Hot Take: Ali McQuaid Mitchell Shares What’s Catching Her Eye
Known for her layered, fashion-forward interiors, Ali McQuaid Mitchell of Futurestudio shares what’s caught her eye recently.
Ali founded Futurestudio in Toronto in 2019. She’s just finished designing Othership, a guided sauna and ice bath retreat that opened in Toronto in February.
Ali’s Design Motto: Be a good listener.
Enoteca Sociale designed by Futurestudio.
Design Idea You’re Excited To Try: I’m obsessed with the idea of creating a kitchen with a mix of wood species, like walnut, Douglas fir, oak and ash. A patchwork kitchen concept.
Key Influence On Design Trends: Reusing materials in a new way. When I walk into a project, the first thing I consider is what we can keep. I try to celebrate materials that are already on-site.
Into: Colorful stone. We’re working on a redesign of Bellwoods Brewery and making the bar out of Avogado quartzite.
Over: Carrara marble.
Avogado quartzite in Leathered finish. Pricing upon request.
Essential Design Book: Commune: Designed in California. The way they style their projects and use collections always feels very warm.
Commune: Designed in California, $75 Abrams Books
Item In Your Home That Most Reflects Who You Are: A few years ago, I bought a set of eight dining chairs on Kijiji. I later learned they had been designed by the late architect Janis Kravis for the Three Small Rooms restaurant in the Windsor Arms Hotel. They have a really good spirit, and I love that they were designed for a restaurant, which connects back to my own work.
Ali designed this high-contrast kitchen for the Geary Lofts building. “Our projects come to life quickly — which is exciting.”