Catching up with Debbie Travis

August 12, 2010

By Susan Legge, Editor-in-Chief, homeTRADER

Had a great interview with design guru Debbie Travis –  one of my favourite designers and a true pioneer. I’d met Debbie several years ago in Toronto at the launch of her first collection for Canadian Tire. Today, Canadian Tire was showcasing Debbie’s new holiday collection in style atop the Soho Metropolitan in downtown T.O.
Even if it feels like it’s 100 degrees outside, you know you’ll be seeing signs of Christmas in retail stores any day now. The media is often given a preview of seasonal items months in advance to help them prep.
Don’t hate me for posting this in August! Tuck these tips away day, and do be sure to read about Debbie’s new show below.

Six holiday decorating themes make holiday decorating easy

The Debbie Travis holiday collection showcased six themes inspired by Debbie’s most memorable family moments and the latest decorating holiday trends:
1. A Canadian Christmas  – think woodland animals like moose, plaid prints, berries and all things “Canadian”
2. Winter Forest – a “masculine” theme thanks to a frosty palette and blue tones
3. Once Upon a Time – a Victorian theme, with whimsical fairies, butterflies and pastel-coloured roses
4. Masquerade Ball  – emerald, port and regal purple accessories such as masks and harlequins trimmed with gold, gems and beading
5. Pistachio – Accents of pistachio green play off the deep browns and classic ivories and
golds providing a fresh new look
6. Peppermint – a modern play of red and white featuring stainless martini shakers and margarita glasses (this is Debbie’s personal fave of the themes)

An ornament from Once Upon a Time theme

Each theme offers a coordinated assortment of ornaments, garlands and tree-toppers to suit any style and budget. Prices range from 99 cents to $6.99 per ornament and a boxed assortment of items is also available.

Debbie’s tips:

• When trimming the tree, plan to hang 10 items for every foot of space (that’s approx. 30 cm)
• Create core themes in sets of five’s, three’s and two’s (depending on what “goes” together) when hanging items
• Every square foot of tree space should include lights, accents and a set of core theme items based on the ratio the above
• When entertaining, use ornaments off your tree as take-away gifts for party guests to remember the occasion

Debbie’s new reality TV show

Also new this year from Debbie is her prime-time show, All For One with Debbie Travis premiering this fall on CBC Television.

The reality series celebrates the nation’s “unsung heroes” says Debbie. “Think of it as honouring the hero of the community. It’s like a modern-day barn raising where the entire community pitches in and everyone is given a certain job to do.” The hero’s home receives a massive reno, with materials and design provided by Debbie and the sweat equity of the community being used to get the job done.  The challenge is each renovation must be completed in just five days! There are some very heart-wrenching moments says Debbie – even the Canadian Army makes an appearance in one episode, but she won’t say why. Debbie found the whole experience filming the show life altering –  and so did the production crew. The show is essentially an inspiring look at the individuals who go above and beyond and make our country an exceptional place to live. The heros were found in locations such as Oakville, ON, North Preston, NS and Montreal, QC. Watch for it on CBC this fall.

Filed under: EDITORS' NOTES