I lived in Canada for 25 years and love the transitional style – so I asked Canadian interior designers for the 5 key looks that anyone can replicate

I grew up in Toronto, Canada, which, apart from its sports teams and phenomenal food scene, is most often associated with the iconic CN Tower – once the tallest building in the world. While the architecture and interiors across the country vary drastically, I believe the CN Tower is emblematic of a common thread across the country's design – an affinity for modern, contemporary, and bold interior styles.

That's not to say that there aren't more traditional, historic properties in the Great White North; in fact, some of my favorite neighborhoods in Toronto prominently feature preserved Edwardian and Victorian homes (check out the Annex and Kensington Market if you are in town).

However, after moving to London two years ago, I have been reflecting on the differences in our design sensibilities. Whereas English design can be rooted in floral prints and traditional fabrics, Canadian design sees a mix of its landscape (urban and rural) reflected back into its interiors with glass, steel, and wood.

With that in mind, I've enlisted some of my favorite Canadian designers to help me round up the five key emerging design trends that define the aesthetic of my home country.

1. Luxury hotel-inspired spaces

Canada is home to some of the world's finest luxury hotels, from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to the Four Seasons Resort in Whistler. While not all of us have breathtaking mountain views outside our own homes, adopting a luxe hotel approach to our interiors is a fantastic way to elevate any space. In fact, 'The Evolution of Hotel Design' is a feature at this year's Toronto Interior Design Show, cementing its place in the Canadian design landscape.

According to Brad Wilson, partner at Atelier Ace/Ace Hotel, their Toronto boutique hotel took inspiration from modern luxury, natural materials, and vintage accents, culminating in a look that is highly replicable.

'At Ace, we design each hotel with a thoughtful connection to its city's history,' says Brad says. 'For Ace Hotel Toronto, we partnered with the highly-decorated Shim-Sutcliffe Architects to build a space from the ground up that feels distinctly Canadian, using native materials like red brick and Douglas fir.

'The interiors, designed in collaboration by Shim-Sutcliffe and Atelier Ace, incorporate an earthy palette of layered textures and locally sourced vintage and custom furnishings, to give the public spaces a lived-in and soulful feel, where guests can feel at home in their surroundings. The same inviting spirit extends to our rooftop bar, Evangeline, designed to be a comfortable and relaxed retreat, perched high above the city. We used an eclectic mix of vintage rugs and custom furniture pieces in rich green and orange hues to bring a depth to the space that still feels effortlessly welcoming.'

Take things up a notch with luxury linens made of silk or cashmere for a true hotel feel.

2. Anti-overhead lighting

The big light debate extends to Canucks, as confirmed by Ursala Baig, director of interior design at Alberta and British Columbia-based Little Giant Studio.

'Avoid overhead lighting, and prioritize lamps and sconces,' says Ursala, making the stance clear. 'This creates more nuanced environments by layering gentle illumination at different levels allowing spaces to shift their mood from day to evening while maintaining a sense of mood and warmth.'

Vertical wall lighting, as seen in one of Little Giant Studio's projects above, is a great way to incorporate sufficient lighting without it blaring down from overhead. This works especially well in bathrooms and bedrooms.

3. Whimsical wallpapers

No longer a stuffy selection, wallpaper is a fantastic way to add color, pattern, and/or texture to a wall and a great alternative to traditional paint jobs. Vancouver-based designer Melissa Hardwick says it is a core component of her practice – and her clients are going bolder and bolder with their decisions.

'Wallpaper has firmly established itself as a design staple, moving beyond its traditional role in powder rooms and nurseries to become a striking feature in a wide range of spaces, both residential and commercial,' she tells us. 'From whimsical florals to bold animal prints and dreamy murals, wallpaper offers endless possibilities for personal expression.'

She continues, 'Accent walls remain a popular way to make a dramatic statement, while beyond the home, wallpaper is gaining traction in offices, restaurants, and even gyms, showing its versatility and staying power. Thanks to social media and the growing appetite for unique design, wallpaper is more than just a passing trend – it’s here to stay.'

4. Bolder colors

While neutral spaces are undoubtedly popular thanks to their presence in styles like modern rustic and Japandi, Melissa says that bold colors are very much in when it comes to Canadian design.

'Vancouver has traditionally been associated with neutral palettes – think greys, creams, and whites – but in 2025, vibrant hues are entering the scene with confidence,' she says. 'Deep reds, browns, and lush greens are now appearing in kitchen cabinetry, feature walls, and statement furniture, adding energy and personality to spaces. Local artisans and vendors are also playing a key role in this colorful revolution, inspiring designers and homeowners to embrace bold, layered hues.'

Shade selection is important, though, as Melissa tells us that bright colors are not quite as versatile and beloved. 'While the trend of full-on color drenching hasn’t quite hit the mainstream, its subtle impact on brightening our long, grey winters is undeniable,' she states. 'Whether it's a splash of forest green or a cheerful pop of mellow yellow, color is definitely breathing new life into interiors.'

5. Handcrafted woodworking

Finally, with lush greenery being a staple of the Canadian landscape (seriously, approximately half of Canada is covered in forest), it makes sense that carved and handcrafted wood is a fixture in the home.

'In 2025, woodwork detailing is taking center stage, offering a way to add warmth and sophistication to otherwise minimalist spaces,' Melissa tells us. 'While the farmhouse style trend popularized horizontal planks, today’s designs focus on refined architectural features like crown molding, coffered ceilings, wainscotting, paneling, trim, and ceiling medallions.'

'These timeless details bring character to modern homes, which often lack the historical features that give older properties their charm. In a young city like Vancouver, we yearn for those classic, enduring influences from English and European architecture.'

While I now call London home, these versatile Canadian design trends have been slowly making their way into my own home, from my rattan coffee table to a lavender diffuser oil I brought back with me from Niagra-on-the-Lake. Above all, I love how these trends are forward-thinking but have longevity.