Designer Diva — Sabrina Albanese, Interior Designer

Creativity isn’t born out of someone who plays it safe. “If I’m not scared when I’m doing something, I’m not doing it right,” says interior designer Sabrina Albanese.

Graduating from Ryerson University’s School of Fashion in Toronto and Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in London, England, Albanese went on to co-own a clothing label called Wolves. After living in New York to pursue her fashion career, Albanese eventually moved back to Toronto where she realized her true calling. Now, she is a successful businesswoman and interior designer, who lends her talent to anything from commercial projects to vacation homes. “One thing about me is that I love design in general, so I embrace every discipline,” says Albanese. Describing her style as eclectic, this multi-dimensional individual loves antique shopping and watching old movies for décor inspiration. “I like finding unusual things.”

Albanese often starts designing a home by building a colour palette that complements the overall look she wants to achieve. In a recent project, she opted for various pastels to create a country cottage feel, proving that she has never been afraid of experimenting with different hues. “A lot of people, when I first started, told me not to abuse colour, and I use and abuse it,” she says.

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Unlike when she was in the fashion industry, following trends is not a vital component of her design system. Albanese only uses trends she finds unique, such as natural wood-top tables with painted metal legs. Adding character to an industrial look is a great design technique that you don’t see in every home.  “I never regurgitate projects,” says Albanese. “I always do something new and fresh.”
www.sabrinaalbanese.com