Woman’s Day Specials Walls, Windows & Floors, Spring 2005
“At Home with Debra Gould”
Written by Bernadette Baczynski
Photos by: Robin Stubbert
Styling by: Debra Gould
6 page spread, excerpt:
“At Home with Debra Gould: a Toronto designer and artist infuses her home with her own colorful graphics”
Several years ago, Debra Gould took her own best advice: “I believe we all have a real desire to express ourselves,” she says. “And what better place to start than in our own homes.”
Debra, who had been a successful marketing consultant for 15 years, was feeling creatively constrained. So, she took a year’s sabbatical and moved to a remote island in Canada. There, she decided to use her business degree and arts training to turn her passion for color and design into a thriving Toronto-based business, Six Elements.
When she returned to Toronto, Debra, always keeping an eye out for a challenging fixer-upper, looked for “the ugliest house in the best location.” Happily, she found it. “Structurally, it’s great,” she says. “It was just tired, dark and in need of help.”
Of all the houses she’s lived in— this is her sixth in 12 years— Debra says this semi detached, 1930s-era house best reflects her personality. “As soon as you come to the front door, you know it’s not an overly serious place,” she adds. The tiny foyer leads to a narrow stairway, which Debra stamped, stenciled and painted two shades of chartreuse.
Since the house was basically sound, Debra opted for inexpensive, cosmetic updates…
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