Ocean Bottega

Paula had a great understanding of what I wanted and preferred in a bedroom. It was not a normal bedroom. She took time to listen, was open to feedback and enthusiastic. She could see my priorities were “simple, low tech, functional and aesthetically pleasing”. She was great at brainstorming, she had lots of options that I could play with that I felt matched my personality. I loved it, I felt I didn’t have to think, she did all the thinking. She drew me pictures and showed me a file full of visual images just for me and my situation. I’m a very visual person so this was perfect. I wouldn’t have taken the time but when Paula did and played with the diffrent ideas she helped me see, understand and decide if it was a good fit for me. I loved that her process was simple and I didn’t have to put in a lot of time and effort because I’m so busy right now. She guided the process. It was fun and effortless. The results are working well. I no longer feel stuck and am more open about the process and results. I feel a willingness and creativity to try new things. It’s like a breath of fresh air.

When I started this project, I knew I couldn't do it on my own without wasting a lot of time and money. Paula had done some work for a friend and I was impressed with the result. That was enough recommendation for me. I enjoyed the guidance that helped me make good decisions. Although I first thought I just needed help in choosing paint colours for the walls, Paula's suggestion that the kitchen cabinets be lightened up was the key that created our palette direction. Paula is very good at explaining different design options and letting the client make the final decision. On the other hand, if a client chooses not to be as involved in the process as I was, I know she is comfortable in teasing out a client's personal style, then finding what will bring that vision to life. Paula does not press her taste on you. It's all about the client. My budget was fairly flexible, but if you impose limits at the beginning, Paula can work within those restraints. She keeps clients informed regularly about cost choices. Reframing my art in cheaper IKEA frames brought everything to life against the new paint colours. Paula went the extra mile, ensuring that all details were completed by project end. I'm already thinking about having her come back to help with redecorating my basement.

It was a new idea for me to spend money on interior decorating and I didn’t understand the value of it until it was time to do my own project. I was moving my office to a new space on a very short time line, and felt too big to do on my own. Initially I was worried it would be stressful and demanding, and that I would be expected to do things that felt daunting when I had very little time, but that didn't happen at all. Paula met with me in the beginning to see the potential spaces and take the time to really understand my vision and what I needed. This turned out to be one of my favourite parts of the process. Paula did some drawings for me so it was easy to see on the spot what was possible with the different spaces. Paula was very personable, open to my ideas and easy to get along with. Her process felt fun and exciting. Then when the time came to do the work she just ran with it. The reveal was my favourite, favourite part, as the result was better than I envisioned it would be and it all came together in a way that I couldn’t have done on my own. Paula is great at supporting people and helping them identify their vision. She is energetic and committed to following through on your project to make it happen. When others come into my office now they comment on how nice it is. I’m thrilled that people feel at ease and comfortable. I love being able to show respect and care to my clients daily by giving them a beautiful place to meet with me.

Before I met with Paula I spoke with another decorator. I didn't feel that we were on the same page; that the decorator didn't understand what I needed to function, especially regarding the large sized desk I wanted in such a small space. > When I spoke with Paula she was open to working with the things that were important to me. I was apprehensive about being a little outside my comfort zone with colours and patterns but I never worried the design wouldn't come together. I could not have acheived what we did together on my own! > > My favourite part of the process was that she carried out the plan. I liked how transparent she was about costs as well as helping to create and manage the budget. If there was a chance we were stepping over it, she made sure I had the opportunity to make a decision and didn't just trample on my budget. > I appreciated it when we shopped together so I felt confident with my spending. Paula explored options with me and gently guided me on where to spend and save. She helped me get some really great deals. > > I would highly recommend Paula. Her process was simple and she was easy to work with. She was respectful of timelines, budgets and open to what I liked. Paula was able to make what I wanted and needed work for me. I love my office and I get tons of compliments! >

We have a very little house and a very big yard. My wife and I always wanted to do more with the yard but always stalled in the planning process. Paula sat us down and listened to our individual ideas in full detail; she really encouraged us to think big. She then took all the common elements from both of our dreams, weighed the pros and cons and then mediated a final vision. We now have a full plan down to the last inch and can build everything ourselves on our own time schedule. Thank you Paula for getting us out of the clouds and creating a clear path, your process is both very relaxing and empowering.