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DESIGNER PROFILE
CHAT WITH THE STYLE GURUS
INTERIOR DESIGN BY LESLI BALAGNO
CONSISTENT DESIGN, PERSISTENT SUCCESS
“I’m inspired by many things—art, fabrics, rugs—I love neutral palettes, warm tones, texture and beautiful fibres, like wool, linen, mohair and cashmere. That said, I am not afraid of colour if used properly. Colour and pattern can be beautiful but there has to be a proper balance and a relationship to the overall design,” says Balagno. A graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture Interior Design degree program, Balagno always knew she wanted to work in this field. “I realized [interior design] clicked with my personality. I’m organized, methodical. So much of what I do is really thinking through problems, trying to put together what the client requires, trying to get space to function, then adding colour and décor.” After university Balagno worked in commercial design—helping BC Hydro plan their office spaces—but residential design was her passion so she applied numerous times to work with Vancouver designer Robert Ledingham. “It was very clear that to be successful in residential design I would have to learn from the best, so I hounded him relentlessly until he hired me,” she says.
Opposite. Clean lines and a neutral palette give this home a modern vibe. Private Residence in Vancouver, BC. Photographs by Ed White Photographics. Below. Portrait photograph by Carrie Marshall Photography.
WORDS BY MIRANDA POST
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) is the national advocacy association for the interior design profession. IDC represents more than 4,000 members across nine provinces and their vision is to ensure that their members are competent, trained professionals with access to the latest business tools, education and networking opportunities. To locate a registered interior designer near you, visit findinteriordesigner.org.
LESLI BALAGNO’S CAREER IS PUNCTUATED BY HER CONSISTENT LOYALTY TO DETAIL AND HER LOVE OF WORKING WITH CLIENTS.
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“University taught me the basic principles of design but working for Robert I gained a much better understanding of how to first define a space architecturally and then tie it together through finishes, fabrics and furnishings.” Besides looking to texture and palettes, Balagno follows other designers for inspiration. Some of her favourites include Holly Hunt, Christian Liaigre, Jiun Ho and Thomas Pheasant, who she met at the opening of the Baker showroom at Brougham Interiors. “It was very exciting to meet a designer I have followed over the last 20 years. And surreal.” Since 1994, Balagno and her business partner at Heffel Balagno—Jennifer Heffel—have designed homes in Whistler and the Vancouver area. They are known for their ability to listen to the needs, ideas and preferences of their clients, to understand their intent and, together, to create a design that reflects their individual ideals. “Most of our clients are families. We understand family living. We understand how functionality works—my husband is the cook, I’m on homework duty,” says Balagno who, throughout her busy design career, prioritized being home each night to help her girls with homework. Lesli Balagno helps her clients create homes where they can relax or work; homes that are both beautiful and practical. h
Top. Private Residence in Vancouver, BC. Photograph by Kristen McGaughey Photography. Middle, bottom. Private Residence in Vancouver, BC. Photograph by Ed White Photographics.