Our Designers

JULIA WEST

Born in England, Julia West drew early design inspiration from the Arts and Crafts style of the council estate in London where she spent her childhood. Growing up, Julia constantly manipulated shape, colour and texture into endless designs for her room, clothes, classrooms, buses, trains, clocks, stairways and many other things - stretching the tolerance of parents and teachers alike.

She came to Canada as a young adult, attained a law degree and practiced law in Toronto for just over 20 years. Through her years of travel, schooling and work, she never gave up her love of design; imagining shape, colour and texture and creating and experimenting to indulge these interests.

In starting her own company in 1998, Julia's imagination has been freed to span the high points of design history, bringing the best of past traditions into the present. She delights in presenting pieces that resonate with people, evoking cherished childhood memories or drawing together favourite styles. Above all, she is a creative problem solver, helping to answer the needs of clients with furnishings and decorative elements that seamlessly blend the practical with the inspirational.
 

ISABELLA DABROWIECKI

A graduate of OCAD in Material Art and Design: Textiles,  Isabella has worked with Julia West for the past ten years. Isabella loves fabrics and trims, a true fabric junky!  She specializes in colour matching and sourcing with a particular expertise in colour forecasting research. Understanding how things are made and how they function, in conjunction with her knowledge of the fabrics and their design applications means that Isabella has become an invaluable resource here at Julia West Home and is sought after by our clients. "I love the challenge brought in by a new client when they have an idea of a look but no idea how to achieve it", says Isabella. Isabella's creativity combined with her skills means that she has a reputation for designing soft furnishings and furniture that not only suits her clients' lifestyle but also enhances it.

Isabella has worked closely with Julia on several charitable projects as well, including the Gardiner Museum 12 Days of Christmas;Showhouse,  Junior League of Toronto signature fundraiser; and a new line of licensed products for the Gardiner Museum. When she isn't working on projects for clients, Isabella is taking photos of them for use in the advertisements for JWH that she prepares....and collecting shoes.