Designing with Bold Florals – An Inside Look with Award-Winning Designers Nicole Varga and Trish Knight

Ellie Cashman Mar 10 2025

In the world of interior design, Nicole Varga and Trish Knight have made a significant mark with their creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Recently, their firm received the prestigious Western Living Robert Ledingham Memorial Award for Emerging Interior Designers. Discover how their journey and unique design approach led to the creation of two standout projects featuring the striking 'Dark Floral' wallpaper.

Background and Firm's Philosophy
Nicole and Trish’s paths to interior design were distinct yet complementary. Trish, who initially pursued a degree in International Relations, found her way into the design world through various roles in sales, marketing, and business development. Her creative inclination eventually led her to formal design education and a flourishing career in interior design.

Nicole’s journey was rooted in her lifelong love for creativity. From dancing and drawing as a child to discovering her passion for interior design through a family friend, Nicole’s path was straightforward and filled with enthusiasm. Both partners bring their strengths to the table, with Nicole focusing on details and finishing touches, while Trish excels in big-picture planning and client relationships. Their collaboration since 2019 has resulted in a dynamic and successful design firm based in Vancouver, with projects spanning across New York, Singapore, London, and Palm Springs.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
The Bold Floral Bedroom
One of their notable projects is a bedroom designed for a vibrant and bold client. The initial consultation set the tone, with the client’s personality shining through her choice of bright red lipstick and a leopard print blouse. This boldness and femininity inspired the design, with the 'Dark Floral' wallpaper being a central element.

Design Details:

Wallpaper: The 'Dark Floral' wallpaper served as the starting point, chosen for its ability to reflect the client's vibrant personality.
Color Palette: Surrounding walls were painted in OC-26 Silver Satin from Benjamin Moore, allowing the wallpaper to be the focal point.
Furniture: The bed, sourced from West Elm, featured a linen tone, complemented by blush-toned bedding.
Accents: Brass nightstands and lighting from Crate & Barrel and CB2 added warmth and elegance, while rich textures and faux furs enhanced the room’s depth.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
The Jewel Box Powder Room
This project emphasized both functionality and aesthetics, with the 'Dark Floral' wallpaper playing a crucial role.

Design Details:

Challenges: The existing vanity was awkwardly installed 24” from the floor. The redesign aimed to correct this while adding a "wow factor.”
Inspiration: The client's love of gardening inspired the design, with the 'Dark Floral' wallpaper chosen for its vibrant garden-like appearance.
Materials: The vanity was brought to a normal height, with a glossy teal elongated fan tile wall behind it. Brass plumbing and lighting fixtures added sparkle, while the rest of the room was wallpapered in 'Dark Floral' to create a cohesive look.

Award-Winning Design
This powder room won the NKBA Design Excellence Award – 2020 Best Traditional Powder Room. Nicole and Trish believe the success lies in its dreamy and bold nature. The natural theme combined with bold, colorful elements creates a serene yet impactful space. The room appeals to both classic and modern sensibilities, capturing the attention of the jury with its unique and harmonious design.

Why 'Dark Floral' Wallpaper?
Nicole and Trish chose the 'Dark Floral' wallpaper for its dramatic yet balanced effect. The dark background makes the florals pop, creating a dynamic contrast that is both bold and serene. The wallpaper’s versatility in scale and saturation allowed the designers to tailor it perfectly to each space.

Achieving Similar Results: Tips and Recommendations
For those inspired to use the 'Dark Floral' wallpaper, Nicole and Trish suggest the following:

Contrast: Pair the wallpaper with soft, neutral tones to make it stand out.
Texture: Incorporate various textures and patterns to add depth and interest.
Accents: Use metallic accents like brass to enhance the luxurious feel.

Future Inspirations and Product Recommendations
Looking ahead, Nicole and Trish talked about coordinating solid wallpapers to complement bold florals, as well as stormy skies and pastoral landscapes inspired by the Dutch Golden Age. These additions would provide more options for designers to create cohesive and innovative spaces.

What's Next for Nicole Varga and Trish Knight?
As Nicole Varga and Trish Knight continue to push the boundaries of interior design, their focus remains on creating stunning, personalized spaces for their clients. With an ever-growing portfolio of international projects and a dedication to innovation, they are excited about future opportunities to transform homes around the world. If you're looking for an interior design team that blends bold creativity with meticulous attention to detail, look no further than Nicole and Trish's award-winning firm. Visit their website for more information or message us for a warm introduction to this incredible design duo.

Credits

Interior Design: Nicole Varga and Trish Knight
Photography: Janis Nicolay
Builder: McQueen Construction
Bedding: St Geneve

Be a Part of Our Client Showcase

Thank you to Nicole and Trish for sharing this beautiful project with us!

Do you have a project that features our products that you would like to share with our audience? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us with your photos and your story at info@elliecashmandesign.com.

Stay wonder-ful,

Tags:

Crafting Intimate Luxury: A Dark Floral Transformation in Kinzie Park