From the East Coast to Niagara, A Design Story Rooted in Place

Sprague Interiors Inc.
Apr 14
3 min read

Updated: Apr 23

How Place and Experience Shape Our Interior Design Approach

Every designer brings something personal to their work. For me, it begins with where I come from.

I was raised on the East Coast, in Newfoundland, and later spent time living in Cape Breton before eventually making my way to the Niagara Region. While the landscapes have changed, the feeling of those places has stayed with me and it continues to shape how I see, feel, and design a home.

Smiling woman in an olive green hooded vest and blue hoodie standing against a vibrant green wood exterior with red-trimmed window; candid outdoor portrait with bold colour contrast and casual styling.

A Deep Connection to Nature

Life on the East Coast is inseparable from nature.

The ocean is never far, the air feels different. The landscape is both rugged and calming at the same time. Those early experiences created a deep connection to natural surroundings, one that continues to influence my work today.

I am instinctively drawn to colours that reflect the world outside. The soft blues of the ocean. The layered greens and browns of the forest. The shifting tones of the sky. These are the palettes that feel most natural to me, and in turn, they create homes that feel grounded, calm, and easy to live in.

Spaces That Feel Warm and Lived In

There is a quiet simplicity to East Coast living. Homes are not about perfection, they are about comfort, about gathering, about creating spaces that feel welcoming at any moment.

That perspective has shaped how I approach design. While I appreciate clean lines and thoughtful structure, my work is never meant to feel cold or overly minimal. Instead, it leans toward warmth, softness, and a sense of ease.

Layered textures, natural materials, spaces that invite you to settle in and stay awhile. It is an aesthetic that feels personal, not just polished.

The Influence of Slower Living

There is also a pace to life on the East Coast that stays with you. Things move a little slower, there is time to notice details, time to appreciate your surroundings. That mindset carries into how I design.

It is not about rushing decisions or following trends. It is about creating something that feels considered, meaningful, and aligned with how you want to live in your home over time.

A Natural Love of People and Connection

If there is one thing the East Coast is known for, it is its people. There is an openness, a warmth, a genuine interest in others. We make conversation easily, we welcome people in, we build connections without effort. That sense of hospitality is something I carry into every client relationship.

Design, at its core, is personal. It requires trust, communication, and a shared understanding of what matters most to you. My goal is always to create an experience that feels approachable and supportive. One where you feel heard, understood, and genuinely cared for throughout the process.

Bringing It All Together in Niagara

Relocating to the Niagara Region brought a new landscape, but one that still feels deeply connected to nature. The vineyards, the lake, the changing seasons. It is a place that allows those early influences to continue evolving.

Today, my work reflects a blend of where I have been and where I am now. Homes that feel warm and inviting. Spaces that are layered, natural, and personal. Design that balances beauty with comfort and connection.

A Personal Approach to Every Home

Interior design is not just about creating something that looks beautiful. It is about creating a space that feels right for you.

For me, that process is always rooted in connection. To nature, to people, and to the feeling of home itself. Because the most meaningful spaces are the ones that feel lived in, welcoming, and truly yours.