Hi Britt! Please provide us with some more details on Reunion Interiors. How did you develop it, and what sets it apart?

Reunion Interiors, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, specializes in interior decorating, carpentry, millwork, and joinery. Founded in 2022 by Britt and Carlos Bengoechea, Reunion Interiors officially emerged after years of extensive experience renovating, milling, and reviving spaces. Together, they skillfully design spaces worldwide while creating bespoke items that draw inspiration from their European heritage.

Reunion Interiors was built upon a passion for interiors and a commitment to helping clients create a space they’ll love, regardless of how large or small a budget may be. We believe everyone should have a home that genuinely and authentically reflects them. We aim to design spaces and products that honor traditional interiors while embracing modern evolution. We see home as a place for transformation and representation.

Did you remodel your entire home? If so, were there specific rooms that were more challenging than others? Why?

We believe in intentional design, and sometimes, it works best to take a one-room approach. That is exactly what we’re doing with our home. Each room is considered with an overall goal while keeping it cohesive with the rest of the design elements throughout the home.

How did you choose the hardware featured in this project? What attracted you to Grandeur Hardware?

I like to call door hardware the jewelry of the house. Almost every room in a home has doors, and to keep a home cohesive, seamless hardware throughout is the perfect way to bring harmony and pull a house together. Grandeur Hardware stands the test of time, not only with nostalgic designs, but the craftsmanship cannot be beaten.

How long did this project take to complete?

Each door upgrade took about 20 minutes, but will now have a lifetime of admiration!

Will you use this hardware again in other projects/areas of your home? If so, why?

Absolutely. With hundreds of timeless options, there are styles for everyone. Since installing our hardware, I cannot imagine having a home without Grandeur Hardware.

Did you learn any tips and tricks about door hardware that would benefit others?

If you’re looking for a way to tie your home together and want something substantial, timeless, and minimal (but not boring!), Grandeur Hardware is the way to achieve this. Sometimes, the smallest details have the biggest impact on a home, and changing your door hardware is something that is easily overlooked but makes a world of difference.

What is your design style, and how do you incorporate those decorating decisions within your home?

I gravitate towards traditional and warm spaces influenced by European design and wholeheartedly embrace designing spaces purposefully crafted to mirror European lifestyles. I believe in intentional design and meaningful living.

Where do you find design inspiration?

There are so many wonderful and unconventional places to find design inspiration, and finding beauty in the mundane is my favourite place to help gather inspiration. Some of my favourite ways to do this are taking a day trip to the Rocky Mountains and taking photos of colours that instantly pull me in or sorting through archived Architectural Digest magazines. I heavily gravitate towards nostalgic and timeless design; sometimes, it’s worth returning to previous decades and learning to reincorporate those designs with current trends.

When starting a project, how do you organize and plan for it?

When starting with a new project, I’ll first create a vision board that encapsulates how I want that space to feel. I firmly believe in a design approach that embraces igniting imagination and evoking emotion. Once the tone of a room is set, that’s where the fun part begins…finding all the pieces and creating harmony is like finishing a puzzle. Everything planned for a space gets organized in a way that will reflect the initial vision board. This includes paint colours, hard finishes, textures, fabrics, and lighting.

How did/do you choose a house to buy and renovate?

The most important thing to me when buying a home is the layout. How does your family function? How do you want your home to flow? What feels “right”? We purchased our current home, SIGHT UNSEEN. Having a background in real estate, I am constantly looking at new homes on the market. The second I stumbled upon the home that we’re in, I knew the layout was exactly what we needed as a family. While it needed updating, we looked beyond that and saw the bones of the home and an opportunity to make it our own, one room at a time.

Many people want to take on large remodeling projects. What are some recommendations for readers who wish to do an extensive remodel project?

If you’re hiring a general contractor or interior designer to oversee your project, make sure you’re diligently checking their previous work and customer satisfaction and that they understand your goals for the space. Renovations come with headaches; unfortunately, this is the downfall of a large remodel, but when you get your ducks in a row from the get-go, the rest falls into place. You’re creating a team, and you’re in the driver’s seat.

Look at materials, finishes, and samples within your space before committing. Each space and home is different and comes with various factors, such as which way sunlight pours into a home. Sampling before committing is KEY to ensuring a seamless installation. Sometimes, it’s worth it to seek advice, whether it’s a design consultation or taking a step back before going full throttle. This can ultimately save you thousands in the end and free up more of your budget.

What are some tips for readers who wish to transform their home?

Just go for it. Of course, it’s important to think about resale, but I think we’ve reached a critical turning point where homeowners and renters are realizing that it is OK to make a house—HOME. Instead of making choices based on resale and current trends, homeowners and renters are choosing colours, patterns, and furnishings that they like and that will bring them enjoyment in day-to-day living.

Are you working on any other properties or projects besides your own home?

We’re constantly evolving and working on projects for our wonderful clients all across North America. Nothing brings me more joy than helping others translate their vision and goals into real-life living. Whether it's something as simple as a colour consult or a full gut remodel, each client receives our undivided attention. We’re about to embark on a no-demo laundry room renovation in our own home.

What is next?

The house hunt is always on. As we’re looking, we’re paying keen attention to something with great bones that will allow us to bring our Reunion Interiors flair. It could be in a few years, or maybe even a few months before we make our next move, but when it happens, I know one thing for sure…each door will be dressed with Grandeur Hardware!