Faces of Design: A Celebration of the Industry’s Leading Interior Designers, Architects, and Professional Painters

Welcome to the third annual Faces of Design, a partnership with Luxe Interiors + Design and Benjamin Moore. The 2024 class is comprised of 13 interior designers, architects, and professional painters across North America who have forged strong partnerships, unified by a shared passion for the transformative power of paint.

When it comes to the essentials of interior design and architecture, few elements are as vital and versatile as the final finish. Paint is not just a backdrop; it is the essence of design, bringing depth, character, and emotion to every room. For the industry luminaries who meticulously select colours, finishes, and application techniques, paint is a powerful tool of expression and innovation.

As originally featured in the September/October issue of Luxe Interiors + Design.

Toronto, Canada

Colette van den Thillart + Mariano Toro

Layers of historical reference, touches of wit and personalized allure—these are the characteristics by which the work of designer Colette van den Thillart is known. Much of it comes to life with the addition of paint, and her partnership with contractor Mariano Toro is key. In discussing their creative collaboration, van den Thillart reflects on a recent project she and Toro completed: “For a spectacular house in Toronto with an interior dining room that had only one window, we chose Benjamin Moore’s Chartreuse 2024-10 in matte and painted all the walls and the ceiling in this ethereal colour. The resulting space felt like an art installation; it is vibrant and dynamic during the day, but moody and poetic by nighttime candlelight.” Essential to the outcome was Toro’s application expertise. He shares the depth of it while mentioning another project: “For a client who wanted an almost glass-like finish, I came up with a method for creating a mirror effect that required many coats of paint and sanding between coats.” Along with their love of unique colours and applications, van den Thillart and Toro share a passion for finding the perfect product to suit each client’s goals.

Learn more about Colette van den Thillart and Mariano Toro.

“Adding sheen to a trim indoors does give it more durability in the long run, and personally, I like a trim that stands out from the walls.”

— Mariano Toro

Colette van den Thillart’s favourite colour.

Moonshine 2140-60

Colette van den Thillart, CVDT Interior Design and Mariano Toro, Optimus Touch Painting and Decor

Photography by: Alex Lukey, @alexlukey

Erin Shakoor, Shakoor Interiors and Eduardo Gonzalez Flores, Professional Painter

Photography by: Cynthia Lynn, @CynthiaLynn

Chicago, IL

Erin Shakoor + Eduardo Gonzalez Flores

An interior designer’s passion for colour, texture, and finish demands exceptional craftsmanship. Erin Shakoor—distinguished for her love of dynamic material juxtapositions—relies on the skill of Eduardo Gonzalez Flores to flawlessly execute her creative visions. “Eduardo helps us achieve every exacting step with flying colours (pun intended),” Shakoor enthuses. She emphasizes the positive outcomes of their work together by sharing a recent project: “For a whole-house design, our clients wanted their primary bedroom to feel, function, and look like a luxury hotel suite. Our thought was to evoke intimacy. We decided that the custom-paneled walls, crown molding, and ceiling should be painted in Olympus Green 679. The wood floors had a similarly rich finish, and together, they created a cocooning effect.” Regarding applying one hue throughout a space, Flores shares his technique, saying, “When using the same colour, I like to select a different sheen for each surface. For example, flat ceilings, eggshell walls, and semi-gloss trims all in one shade.” One look at the duo’s joint portfolio reveals the stunning results of this thoughtful approach.

Learn more about Erin Shakoor, and reach Eduardo Gonzalez Flores at 773-552-2595.

“The before and after of a project, and seeing the clients happy with our work, is what I love most about this job.”

— Eduardo Gonzalez Flores

“For years, I only used eggshell in damp areas. But then, Aura^® Bath & Spa came along, and changed my entire world! The ability to get a washable matte in the bathroom is fantastic.”

— Erin Shakoor

Erin Shakoor’s favourite colour.

Waller Green CW-510

Hollywood, CA

Adam Hunter + Asaf Amario

In the art of design, expert trade skills converge to create a cohesive project. Among these, two seemingly juxtaposed yet perfectly complementary approaches stand out: a grand vision for overall aesthetics and an eye for intricate details. The power of this combination is evident in the collaboration of Adam Hunter and Asaf Amario. “Each of us plays a role in ensuring the design and execution are seamless,” Hunter explains. “I manage the overarching concept and material selection, while Asaf and his team focus on the technical application.” Since their introduction through industry connections five years ago, the duo has discovered a profound alignment in style and work ethic, leading to numerous successful projects. One of their favourite projects showcases their combined expertise. “We transformed a dining room by applying a pink hue with a gloss finish, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that uplifts the mood,” Amario shares. “The glossy finish bounces light around, making the room feel bigger—it’s stunning and perfect for lively get-togethers.” Hunter adds, “We always start with the client’s preferred palette and then suggest modifications to suit the lighting and space. This approach brings a custom element, ensuring the final design exudes the homeowner’s personality.” This special partnership showcases the remarkable synergy between design expertise and meticulous precision in application.

Learn more about Adam Hunter and Asaf Amario.

“Always consider the lighting when choosing colours. For high ceilings, use a lighter shade to make the room feel more expansive.”

— Adam Hunter

Adam Hunter and Asaf Amario’s favourite colours, respectively.

Smoke Embers 1466 | Dove Wing OC-18

Adam Hunter, Adam Hunter Inc. and Asaf Amario, Master Custom Painting Inc.

Photography by: Amy Dickerson, @amydickerson_photographs

Noz Nozawa, Noz Design and Philip Storey, Redhill Painting

Photography by: Alanna Hale, @Alannahale

San Francisco, CA

Noz Nozawa + Philip Storey

If there is one overarching theme that becomes apparent when viewing the portfolio of designer Noz Nozawa, it’s colour, colour, colour. For one so obsessed with bold hues, partnering with the right contractor is essential. Fortunately, Nozawa has found that in Philip Storey. “He is proud of the quality his team brings to the project and cares deeply about turning over a painted home that will last,” she says. The duo has been working together ever since a contractor friend introduced them in 2018. As they each talk about why they love their job, the shared passion is obvious. “I get to help people bring to life a manifestation of who they are and what is most important to them,” Nozawa says. “Paint is always a necessary component and one of the most flexible ways to imbue a space with the exact nuance of a spirit or personality.” Storey weighs in: “We live in such a beautiful area with amazing nature, design, and architecture. I love that my job gives me an opportunity to experience that and add to the beauty of our city by the bay.”

Learn more about Noz Nozawa and Philip Storey.

“When Noz asks us to work with her on a project, I get excited. It’s always new, it’s always incredible, and I always finish by thinking I want that in my home!”

— Philip Storey

“Benjamin Moore is consistently my go-to brand because 95% of the time, if I’m dreaming up a colour in my head, they have a shade to exactly match my vision.”

— Noz Nozawa

Noz Nozawa’s favourite colour.

Black Beauty 2128-10

Park City, UT

Scott Jaffa + Joel Marsh

For those dedicated to creating “home,” there is no greater reward than client satisfaction. Architect Scott Jaffa says it best: “When I see the expression of a client who feels like they’ve just stepped into their true home, I know my extraordinary team has put their talent into a space that will be enjoyed for generations.” That team includes Joel Marsh, painting contractor extraordinaire and longtime project partner to Jaffa. “We have been collaborating for seven years, ever since one of our mutual clients introduced us,” Jaffa says. “Our job is to transform dreams into reality, and Joel values bringing that joy to our clients too.” For the contractor, this goal depends on many factors, but thoughtful specification is certainly at the heart. Speaking to that, Marsh says, “In some cases, technical aspects dictate which product we choose. For example, many Benjamin Moore paints have open times that allow us to roll large walls, while still being scrubbable and accepting touch-ups. Other times, the homeowner’s lifestyle is top of mind. Regal^® Select is perfect for families with pets and children because it is durable, wipes easily, and doesn’t mar.”

Learn more about Scott Jaffa and Joel Marsh.

“When we complete a project, it should never look like we were there. Our goal is seamless perfection in producing one-of-a-kind homes.”

— Scott Jaffa

“When views are extra important, consider painting window frames in the same shade as the walls. They’ll fade away and let the view take center stage.”

— Joel Marsh

Joel Marsh's favourite colour.

Oxford White 869

Scott Jaffa, Jaffa Group and Joel Marsh, Marsh Painting

Photography by: Chad Kirkland, @chadkirklandphoto

Krista Nye Nicholas and Tami Ramsay, Cloth & Kind and Cassandra Pace, Bell Painting Inc.

Photography by: Chuk Nowak, @chuknowak

Ann Arbor, MI

Tami Ramsay and Krista Nye Nicholas + Cassandra Pace

The partnership of Tami Ramsay, Krista Nye Nicholas, and Cassandra Pace underscores the impact of chance meetings and mutual admiration. “I heard about Cloth & Kind from one of my clients,” Pace says. “I went to the showroom to introduce myself, and they were hosting a paint demonstration for designers that day.” Considering that Pace was visiting to share her services as a painting contractor for the two design pros, this was undeniably serendipitous. The trio has worked together on various projects in the years since. Ramsay and Nicholas share one of their favourite collaborative endeavors, saying, “We recently completed a large Queen Anne Victorian with Cassandra. Collectively, we decided to paint over an oppressive, deep-red textural wallcovering in the family room rather than remove it. Benjamin Moore’s Stratton Blue HC-142 melted away the Victorian vibes while leaving our clients with an interesting story to share.” Anecdotes like this aren’t uncommon with these three, who share a love of bold paint projects. Ramsay and Nicholas chime in, “Every time our clients trust us to use colour, we’re able to dramatically impact the mood of the space, not to mention create a more custom aesthetic. Whites and soft neutrals have their place, but we consider it a missed opportunity to design an entire home that lacks confident use of colour.”

Learn more about Tami Ramsay and Krista Nye Nicholas, and Cassandra Pace.

“Prep is the most important step. If you skip on proper prep, it will show in the finish.”

— Cassandra Pace

Tami Ramsay and Krista Nye Nicholas’ favourite colour.

Beach Glass 1564

Emilie Munroe, Studio Munroe and Rye Nazarian, Surface Painting and Design, applying pink and green paint on a wall.

Faces of Design 2023

Meet the designers and professional painters featured in our second annual partnership with Luxe Interiors.

Designer Dialogue

Get more colour and design tips from our Design P.O.V. contributors as we continue the conversation!

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