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

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Layers of historical reference, touches of wit and personalized allure—these are the characteristics by which the work of designer Colette van den Thillart is known.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 color. 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 colors 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

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 favorite 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 colors. For high ceilings, use a lighter shade to make the room feel more expansive.”

— Adam Hunter

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