“The cover wasn’t the goal… getting published was the goal, but finding out we got the cover was the best surprise!”
Meet Amanda Richardson, the principle Designer behind MADU Interiors, whose work can be seen on the cover of this month’s October issue for Style at Home Magazine. Schreiter’s had the opportunity to sit down with Richardson to discuss this recent achievement after having worked with her a couple of months prior selecting furnishings for this special project.
About the barn conversion: Richardson was hired to re-imagine the space for a forward-thinking couple who desired a smaller, secondary home on their sprawling property for future retirement. In the meantime, this wonderful space will be used for overnight guests and renters. Consistent with Richardson’s self-described design style, “The space is ‘earthy contemporary’ to honour the rural setting without being farmhouse style.”
Richardson divides her time between Baden, Ontario and Munich, Germany. While she understands living in two places is uncommon, she sees this as beneficial to her work because of all the culture, people, and places she can explore, from which she draws inspiration on a daily basis. These inspiring opportunities allow her to push new decor and architectural concepts. Richardson saw the opportunity of virtual/hybrid design long before Covid19 forced the world to look at work culture in new ways. She got her start as an interior designer back in 2017 doing freelance design for online interior design companies. While these projects allowed her to live and work abroad in Germany, the nature of this accessible design service became limiting and restrictive after a few years. Richardson didn’t give up on the vision of hybrid/remote design work, and used her education in Architecture and Construction Engineering from Conestoga College, along with professional experience, to start her own company, MADU interiors. Now, she can dive into any project, from single room transformations to full-scale remodeling, both, in Canada and Germany. Richardson loves working with unique, quirky spaces that nobody knows what to do with, and has already been approached for her next barn conversion.
When asked what inspires her most, Richardson lights up when she starts talking about her clients. She loves getting to know them, especially the ones who have their own sense of style. These creative collaborations inspire her best work. “People who appreciate and value good design, as well as the importance it has on their general wellbeing make for the best clients!” She says, “I just love putting myself in their shoes with my design brain.” When it comes to aesthetics, Richardson draws from nature: Organic shapes, colours, textures and layered lighting contribute beautifully to intentional, functional and inspirational spaces. When describing the barn conversion, she says, “I selected furniture shapes that mimic the geometry of nature.” Her favourite Schreiter’s piece used in this space? That’s easy! “The Ethnicraft Bok dining chairs– they’re so beautiful!”
“Grow as you go, and through that you build confidence” is the advice she has for new and young designers. “There is no competition, because there is space for everybody in this industry. Everyone has their unique abilities, and that is how you network and connect with people— be your genuine self.” Sage advice from an empathetic and creative interior designer.
Keep an eye out for this up and coming designer! For anyone interested in MADU interior’s design services, you may visit their website at maduinteriors.com or check out their instagram @Maduinteriors
We look forward to seeing what is next for Amanda Richardson and the amazing places she will go!
