Meet Interior Designer: JILLIAN HARRIS

Designer & Show Expert Jillian Harris

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the summer breeze is blowing – with that kind of weather in Vancouver, you’d hardly expect that we’re three weeks out from this fall’s Vancouver Home + Design Show October 11-14 at BC Place. Over the new few weeks, we’ll be profiling the biggest names appearing at the show, offering more giveaways (hint: October promises to be a generous month!) and giving you more inside access than ever!

Today, we’re chatting with everyone’s favourite bachelorette, Jillian Harris, who’s busy filming her newest role as design host of W Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver, premiering this winter! Known for her whimsical style, which incorporates equal parts urban and country, low-brow and high-class, and classic and avant-garde, Jillian regularly jets between the U.S. and Canada to work and continue her elusive search for the perfect pair of heels.

Catch Jillian tips for infusing any space with personality (complete with sustainable elements and energy-efficient lighting solutions) on the HGTV Main Stage, then check out her brand-new feature on the show floor: the BC Hydro Power Smart Home, complete with four modern settings for eco-chic living. Check the schedule here for presentation times.

THE PROFILE

• Name:   Jillian Harris
• Occupation: Designer, TV Host
• Birth date: December 30, 1979
• Horoscope sign:  Capricorn
• Hometown:  Peace River, Alberta
• What is your Twitter handle?  @jillianharris

What’s your regular coffee order?  Half-soy, half-skim, half-sweet, triple Grande Caramel Macchiato. Cold on hot days, hot on cold days.

What three items do you always keep in your purse/pockets?  iPhone, mini wipes & VISA!

What was your first job?  A hairdresser’s assistant, but then I had like three jobs when I was 16! I was also a nanny and worked at the golf course clubhouse as a janitor.

How were you discovered?  I applied for The Bachelor after a boozy night and the rest is history.

Most memorable career moment to date:  Getting the call from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. A major catalyst for me!

What famous figure(s) inspires your career?  Martha Stewart (meets Chelsea Handler)

If you weren’t in your current occupation, what would be your dream job? Chef! Or a mom!

Any embarrassing on-the-job moments you’d like to share?  Just recently while filming the FIRST day of Love It or List It Vancouver, my co-host and I were debating who would win the current episode while filming.  I was adamant I was going to win and then went to storm away to walk to the owner’s home.  Then my co-host says to me, “Jillian, the house is this way….”  Hahah! We laughed so hard – I looked like such a ditz!

Describe your design style in five words or less: Eclectic, airy, raw, feminine, artsy

What design trend or item are you coveting for fall? Raw materials, whites and creams!

What is your favourite room in your home and why? In my Vancouver home, my bedroom.  Its all white and cream linen – the ONLY color is a vintage teal green wooden deer head perched above my linen headboard. One wall is all glass doors and I always have it open – the view is from Horseshoe Bay to Burnaby – stunning!

Via JillianHarris.com

The last item you bought for your home:  I just moved into my Vancouver home and had to completely furnish it – my favorite items are two white morrocan poufs from The Cross Décor & Design.

What movie or program is at the top of your Netflix queue?  I never watch movies or TV! I have major ADD when it comes to television.

What songs are on repeat on your iPod?   Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishing in the Dark,” Eric Church’s “Chevy Van,” Ellie Goulding’s  “Your Song,” and  Van Morrison’s “Sweet Thing.”

Name the fictional character with whom you most closely identify: Road Runner. Except lately I've been learning to just chill. A cute guy will do that to ya!  ;)

What’s on your Kobo reader/iBook right now? I just finished the 50 Shades trilogy. They were the first books I read in 15 years and now I never want to read another book again.

One place you always visit while in Vancouver: I’ve got three and they’re all shopping-related! The Cross Décor & Design, Country Furniture & Aritzia.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Never say hate, always be grateful.

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We can’t wait to catch up with Jillian at the show. Be sure to snag a seat at one of her presentations, and attend her meet-and-greet at the BC Hydro Power Smart Home on Design Saturday, October 13.