An Interview With Ontario Interior Designer Joy Johnston

Niagara-based interior designer Joy Johnston has always understood the importance of home. Raised in a military family, she moved frequently, each time finding creative ways to transform new spaces into places of comfort and belonging. It was this experience—combined with the influence of her mother and grandmother, both naturally gifted at curating beautiful interiors—that shaped her belief in the power of thoughtful design.

Johnston’s approach is rooted in empathy, blending function with beauty to craft spaces that feel deeply personal to her clients. After years of honing her skills, she founded Joy Johnston Design, a Niagara interior design firm known for its refined yet inviting aesthetic. Whether working with century homes or modern new builds, she masterfully balances texture, natural materials, and timeless design elements to create interiors that are as livable as they are striking.

Her portfolio includes an array of distinctive projects, from a Scandinavian-inspired retreat in the Niagara region to a historic home infused with playful yet timeless details. She has an instinct for layering materials—fluted paneling, handcrafted ceramics, warm wood finishes—to bring depth and character to a space. Thoughtful sourcing, whether from local artisans or global makers, is a signature of her work, ensuring that each home she designs tells a unique and meaningful story.

This year, with a growing roster of diverse projects, Johnston is continuing to push the boundaries of what defines a cohesive aesthetic. We sat down with her to discuss her design philosophy, her latest work, and the ever-evolving nature of her creative journey.

This exclusive interview has been edited for clarity. All photos provided by Joy Johnston.

Andor Willow: Joy, tell us about your background and journey into interior design. What drew you to this field, and how has your career evolved since you started? 

Joy Johnston: Interior design and decorating have always been a part of my life, even from a very young age. My mother and grandmother were both naturally talented at creating beautiful and welcoming homes in a very savvy way...constantly rearranging the furniture, redecorating and shopping or thrifting for inspiring items to add to the mix. Growing up in a military family also meant moving frequently, and each time we settled into a new home we found joy in the opportunity to redesign a new space no matter how difficult it was to transition to new place. 

These experiences shaped my belief that well-designed spaces ground us and offer a sense of comfort. It also taught me how crucial it is to listen deeply to clients’ needs, as that’s where great design truly starts.

AW: What inspired you to pursue a career in design? Was there a specific moment, experience, or person that influenced your decision to dive into the world of interior design?

Design has always been a part of me. But if I had to pinpoint one key moment, it would probably be when I realized how much our environments shape how we feel and interact with the world. Growing up in a military family who moved a lot, I had the challenge of making every new house feel like home. Through that process, I realized the power of design to create comfort, stability, and connection. That’s when I knew I wanted to help others create spaces that truly worked for them.

AW: How would you describe your approach to interior design? What makes your process unique, and how do you tailor it to each client’s needs and preferences?

At the heart of my approach is empathy. I believe that design should reflect the people who live in a space, so I always start by listening—getting to know my clients’ stories, daily routines, and what truly brings them joy. My process is deeply collaborative. I want the space to feel like it’s theirs, but I also guide them toward choices that enhance their visual and practical experience. I work with materials, colors, and layouts that evoke warmth and positivity while making sure every detail serves both a purpose and a feeling. No two projects are the same because no two clients are the same, and I tailor each design to suit their unique personalities and lifestyle.

AW: What inspired the Bellevue project? What was the client's vision, and how did you bring that to life?

From the moment these clients sent their first inquiry I admired them and was excited about the project direction. Having lived in the Queen West area of Toronto for many years, my clients were moving into the Niagara region to take care of family members and embark on their own retirement. 

They wanted to craft a space that would feel like an oasis, a mid-century meets Scandinavian piede-a-terre to enjoy for themselves and to host friends from the city. With a walk-out to a pool and hot tub area we knew we could have some fun and make it feel like a true escape for their own enjoyment and for anyone who came to stay. 

AW: You’ve integrated some amazing textures throughout the space, from slatted paneling to v-groove paneling, to the fluted details in the kitchen. How did you choose these textures and bring them together so cohesively?

Textures were key to creating depth and interest in the Bellevue project. We knew we wanted things to feel minimalist yet interesting and when you’re working with a narrow colour palette texture is the way to add more dimensions and interest. We carefully chose textures that complemented each other but still had distinct personalities.

The slatted and grooved paneling provided a modern, dynamic feel, while the fluted details in the kitchen offered a softer, more elegant touch. By mixing these elements thoughtfully, I was able to create a balanced space where each texture had its own moment to shine without overwhelming the overall design. It’s all about the subtle interplay between textures that elevate the feeling of the room.

AW: What design elements in the Bellevue project are you most proud of? Is there a particular space, piece, or feature in the home that you feel really captured the essence of your vision?

There are so many wonderful moments in this space. The fireplace elevation feels really special, with the floor to ceiling zellige style tile with the grooved paneling flanking either side. I’m also particularly proud of the kitchen and the way the textures and colours came together there. The fluted panels, the custom cabinetry, and the choice of materials all really captured what I wanted the space to feel like—the essence of being out in nature which is equally energizing yet peaceful. Not to mention our custom curved shelving unit and the oh-so-playful wallpaper in the bathroom! 

AW: What design trends or materials are you currently loving? Are there specific styles, textures, or finishes that you find yourself gravitating toward in your recent projects?

Time and time again I’m drawn to natural materials— wood, stone, linen and the like—because they bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to a space. On a similar note I love to incorporate handmade pottery and ceramics to add a touch that handmade/homemade feeling. 

AW: How do you strike the balance between on-trend and time-tested? You have a knack for creating spaces that feel modern, with a touch of classic. How do you strike that balance?

Something I love about our modern world is that we retain a deep connection to the past. Whether it was 50 years ago or 300 years ago - we continue to incorporate traditional practices and aesthetics in modern design. We are also in era of mixing and melding different aesthetics and time periods in many artistic disciplines. A fashion designer can be inspired by a variety of cultures, decades, techniques, materials and textures to create something new - interior design is no different.

I make sure the bones of a space—like layout and foundational materials—are timeless and enduring, before introducing modern elements that add freshness and personality. It’s a careful balance of creating something that feels relevant today, but with longevity in mind.

Trends can be fun and I believe do have a place in good design, but I always make sure they’re grounded in something that will feel beautiful for years to come.

AW: You’ve sourced materials both locally and globally for your projects - how do you decide when to go with a local supplier, and when to look internationally for the perfect materials and finishes?

I love sourcing materials and products both locally and globally because each option offers something unique. For me, it’s all about a good story. I tend to prioritize local suppliers and craftspeople because I can foster community connections and give my clients a conversation piece in their home that might also lead to more business for someone I admire. When looking globally, I’m looking for a story or something from a specific culture or traditional process that is renowned and found nowhere else. I often look at items like tile or fabric globally. Ultimately, it’s about sourcing materials that best align with my core values of authenticity and quality.

AW: What initially drew you to Andor Willow and our products?

I was drawn to Andor Willow because of the the aesthetic quality of the textures and ease of implementation for skilled trades and DIY homeowners alike. I work on full service design projects and concept-only design where clients are executing the vision on their own, so it’s important that products are accessible and not intimidating. The versatility of the paneling, and the overall craftsmanship make these products a great choice for a wide variety of projects. The other thing that I really appreciate as a designer is being able to order samples. Prototyping and bringing samples into the space and alongside other finish selections is something that I will never forego in the process - this is a key element to any successful project. 

AW: How did you manage to incorporate two different Andor Willow panelling styles into the Bellevue project, while maintaining synergy throughout the space?

It started from a desire to create balance between the different areas of this open concept space. I chose to use the squared off slatted panelling in the living room where we already had softness and organic shapes from the furniture and decor.

For more practical spaces like the kitchen things can get very angular, so I used the fluted panels to add curvature. Another key to making these two styles work together was maintaining the same neutral white paint colour so they eased into the background visually while still providing character. The two choices truly felt like they were part of a cohesive design story rather than competing elements.

AW: Are there any Andor Willow products that you haven’t yet used, but would love to incorporate into future projects if possible?

The wood slat room divider is a very innovative product that I could see working really well in open concept spaces that need a bit of separation. I still love an open concept space but love to find ways to make the individual areas feel unique. In this project we created our own version of a room divider between the entry to the kitchen and bathroom by designing a custom curved shelving unit that was made by hand locally with Lucas from Branca Builds.

AW: What’s one of your favourite things about your work? What’s one of the biggest challenges you face?

One of my favorite things about my work is the opportunity to create something that enhances people’s lives. Seeing how a well-designed space can make a tangible difference in someone’s daily routine or emotional well-being is incredibly rewarding. 

The biggest challenge is balancing the many moving parts of being a small business owner. Managing multiple clients and projects in various stages all at the same time, alongside business operations and finances. But I thrive on that challenge because it forces me to think creatively and find solutions all while maintaining the integrity of the design vision. As fun as television shows make this profession out to be (which it absolutely is), it’s also an incredible amount of hard work.

AW: What advice would you have for a young designer who’s hoping to grow their practice over the next few years?

My advice would be to focus on building relationships and listening deeply to your clients. Design is about understanding people, not just aesthetics. Be patient and let your style evolve over time. Every project, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to learn and grow. And always trust your instincts—if you can stay true to your vision while adapting to your clients’ needs, success will follow.

AW: What are you looking forward to in 2025, both in terms of design trends and your own upcoming projects?

In 2025 we’ve got the most diverse and exciting roster of projects we’ve had as of yet. Our projects feature everything from a cheeky-yet-timeless century home downtown Hamilton, ON to a modern organic shaker new build in rural Niagara. As a designer you’re often told it would be best to hone in on one signature style and brand aesthetic and to stay in your lane, but I’ve decided to let go of this strict definition and to be proud of the diversity and creativity in my portfolio.

Ironically, there is a “trend” away from trends when it comes to design - a movement toward being more authentic to themselves, their homes and their personal aesthetic and not listening as much to what may be “in” or “out” and I’m so happy to be a part of that.

-----

It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Joy and see how she seamlessly incorporates fluted and textured paneling into her projects, adding depth and character to every room.

To explore more of Joy’s work and discover how she brings her clients’ visions to life, visit her website. Whether you’re looking for design inspiration or considering a project of your own, her portfolio is sure to spark ideas for creating a home that truly reflects you.