Friday Five With Brenda Danso of BD Interior Design

Brenda Danso, a California native turned Toronto resident, brings an educational background in mental health to her interior design practice, BD Interior Design. The spaces she designs are soothing, functional, joyful and the perfect fit for her clients’ needs. Brenda prioritizes using neutral colors, natural elements and playful pops of color. Her projects range from home staging and residential design to commercial design.

Today Brenda’s joining us for Friday Five!

1. Facial Steamer
I cannot live without my in-home facial steamer. The use of this product creates an at-home spa experience. After nine minutes of using the steamer, I feel relaxed and look forward to the added benefits of brighter skin. If you can’t go to the spa, bring the experience home.

2. My Kids
My girls, ages 5 and 6, really help me get through the day. From their witty personalities to their contentment around the simple things, all are constant reminders that we must be grateful. Their presence keeps me grounded, and I could not imagine life without them.

3. Spotify Music App
We all love good music, it entertains us when we’re going for a long car ride, it helps communicate our emotion and more importantly, it can help uplift our mood. My Spotify music app has also introduced me to international artists from various countries, this has been an opportunity to become familiar with other cultures by way of music.

4. Ginger Lemon Tea
As a designer and mental health practitioner, I’m always seeking ways to unwind. Enjoying my favorite tea is a way to slow down and mindfully relax. My favorite flavor is ginger lemon, as I don’t feel the urge to add sugar to it. Taking a tea break, intentionally, encourages recovery and offers a calming effect.

5. Foliage
A styled space is incomplete without foliage, adding a touch of greenery breathes life into it. One of my favorite flowers is hydrangea arranged in a vase, or stems taken from outside to bring in natural elements. During this time, we must find healthy ways to bring the outdoors in.

Work by Brenda Danso:

Photo: Janelle Gokule

Photo: Janelle Gokule

Photo: Janelle Gokule

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

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