Elegant, artistic, and undeniably soulful โ these are the hallmarks of Colette van den Thillartโs home interiors. The Toronto-based designer brings a romantic sensibility to every space she touches, using a blend of bold patterns, curated art, rich textures, and, in many cases, statement staircases that anchor her designs with architectural interest. Itโs no surprise Colette was named Designer of the Year in 2023 โ her portfolio includes everything from whimsical townhomes and colorful apartments to grand stair halls and historic renovations.
Below, explore some of Coletteโs most stunning home interiors designs over the years, featuring vibrant color stories, unique furniture selections, and decorative yet functional features. And if youโre feeling inspired by her staircases, donโt miss our curated guide to stair design ideas that will transform your space with style.
A Colorful Toronto Home with Bold Personality
In this lively Toronto home, Colette blends traditional craftsmanship with unexpected pops of color. The home interiors sets the tone, featuring painted hot pink walls and an upholstered ceiling โ a signature move in her projects.
A bespoke bookcase with a pea-green backing adds depth to the stairwell, creating a rich visual journey as one ascends.
๐ช Pro Tip: Use bold paint and fabric accents to elevate your home interiors โ itโs a creative way to combine form with personality.
Custom Design in a Midtown NYC Apartment
For a Turtle Bay apartment in New York City, Colette custom-designed a sofa with a built-in marble inset and used geometric wallpaper reminiscent of the Chrysler Buildingโs iconic form. The stair-adjacent walls were layered with color and texture, enhancing the openness of the living area.
๐ช Interior Tip: Even without stairs, Coletteโs attention to verticality shows how staircase wall design principles (like symmetry and contrast) can be applied throughout the home.
Whimsy Meets Worldly in Rosedale
In a Rosedale home filled with vintage character, Colette created a โglobal-ishโ vibe for client Victoria Webster.
The entrance features trompe-lโoeil circus stripes next to a custom staircase with mosaic tile flooring that adds movement and pattern. Artful touches like concealed TV cabinetry and Ex Libris wallpaper continue the witty and layered effect.
๐ช Design Note: The use of floor mosaics and pattern-rich walls can highlight your stair tread design and transform an everyday stairwell into a moment of artistry.
A Striking Dining Room in Chelsea, NYC
Inspired by Jean Cocteauโs tattooed villa, Colette layered a Chelsea apartment with artistic wall motifs and sculptural furniture.
She used spatial layering, much like in modern home interiors design, where visual transitions are built with form and flow in mind.
๐ช Design Insight: Thinking about wall and ceiling treatments in stair zones? Draw inspiration from Coletteโs use of โtattooedโ murals and sculptural furnishings to add depth to staircase landings and vertical spaces.
An Antique-Filled Pied-ร -Terre with Contemporary Flair
In a downtown Toronto condo, Colette infused youthful energy into a classically antique space.
Bold colors in the foyer and soft updates to traditional elements โ including graceful stair railing details and fresh stair-adjacent furnishings โ helped balance vintage character with modern livability.
๐ช Pro Tip: A stairway lined with classic moldings and updated in fresh colors can bring balance to classic-meets-contemporary staircase designs.
A Glamorous Toronto Bathroom and Architectural Harmony
In a luxurious Toronto home, Colette brought high style to every corner, including a grand stairwell with polished marble finishes that echoed throughout the home. The staircase serves as both functional access and a sculptural feature against warm neutrals and patinated accents.
๐ช Design Tip: Use complementary finishes like marble stair treads or zinc details to unify your interior staircase ideas with other design elements in the home.
A Whimsical London Flat with Layered Textures
Coletteโs Notting Hill apartment showcases her love for layered, historical textures.
Floor-to-ceiling French doors at the staircase landing open to an elegant balcony, filling the space with natural light. Whimsical ceiling art above the stairwell adds another dimension to the vertical plane.
๐ช Staircase Idea: Consider incorporating ceiling art or vintage chandeliers above the stairs to turn your staircase ceiling space into a conversation starter.
Breezy Barbados Getaway with Indoor-Outdoor Flow
In her beachfront bungalow, Colette opted for effortless elegance with beadboard ceilings, vintage finds, and open floorplans.
Though this retreat features fewer interior staircases, her use of light, symmetry, and texture echoes the principles of good staircase decor, proving once again that stair design isnโt just about steps โ itโs about flow.
๐ช Garden Connection: Thinking beyond the indoors? Combine your design strategy with forest garden ideas to extend the homeโs charm outdoors, creating transitions from staircase exits to lush landscapes.
A Character-Driven Neo-Georgian Home
This Toronto home is a masterclass in dramatic storytelling. From the lilac velvet couch to arched stair openings, Colette weaves English charm with flair.
Velvet mineral wallpaper and fringe-trimmed chairs create a sense of luxury, while the staircase seamlessly connects formal and informal zones.
๐ช Design Strategy: Use curved walls, arches, and custom staircases with intricate spindles to inject old-world charm into newer builds.
A Light-Filled London Abode
Coletteโs London townhouse features a serene color palette with standout blue stairwell walls inspired by the 17th century. Her use of peacock blue along the staircase walls, paired with crisp white molding and artwork, proves that color can guide movement and mood.
๐ช Design Inspiration: Deep tones and contrast help your staircase wall decor stand out, especially in transitional spaces like stair halls and landings.
Final Thoughts: Coletteโs Timeless Use of Staircase Design
Whether subtly integrated or designed to make a statement, Colette van den Thillart consistently shows how interior staircase design can anchor a homeโs aesthetic. From whimsical color palettes and layered textures to sculptural stair rails and bold treads, her projects redefine what staircases can be: not just functional, but unforgettable.
Want to complement your homeโs interior with nature-inspired exteriors? Be sure to explore our favorite Gardening ideas to create harmony inside and out.
