Hot Take
March 9, 2022
Hot Take: Ashley Botten Shares Her Design Preferences And Predictions
Ashley Botten founded her multidisciplinary design firm in Toronto in 2004, and she recently launched an online shop with her original furniture and home accessories. “I’m drawn to beautiful things with finishes that will tell a story over time,” says Ashley. In our March 2022 issue, we chatted with Ashley about what she’s currently coveting, what she’s over, and what’s inspiring her right now.
Scroll down for our Q&A with Ashley!
Recent Inspiration: The 35th floor of the TD South Tower in Toronto. It didn’t occur to me in the elevator on the way up, but being so high up at night, surrounded by almost complete darkness, I felt charged.
Key Influence On Design: Communities of makers. During Covid, when I’ve been sitting more than travelling, I’ve become more aware of the creative influences found in relationships.
Layers of natural materials create a sense of calm in this Muskoka room by Ashley.
Into: Cohesive yet lived-in rooms that honestly reflect how their inhabitants live.
Over: Fast design. I’m just so over that whole look. Authenticity is my thing.
A dining room designed by Ashley features a largescale photograph by artist Dean West.
Decorating Idea You’re Excited To Try: I’d like to create a wall from something other than drywall. Not a folding screen, but some kind of room partition. I’d like to explore the materials that could be incorporated and build a room out from there.
Item In Your Home That Most Reflects You: My Apple boxes. I like the practicality and simplicity of them. They can be moved around easily to become something different — I like being able to see things in a different light.
How Often You Change Up Your Own Home: I’m always rearranging, moving things around and bringing in custom pieces to see how they really work. I need to see it set up.
Ashley collaborated with L.A. artist Nancy Pearce on a series of cast-bronze objects.
A Room You Would Love To Design: A new hotel lobby. I would approach it with a residential vibe and make it all about gathering.
House & Home March 2022