URBAN BARN’S NEXT TOP DESIGNER: RELOADED FINALIST - DEXTER DOLORES

The countdown is on until Urban Barn’s Next Top Designer: Reloaded takes centre stage at the Vancouver Home + Design Show. From October 16-19, three up-and-coming interior designers and decorators will go head-to-head in the ultimate micro-management exercise: creating a 150 sq. ft. space with $5,000 worth of Urban Barn furniture and home accents for display, plus two top-secret design requirements assigned by Urban Barn Creative Director, Sebastien Fauteux. 

Better yet, you get to vote on your favourite look – and one lucky voter will win a $5,000 gift card to Urban Barn. Could it be you?

To tide you over until October, allow us to introduce you to the second of our three finalists, Dexter Dolores! A Vancouver-based interior designer, Dexter is more than up for Urban Barn’s challenge and can’t wait to share his small-space savvy at the Vancouver Home + Design Show.

Meet Dexter:

Design comes naturally to Dexter. He studied at The Art Institute of Vancouver where he was awarded Top Graduating Portfolio of the Interior Design Program. His affinity for bespoke modern and classic interiors have shaped his career in the luxury residential industry.

Signature design style:

Contemporary edge with classical sophistication.

Favourite way to spruce up a home for under $100:

De-clutter, rearrange large furniture and incorporate a few cost-effective decorative elements. 

Worst current design trend:

It’s not the worst, but mid-century modern needs to stop, for now. Those iconic pieces will always be iconic, but complete mid-century modern interiors look like a caricature of the era.

Top three Vancouver spots to shop for home decor:

Once a Tree Furniture, Urban Barn and Mint Interiors.

Dream design-forward city to live in/visit:

Definitely New York. It’s a bit cliché, but NYC is a must on every designer’s list!

Design motto to live by:

I believe that an interior should reveal its elegance and story through the textures within.

Follow Dexter’s design journey on Twitter and Instagram at @dexdolores to check out his progress. And buy your tickets to the Vancouver Home + Design Show early to make sure you see his finished product!