Starting a home together is less about filling space, and more about choosing what stays — the pieces you’ll use every day, the ones that quietly shape how your life unfolds. Toronto-based designer Clarisa Llaneza approaches interiors this way — through light, material, and a deep sense of intention. Her work, featured in Architectural Digest and recognized among House & Home’s Top 100 Canadian Designers, reflects a thoughtful approach to how we live.
"I’m interested in creating interiors that feel timeless rather than trend-driven—spaces that evolve over time, where every piece has meaning and contributes to a quiet sense of richness."
Clarisa’s work is defined by restraint — a careful balance of light, material, and proportion. Her spaces feel calm, intentional, and quietly resolved.
On what makes a home
THE REGISTRY: How would you define your style?
CL: I tend to gravitate toward restraint. I’m less interested in decoration, and more in how a space feels — how light moves through it, how materials interact, and how everything sits together over time.
THE REGISTRY: What matters most when designing a space to live in?
CL: It’s about choosing pieces that last — not just physically, but emotionally. Things you return to every day without thinking. The goal isn’t to fill a space, but to create something that feels calm, grounded, and lived in.
THE REGISTRY: What advice would you give couples building their registry?
CL: Focus on what you’ll live with daily. Objects that feel considered, that age well, and that don’t rely on trend. A registry should feel like a foundation — something you can build on over time.
THE REGISTRY:
Styling tip?
CL: Layer, but edit. Mix materials and heights, but always leave space for things to breathe—that’s what makes a space feel elevated rather than overstyled. Just as important is keeping it personal—spaces should feel collected over time, not styled all at once. I’m always drawn to pieces that carry memory or meaning, objects that remind you of a place, a moment, or a story. At the same time, styling should always reflect the people you’re designing for. Sometimes more can be more—it’s about understanding the balance that feels right for them. That balance between restraint, layering, and personal history is what makes a space feel truly considered.
THE REGISTRY: What are you coveting right now (from The Registry)?
CL: I’m always drawn to pieces that elevate everyday rituals. At the moment, I’m coveting beautiful glassware and anything for the table—handblown glasses, sculptural serving pieces, and linen napkins that feel soft and lived-in. There’s something about those details that makes even the simplest moment feel considered.
THE REGISTRY:
Best entertaining tip or favourite ritual when you entertain?
CL: I LOVE entertaining—it’s something I grew up with, in a home that was always filled with family and friends coming and going. For a time, my friends and I would take turns hosting monthly dinners, and I always loved the moments I got to host. We live in a very small house without a formal dining room, so I would build a table out of plywood in our living room and transform it into something really special. I’ve always loved the opportunity to set a table in a unique way and make guests feel truly considered. I usually welcome everyone with a cocktail of the night to set the tone—paired with good music, great food, and a beautifully layered tablescape. That said, I think the best hosting is about making people feel completely at home. It’s less about perfection and more about atmosphere—music in the background, food meant to be shared, and a space that feels warm and inviting rather than overly set. My biggest tip is to prepare as much as possible in advance so that once guests arrive, I can actually enjoy the moment with them. - I should take a hint from my own advise! - That sense of ease is what makes people feel comfortable. There’s something about creating that kind of environment—thoughtful, slightly improvised, and personal—that makes the evening feel truly memorable.
