Hot Take
April 14, 2022
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. From her new favorite stone color to the item in her home that most reflects her personality, keep scrolling for our chat with the talented designer.
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.
Essential Design Book: Commune: Designed in California. The way they style their projects and use collections always feels very warm.
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.”