Talk Shop: Ashley Montgomery // Ashley Montgomery Design
Photography by Lauren Miller
ABOUT ASHLEY
Ashley Montgomery Design is a Toronto-based interiors studio known for crafting soulful spaces that are as timeless as they are livable. With over 15 years of experience, Ashley has developed a signature style that feels earthy, collected, and beautifully worn-in—rooms layered with texture, comfort, and character.
Drawing inspiration from her rural upbringing, where nature and craftsmanship were part of everyday life, Ashley brings an old-world sensibility into modern homes. Her projects, which span high-end residences and boutique commercial spaces across North America, reflect her belief that interiors should be both deeply personal and effortlessly inviting. Each design is rooted in warmth and authenticity, with a focus on creating homes that feel as good as they look.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Comfortable, timeless, unique.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My kids, nature, and my clients. My kids have taught me how to live in a home that’s beautiful but not precious.
Nature is forever an inspiration, always changing and always evolving. Growing up on a lake, experiencing the four seasons in the country was one thing I will be forever thankful for—seeing how colors can interact with one another and the beauty in the imperfect. And when clients trust you and push you all at the same time. They have influenced me to push my limits and try something different.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
Straight out of design school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I dabbled in things here and there, but never loved working for someone else. I wanted to see my visions come to life and tell my story. I decided to go out on my own and never looked back. I worked on living rooms, decor projects, small renos—you name it, I did it. The art of seeing what a space could be is what I love the most. Creating spaces that our clients truly love is a feeling that I will never tire of. It allowed me to learn in the field and build a brand and team to support me.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I don't know if I have a mentor, per se, but I have a large network of entrepreneurial friends in and out of the field that I lean on for advice and guidance. I am a big believer in putting things out into the universe, and it will come back to you. Pushing yourself into uncomfortable situations and using every experience, good or bad, as a learning lesson.
What does your home say about you:
My current home has been a labor of love. It’s quaint and cozy, truly a space to unwind and create memories with family and friends. I love how unique the space is, and it’s filled with all of my curiosities and collections from all over the world. I love when spaces tell a story, and I feel like my home does just that—it tells my story of new beginnings and truly leaning into who I am.
Where do you find inspiration:
I don't know if there is one place in particular that I find inspiration. I'm such a visual person, so a little detail on something small can catch my eye and be my inspiration for our next color scheme. I do love fabrics. Seeing how textile designers mix colors and patterns is always so inspiring.
Who are your style icons:
Ralph Lauren and my grandmother. There's something about those classic patterns and effortless charm. My grandmother was such an inspiration. She was of the era where everything was celebrated and details were everything. How you presented yourself and your home told a story.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Brass candlesticks and drippy wax. Fresh flowers and a great playlist. There’s something magical about watching the candles melt away over great conversations.
Do you collect anything:
You could say I collect everything. If I love something, I buy it. I've started collections of things I didn’t know I needed. I have a soft spot for vintage glassware and ironstone, quilts, and art. When collecting vintage, no two things are alike, and I love the stories they bring into a home.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@robertkime - I never tire of his pattern play
@marthastewart - she is the original inspiration for life
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Design rules are meant to be broken. Someone once told me you need to “color outside the lines,” so if there had to be a rule to follow, that would be it.
What are you working on right now:
We have a lot of projects on the go right now. We are working on a gorgeous home in Montecito that is historic and full of so much character. We’re kicking off a home outside of Toronto in horse country and rolling hills that will be a ground-up build. A new build in the heart of Toronto that will be filled with color and pattern. Getting ready to photograph a project in DC, we just wrapped up another in Calgary. Lots of other projects are in different phases, but each has a unique feel and story. We also just launched our first ceramics line featuring lights and vases + wine buckets, which has been so exciting and a fun creative outlet!
Wardrobe staples:
You’ll usually find me in jeans and a button-up. In the summer, it's flowy dresses and a statement hat.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Jasper and Lulie Wallace. I love the history and the old English vibe Jasper brings, while on the other ha,nd I love the whimsical playfulness of Lulie Wallace's collection.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Trust your gut. Don't chase trends. Keep the blinders on and do what feels right to you.
Best career advice you ever received:
Sometimes you just have to say no. Work with people who want to work with you because they love the work you produce. You can’t say yes to everything and everyone. Set boundaries and work on what gives you joy—that’s when you truly produce the best work.
Running a business and having a family can stretch you pretty thin. Someone once told me to imagine you’re juggling rubber balls and glass balls. If you drop a glass one, it will break; if you drop a rubber one, you can pick it up again. Figure out what is rubber and what is glass in your life. What needs your attention now, and what can wait.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in your most used areas. This is generally kitchen and living room furniture. We want to make sure the products we choose can stand up to day-to-day life. Invest in good upholstery—pieces that can be recovered when the time comes and stay with you for a lifetime. Save on decor items, like pillows, seasonal dishware, etc. I also love going to discount fabric warehouses to look for fabric remnants for curtains and tablecloths.
Your greatest extravagance:
Experiences! I love going out to new restaurants, exploring new towns, and trying new foods. Food makes me happy, and I have no problem splurging on moments I will remember forever
Favorite places to shop for home:
Antique markets by far, even the local Value Village and Facebook Marketplace. I love the thrill of a find.
Most prized possession and why:
My grandmother's sterling silver flatware. I love that it’s been used for generations, and I can pass it along to my children one day.
Your interiors motto:
If it doesn’t function, it’s not worth doing. It can be the prettiest room in the world, but if it doesn’t function, it’s useless.
Your life motto:
Everything will be fine… my staff joke this is my answer for everything, but it is true. Everything will be fine!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
If it brings you joy, do it. Don't follow anyone else. Trust your gut. Your style will change as your confidence grows and hone in on that. Be transparent and open with your clients, too. We all make mistakes and things happen, but it’s how you approach it and resolve it that will earn their trust during a project.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: A wood fired pizza gets me every time
Drink: A cold dry glass of cava
Film: My Best friend’s Wedding
Hotel: Wildflower in upstate New York
City: Charleston
Bedding: Tuck bedding
Playlist: Depends on the day … but basically oldies, songs you want to raise your kids to
Weekend Activity: Grabbing a coffee, strolling the farmers market + antique shops
Design Book: Create by Ali Heath