November 08, 2013

Getting to know us – Luisa Maringola, Interior Decorator/co-owner Lumar Interiors

What our business bio doesn’t tell you:)

Luisa Maringola, co-owner of Lumar Interiors shares some of her personal ‘favourite things’.

luisa maringola interior decorator favourite blogpost

Guilty Pleasure: Good quality chocolate and a delicious cappuccino with a plain cookie to dunk.

People are surprised to know: That my educational background is in psychology.

Favourite Quote:

have-nothing-in-your-house-that-you-do-not-know-to-be-useful-or-believe-to-be-beautiful

My Inspiration to be the best: A few years ago I redecorated a family room for a new client that had been referred to me. They loved their new family room so much that they told me it was their ‘oasis’. That has inspired me over the years to create spaces that people love and want to spend time in.

Favourite Book: I have many…one of my favourites is “I Don’t Know How She Does It” by Allison Pearson – a must-read for any working mother.

Favourite Restaurant: There are many restaurants I love…Tutto Bene in Thornhill, The Purple Pig in Chicago and Eataly in New York.

Favourite Shop: Any beautiful home decor shop that carries table linens…Serendipity in Niagara on the Lake is on of them. I can’t get enough of table cloths and tea towels.

Favourite Perfume: Organza by Givenchy.

Favourite artist : Behrens. Love the bold and bright colours of his paintings, not to mention the Italian landscapes.!

Favourite city I have visited: Florence, Italy. The architecture, the history, the florentine trays, the jewellery: I love it!

Person of interest whose style I admire: Jackie O – her classic style: always so coiffed and tailored.

Secret to Success: I listen to what our clients are saying and NOT saying. Our clients’ vision is the goal we work towards achieving.

Favourite item in our Studio Shop: a white gourd shaped lamp made classic with a gold ‘collar’ around its neck – a Jackie-O kind of look!

Classic beauty

Favourite Project: I get attached to most of my projects. Over the years I’ve had many that I love…most recently I would have to say my client’s custom built home in King City: beautiful house and wonderful homeowners. A dream come true for everyone.

Signature look: I love colour. I always try to add a shot of bold colour somewhere in the room through toss cushions, art work or accessories.

Contribution to community: Every year Lumar Interiors donates to the Mackenzie Health Foundation Fundraisers. Having lived in Richmond Hill for 25 years we’ve had to visit the hospital a few times. We know first hand how integral to the community a good hospital is.

When I’m not working I am: in the kitchen preparing home-made “T.V. dinners” for the kids (they’re both away at university), reading, walking on one of the many paths in the neighbourhood or relaxing and day dreaming about the next European city I’d like to visit.

richmond hill custom kitchen, interior designer

The heart of my home

TESTIMONIALS

Working with Marisa & team was an absolute joy. Their brilliant design skills went above and beyond what we expected as they helped us navigate a total reno of our main floor. They took our vision and feedback and translated it into creating our dream home! They guided us through all decisions, big and small, with knowledge, professionalism and patience. I can confidently say I would not change one thing.

- HM, Thornhill -

Amazing team of interior designers, we were so fortunate to be referred to Lumar Interiors and worked with Marisa and team, they are professional and creative. We had just completed a home renovation project and needed help with furnishing and decorating our family and living room. The results of our project is way beyond anything we could have imagined. We are totally grateful to these two ladies and their team!!!!

- SC, Vaughan -

When we moved to Aurora, we didn’t hesitate to call Marisa again. She knows what the client wants and stops at nothing to get the job done….looking for that perfect piece of furniture, upholstery, drapery, lighting & accessories, she was able to pull it all together and successfully accomplish our dream. We could not have done this without her expertise, trade contacts and wonderful support staff at Lumar Interiors.

- PW, Aurora -

Working with Lumar for almost 20 years spanning two homes, one of which was a custom build, I have experienced first hand the knowledge, resources, and abundance of talent Luisa and Marisa offer their clients. Professional and never “pushy” ideas are brought to fruition with ease. I highly recommend Lumar for all decorating projects, small and large.

- OL, King City -

I met with Luisa and the team two days after we moved into our newly built home. In the following two years, they have transformed our house into an elegant and welcoming home. It was a pleasure working with them. I valued their creativity, dependability, attention to detail, work ethic & professionalism. I highly recommend them and appreciate all of their efforts in making our home a warm and special place.

- PG, Stouffville -

When we first began the renovating and decorating process, I had a vision of what I wanted our home to look like. My biggest concern was whether I would be able to get my ideas across to the people involved in the process. Thanks for being a crucial part in making “my vision” into a reality, and for all the decorating advice when I just wasn’t sure what to do. It looks great-you made it painless and fun!

- AL, Richmond Hill -

The compliments never stop. It was so nice working with Lumar Interiors. You made everything so easy and understood exactly what I wanted in style and in cost…I had used many decorators before that charged through like a steam roller giving little time to me and my wishes. Working with the team at Lumar was sheer pleasure. I felt I not only found a new decorator but a new friend as well.

- PK, Thornhill -

Marisa Lupo from Lumar Interiors recently helped me update my 1990’s kitchen and make it a beautiful room. I have known Marisa for many years now and together we have also redecorated my family room and dining room. Slowly we have successfully turned my house into a home. Marisa’s patience and knowledge have made working with her a pleasure. I look forward to our next decorating project together!

- MS, Woodbridge -