The reality TV star and new mom talks designing with baby and the importance of decorating with color.

When you’re the interior designer behind a binge-worthy reality show like Love It or List It, Too,  designing your own space should be easy, right? Not exactly. Reality TV star (and former Bachelorette) Jillian Harris says it’s actually harder to make those design decisions when it comes to your own home. “There are so many factors that come into play that it’s much harder for me to decide what I want,” Harris says. Add decorating with a new baby to the mix, and there’s a whole other layer of functionality that needs to be addressed. Read on to see how Harris achieved this fresh look for her Vancouver residence all while keeping her adorable baby Leo in mind.

Describe the vibes of your condo in three words.

Fresh, clean, and functional.

What was your inspiration when designing this apartment?

I actually designed everything with Leo in mind. Even though it’s still delicate and there is a ton of white, it's still baby-friendly and functional. We got rid of the knickknacks, clutter, and hard edges. We replaced them with lots of soft corners and then added some pops of color and softer finishes.

You write a lot about fashion on your blog. Do you think personal style affects interior design style?

I definitely think fashion and interior design go hand-in-hand. If you have good style in one, then you will probably have good style in the other! It’s all about having an eye for what looks good together.

You’re an interior designer by trade and create many spaces on Love It or List It, Too . Is your design approach similar when it comes to decorating your own home?

Yes and no. I have an amazing design team on Love It or List It, Too which really helps me bring my ideas to fruition and keeps me on track. When it comes to my own home, it can be really tough to choose what the best option is. There are so many great products out there.

Your main residence is Kelowna, British Columbia, but this Vancouver space is where you stay while filming Love It or List It, Too . How do you make it feel like home while you're here? 

This may sound crazy, but I try to have two of everything so that I’m not constantly bringing things back and forth or forgetting anything! It’s also fun having two spaces to decorate as well. The Vancouver home in particular needs to be functional and clutter-free without feeling too cold. It took a ton of trial and error to get it feeling just right!

Between splitting your time between two homes, filming, your blog, and a new baby, your life seems pretty busy. What’s your secret to keeping a balanced, happy home, while making sure it remains a place of relaxation?

I’m definitely still working on that! I am all about tons of storage and having an “everything has its place” mantra. Ultimately, my house needs to be clean and orderly so that when I am home I can focus on Leo and my family, and just relax. It’s a balancing act, but I’m fortunate enough to have help from a few different people who make it all a lot easier on me! 

You recently had a beautiful baby boy. How did that affect your design choices?

Before I had Leo, I wanted his nursery to be white, gray, and neutral—including his toys. Now that I’m watching him grow and develop, I understand the importance of decorating with color. That's why I wanted to add pops of brightness to the Vancouver nursery for him, and I absolutely love the way it turned out!

What are some of your favorite pieces throughout the house?

I love the headboard in my bedroom, and the chair in Leo’s nursery was something that I had my eye on for quite some time. I also love the new sofa. The living room is small but the sofa is oversized—It’s like having a king-size bed for our living room! 

"Before having Leo, I wanted his nursery to be white, gray, and neutral—including his toys. Now that I’m watching him grow and develop, I understand the importance of decorating with color. "

Jillian Harris