Design Experts
20 questions with Jackie Morra
20 questions with Jackie Morra
Design Experts
20 questions with Jackie Morra
"If you don't love it, live without it", is the simple mantra designer Jackie Morra is known for; an idea that she applies to all aspects of life, especially decor. Jackie blends the emotional and practical sides of design to help people feel more connected to their spaces and a make it a reflection of their personality. Jackie's high-energy, positive outlook on life and love of decor is reflected in everything she does. She believes that any space can be transformed with the influence of an inspirational piece that evokes emotion to the owner, complemented with the use of colour, accessories and functional items.
We checked in with Jackie to learn more about her inspiration and her approach to design.
1 If you could shadow any designer for a day, who would it be?
Jackie Morra I have such admiration for so many but my favourite is Nate Berkus because he is so authentic, down to earth and relatable to everyone, whether it be a celebrity or not.
2 Where do you look for an obscure source of inspiration?
JM I love using inspiration from nature and cultures as there can be so many interpretations that can be used for decor that are unique and tell a story seen through the eyes of the owner.
3 Favourite restaurant?
JM You can't go wrong with great Italian cooking and there are few better than Kit Kat in Toronto, or my husband's gourmet home cooked meals. Yummy either way!
4 What's your favourite room to decorate?
JM I really enjoy working on bedrooms because of the fabric choices you have with bedding, drapery and accent pillows. I think it is one of the most important rooms as it is the first and last thing you see each day. Your bedroom should be a source of positive energy with colours and items that inspire you each day.
5 What's your current paint colour obsession?
JM I recently renovated my bedroom and love Smoke (2122-40) from Benjamin Moore. Also, I have always loved purple and even own a dark purple couch; my favourite purple is one from Beauti-Tone called Plum (SD015).
A "spa-like" space of peace, tranquility and luxury was created in this bathroom with the use of subtle colour and materials to make the small space seem more open and airy. In any space, punches of colour and interest can be added with accessories. 6 If one song could be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?
JM Music is a key part of my life so one choice is difficult but if I have to choose it would be Beautiful Day by U2 as it reminds me to remember to see the beauty and gift of each day as you pursue your dreams. It also reminds me that you can choose to always react to life's circumstances at any given time in a grateful way.
7 What's the one store you could spend hours browsing?
JM Teatro Verde for home decor or any Chapters bookstore.
8 London, Paris or New York?
JM I adore Paris for the pastries and the Eiffel tower is stunning at night and a lot larger than I thought. My husband and I walked for two hours to get to the tower, even though it appeared so close to our hotel ... or maybe it was the merlot.
9 If money were no object, what one thing would you buy?
JM A chalet in Switzerland that overlooks mountains, grasslands and stunning blue glacier lakes. I am always in awe of the beauty and colours of nature and adore anything Swiss.
10 What do you consider to be the most iconic design piece of the past century?
JM There are too many to choose from, depending on the mood I'm in! But I would have to say the tub chair is a classic that can always be reinvented and used in modern, eclectic or traditional settings.
11 Favourite movie?
JM Ghost because I am a hopeless romantic and a dreamer who believes true love never dies.
12 What's your favourite movie interior?
JM The regal elegance and grandeur within Titanic and the fact that it was truly one of a kind that no one else will ever experience.
13 What do you think is the easiest way to update a room?
JM For an easy, budget-friendly but impactful update, choose three things in different areas of any space to change. Separate the room into thirds, (upper, middle and lower) and update something in each area. For example: artwork or the walls for the upper, cushions or lighting in the middle and an area rug for the lower. This gives the space a balanced appearance of change from all vantage points.
The cabinetry, walls and backsplash in a fresh white adds to the seamless flow and openness within this kitchen. The dark granite countertop provides a linear contrast and the large island and dark floors help anchor the space. 14 Best coffee table book?
JM Oprah's Dream Big. Nothing gets me going early in the day like some positive inspirational thoughts.
15 What's your fave way to spend a lazy Sunday?
JM With my husband and three year old son, going to church then hanging around just playing and spending quality time.
16 Do you like to be the entertainer or be entertained?
JM Since I was a kid I loved to entertain my mom by dressing up and making different outfits with the bed sheets and anything around the house. Nothing has really changed - I still love to entertain.
17 What do you think is the best renovation you can do to your home?
JM The best reno is one that fits your needs, lifestyle and most importantly, one that inspires you for change. You should have a love affair with each space and not just change things for the sake of "change" because you'll only change it again or feel like it is never finished. If you don't love it, live without it.
18 What is your fave space that you've designed?
JM Bathrooms for comfort and tranquility. A bathroom, to me, is the best place to provide added comfort with features like a rain shower, more natural light and shower space, luxurious textures and great amenities like luxury towels, soaps, pretty storage and stunning light fixtures. Although usually a small space, a bathroom can have great impact with the use of various textures in materials as it is used every day in such a personal way. Pampering is great for some much needed "me" time.
19 What's the biggest design faux pas?
JM Collecting and displaying anything and everything, i.e. knick-knacks. People keeping mementos and posterity items has always been around in terms of decor, however, today it is more about being selective and organized, as well as quality over quantity. With limited space and time and the trend to reduce clutter, collections have become more about meaning. The key is to have the piece or collection be a focal point of interest, but not be overwhelming.
20 Marilyn, Audrey or Jackie?
JM Jackie as I was named after her and we share the same birthday.
The glossy subway tile patterned backsplash provides an understated elegance that is visually pleasing.
We checked in with Jackie to learn more about her inspiration and her approach to design.
1 If you could shadow any designer for a day, who would it be?
Jackie Morra I have such admiration for so many but my favourite is Nate Berkus because he is so authentic, down to earth and relatable to everyone, whether it be a celebrity or not.
2 Where do you look for an obscure source of inspiration?
JM I love using inspiration from nature and cultures as there can be so many interpretations that can be used for decor that are unique and tell a story seen through the eyes of the owner.
3 Favourite restaurant?
JM You can't go wrong with great Italian cooking and there are few better than Kit Kat in Toronto, or my husband's gourmet home cooked meals. Yummy either way!
4 What's your favourite room to decorate?
JM I really enjoy working on bedrooms because of the fabric choices you have with bedding, drapery and accent pillows. I think it is one of the most important rooms as it is the first and last thing you see each day. Your bedroom should be a source of positive energy with colours and items that inspire you each day.
5 What's your current paint colour obsession?
JM I recently renovated my bedroom and love Smoke (2122-40) from Benjamin Moore. Also, I have always loved purple and even own a dark purple couch; my favourite purple is one from Beauti-Tone called Plum (SD015).
A "spa-like" space of peace, tranquility and luxury was created in this bathroom with the use of subtle colour and materials to make the small space seem more open and airy. In any space, punches of colour and interest can be added with accessories. 6 If one song could be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?
JM Music is a key part of my life so one choice is difficult but if I have to choose it would be Beautiful Day by U2 as it reminds me to remember to see the beauty and gift of each day as you pursue your dreams. It also reminds me that you can choose to always react to life's circumstances at any given time in a grateful way.
7 What's the one store you could spend hours browsing?
JM Teatro Verde for home decor or any Chapters bookstore.
8 London, Paris or New York?
JM I adore Paris for the pastries and the Eiffel tower is stunning at night and a lot larger than I thought. My husband and I walked for two hours to get to the tower, even though it appeared so close to our hotel ... or maybe it was the merlot.
9 If money were no object, what one thing would you buy?
JM A chalet in Switzerland that overlooks mountains, grasslands and stunning blue glacier lakes. I am always in awe of the beauty and colours of nature and adore anything Swiss.
10 What do you consider to be the most iconic design piece of the past century?
JM There are too many to choose from, depending on the mood I'm in! But I would have to say the tub chair is a classic that can always be reinvented and used in modern, eclectic or traditional settings.
11 Favourite movie?
JM Ghost because I am a hopeless romantic and a dreamer who believes true love never dies.
12 What's your favourite movie interior?
JM The regal elegance and grandeur within Titanic and the fact that it was truly one of a kind that no one else will ever experience.
13 What do you think is the easiest way to update a room?
JM For an easy, budget-friendly but impactful update, choose three things in different areas of any space to change. Separate the room into thirds, (upper, middle and lower) and update something in each area. For example: artwork or the walls for the upper, cushions or lighting in the middle and an area rug for the lower. This gives the space a balanced appearance of change from all vantage points.
The cabinetry, walls and backsplash in a fresh white adds to the seamless flow and openness within this kitchen. The dark granite countertop provides a linear contrast and the large island and dark floors help anchor the space. 14 Best coffee table book?
JM Oprah's Dream Big. Nothing gets me going early in the day like some positive inspirational thoughts.
15 What's your fave way to spend a lazy Sunday?
JM With my husband and three year old son, going to church then hanging around just playing and spending quality time.
16 Do you like to be the entertainer or be entertained?
JM Since I was a kid I loved to entertain my mom by dressing up and making different outfits with the bed sheets and anything around the house. Nothing has really changed - I still love to entertain.
17 What do you think is the best renovation you can do to your home?
JM The best reno is one that fits your needs, lifestyle and most importantly, one that inspires you for change. You should have a love affair with each space and not just change things for the sake of "change" because you'll only change it again or feel like it is never finished. If you don't love it, live without it.
18 What is your fave space that you've designed?
JM Bathrooms for comfort and tranquility. A bathroom, to me, is the best place to provide added comfort with features like a rain shower, more natural light and shower space, luxurious textures and great amenities like luxury towels, soaps, pretty storage and stunning light fixtures. Although usually a small space, a bathroom can have great impact with the use of various textures in materials as it is used every day in such a personal way. Pampering is great for some much needed "me" time.
19 What's the biggest design faux pas?
JM Collecting and displaying anything and everything, i.e. knick-knacks. People keeping mementos and posterity items has always been around in terms of decor, however, today it is more about being selective and organized, as well as quality over quantity. With limited space and time and the trend to reduce clutter, collections have become more about meaning. The key is to have the piece or collection be a focal point of interest, but not be overwhelming.
20 Marilyn, Audrey or Jackie?
JM Jackie as I was named after her and we share the same birthday.
The glossy subway tile patterned backsplash provides an understated elegance that is visually pleasing.
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