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Duvenage loves her work as decorator

Theresa Seraphim

Vermilion Standard

Helping people make their homes even more attractive is "exciting" for Mariette Duvenage.

The Vermilion resident recently completed a course in residential interiors through the University of Alberta and has been running her own business, called By Dezign, since last fall.

"I like the design, I like working with people, I love creating the space," Duvenage explained in a recent interview, stressing that no job is too big or too small for her.

"I get so excited about any project, I see the vision."

Accommodating the client's wants, needs and budget is her priority.

"It was always something I wanted to do," Duvenage said recently as she looked over one house in town that she has been involved in renovating.
"(The owner) knew he wanted to renovate it into a contemporary space," Duvenage noted.

"He wanted a different house, not a normal cookie cutter house."

Duvenage, who also works part-time with an Edmonton company, recommended that anyone building a house should consider consulting with someone who is knowledgeable in that area, so that any changes needing to be made can be done at the blueprint level, which costs the owner less than having to renovate or change it later.

This is particularly relevant when older people are involved and may need extra space if they use walkers or wheelchairs.

"I'm really interested in barrier-free design," Duvenage states.

"It is incredible important that they anticipate for things that might happen."

Duvenage said she is not an architect, but she can advise clients on matters such as the use of the space and the flow of the home.

She especially enjoys the creative aspect of her job and making each home different for each client.

"I never want to do two houses the same."

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