly placed windows, random walls, or bedrooms placed in strange areas. The best design occurs when you intertwine both practices. It’s amazing the spaces you can develop when you pay close attention to the exterior views, in using similar materials in both applications, or creating a language that you can read both from the inside and outside. When Architecture and Interior Design overlap completely, that is when you end up with the best design.
An experimental project in Bridgeland.
What are your favourite design blogs to follow for inspiration?
I don’t get much time anymore to look at blogs because of my children but when I do, I flip through Contemporist, Dezeen, ArchDaily, Architizer, and Designboom to name a few. There are always amazing people and interesting things out there. I get most of my inspiration through traveling. Being able to see how others have used materials or have designed with a different perspective on life is always inspiring.
Is there a material you absolutely love working with?
For hardwood, I love natural oak. I have been using it in our projects from the beginning. It’s warm, clean, and simple. For tile, I always stick to one of our signature tiles from Mutina. We have been using them since day one as well. They have so many different tiles that are earthy, warm, and fun.
“I get most of my inspiration through traveling”
What’s your favourite home store to shop at?
To be honest, it’s Home Sense. I mean I love a good design store but whenever I get a couple of hours to myself (which is rare), I grab a chai and walk through Home Sense. There are always fun things in there that are affordable. It’s a great store to visit especially if you are on a budget.
What do you think the most timeless colour and/or material combination is?
Monochromatic colouring and earthy tones. I feel like they will never go away.
Is there a current trend you’ve been lusting after?
Not really, I feel trends come and go and always cycle through. I do like to see the way people are thinking about materials and colour, and how they use them these days.
Selected interior palette for PEAKS + PLAINS.
Any secret tips for those trying to furnish their home on a budget?
Yes! Make a list of things you need and want (or would like) and then buy stuff in stages. Don’t go all crazy worrying that you must furnish your whole home at once. Start with your main big pieces and work your way down and it doesn’t have to be in order as well. Not everything has to be big-budget items. There are always clearance items at the end of seasons that you can get great deals on. There are some websites that have very cool furniture for great prices as well like, The Modern Shop. Discount stores like Home Sense have really interesting things you can find for decorating a coffee table or refreshing your linens. Thrift shopping is huge right now as well. Reduce, reuse and recycle. People get bored of stuff so fast these days so there are always great knick-knacks out there. Also, look through your house - you may be able to refurbish something or re-purpose an item for another room. Trade things with your neighbours or besties or have an accessory shopping party. A garage sale doesn’t always mean it has to be in a dingy garage with random people.
What is the one piece every home needs?
A plant. It’s colourful, living, and textured.
Thanks Majida! Sign up below for more tips and fun updates right to your inbox.
Newsletter
READ MORE ↓