Meet another member of the talented Barrydowne Team!
Lead colour consultant Shane recently moved back to Sudbury and in more ways than one, it’s felt like coming home.
“From an early age, I knew wanted a career in the design industry, but when I was 17, I knew I really wanted to be part of the Barrydowne Paint team,” Shane recalls. “I’m pretty sure I dropped off my resume at the store at least twice a week to prove how determined I was. When I finally scored an interview with (owner) Kelly, a pile of my resumes was sitting on the table!”
Shane later took a rather extended vacation (ahem), during which time he earned his diploma in Interior Design at Georgian College and gained some incredible experience in kitchen and bath design, as well as furniture and décor merchandising and showroom staging.
“All my knowledge, experience and values really started at Barrydowne and have stayed with me throughout my career,” he says.
We couldn’t be happier that Shane has boomeranged back to us and is now busy helping customers achieve their design dreams by offering expert advice and providing both in-home and in-store colour consultations.
“In-home visits allows us to see the colours currently used in your space and narrow down what selections would be most suitable. If you prefer to come down to the store, bring in some photos of your space as well as some accent pieces you’d like to work with, and we can choose the best colour selection for you,” he advises.
“We’re here to ensure every project has a successful outcome and take pride in each one like it was our own.”
A SPLATTER OF CHATTER
I knew I was destined to be a designer when… I asked my mom for end tables and a chandelier for Christmas when I was 10! As a kid, I’d watch HGTV instead of cartoons. I'd draw up random floor plans, build furnished mansions with my Legos and rearrange my bedroom several times a week. I just always knew this was meant for me.
My design superpower is... I am able to envision anyone’s space and visualize how I could potentially make it look better. It’s almost an addiction! I think it’s because when I help my clients with their projects, I am always 100% invested and want them to turn out amazing.
A paint disaster I’m still getting over: I was pushing a cart loaded with a large order out to a customer’s vehicle when all of a sudden, one of the boxes ripped and a gallon of bright blue paint fell and spilled all over an empty parking spot. Of course, it happened near closing time! As I cleaned up the mess with buckets of soapy water and a big shop broom, cars slowed down to look or drivers rolled down their windows to joke, “Bad day, huh?” Needless to say, I have had trust issues with that paint cart ever since.
A project I’m still proud of: My mother-in-law’s place was due for a renovation but she didn’t have the time. So while she was away for a week, my fiancé and I gave her the transformation she deserved. We repainted her living space with Ben Moore Eggshell tinted Baby’s Breath OC-62, which paired nicely with her furniture, and we installed new blinds and drapery along with a new area rug and other accessories. The icing on the cake was adding a beautiful and inviting front door – she always wanted a red door – so we completed the renovation by painting it Brick Red 2084-10. By far, the most rewarding part of the project was how surprised and happy she was when she returned home.
Three words I’d use to describe an independently-owned paint store: 1) Passion, 2) Expertise, 3) Welcoming.
Favourite product to work with: I love our Regal Eggshell. I know firsthand how incredible the coverage is, because I was able to successfully cover a navy blue stone hearth in just two coats without any issue. It doesn’t dry too fast, which allows you to go back on any missed spots and afterwards, the washability and durability is fantastic. It’s a colour that stays beautiful looking for years.
The designer I’d love to mix it up with is… Sarah Richardson ALL THE WAY! When I was younger, I sent her an email professing how much I would love to work with her someday. I’ve always loved her designs and the way she’s able to work with colour and patterns.
