I recently met with Ebra Ziron, a designer and artist, as well as manager at Maiwa on Granville Island at her lovely home. While the outside view of English Bay is stunning from the living room balcony, it was wonderful to see the attention she gives to the inside.
Rather than an interview format, Ebra preferred to share her design style in a stream of consciousness. Interesting how this was like her approach to decorating and design – a flowing, natural, and serendipity-like feeling. Enjoy her words and the photos of her delightful touches.
“Decorating for me is like breathing. It comes naturally. I can take objects and arrange them in a way that makes them look interesting, special. If they appear predictable, then I change it up. I like the element of unpredictability, something that captures your imagination.
I love collecting things from my travels to different parts of the world, or just from my walks in the neighbourhood. I found great lamps for free in Kitsilano. They didn’t have shades, but those were easy to buy. The lamps are unique and have style and character. You couldn’t find them in a store.
People should have their home reflect who they are, not to please others, but to look at what gives peace, calm, upliftment. Better to have two pieces of art than ten if they’re more powerful and satisfy your soul.
Just like music has sounds and notes, it’s the spaces of silence in between that are important as the notes. This gives music rhythm and soul. I feel that objects in one’s home also need space around them to breathe and have a vibe. Sometimes less is more in decorating.
At night, I love candles. Plants and flowers add life and beauty. A few big, exotic leaves from a flower shop on Granville Island and voila, you have a great display for your home that can last up to 6 weeks, and it’ll cost less than $10! Pillows are great too. I love textiles more than furniture, soft things, sensuality. They can make the most mundane piece of furniture more alive and interesting. You could put a lovely textile over a box and it can transform a room!
Thanks Ebra for letting me inside your sanctuary and sharing your style wisdom. Keep your rich creativity and expression flowing!
