If playing it safe with bland, tone on tone décor is your thing, then don’t bother bringing Meredith Heron on board to head up your next interior design project. The Toronto-based principal designer at Meredith Heron Design Inc. is renowned for pulling together outstanding colour & pattern combos. Ergo, pallid palettes need not apply.

“I am obsessed with colour,” admits Heron, who is currently working on a 7000-sq ft. house in Boston, several Alberta residences as well as some beautiful homes in and around the Toronto area. “To me, a space is defined by the conversation that occurs between colour, pattern and texture.”

With more than 16 years of experience, this style pro knows what she speaks of too. That’s why her clients have come to trust her creative process…even if it means relinquishing some control and boldly going where they’ve never gone before.

“While I think that clients need to be involved in the initial groundwork, I prefer having more autonomy as storyteller to weave their unique story together,” she says, adding, “I most definitely challenge my clients to get out of their comfort zones – especially when it comes to colour and pattern.”

In addition to pushing the boundaries with colour & pattern, Heron is a big fan of incorporating wood into her designs.

“Wood is an amazing texture that breathes life into any project,” says Heron, a regular guest host and design expert on several national TV shows including “Restaurant Makeover.” So without further ado, here, then, are Heron’s top three pro tips for wood-loving decorators:

Strike a Balance

If you have 3/4 or 1/2 wood paneling on walls & wood floors in a room, you need to balance the wood out through texture and pattern to keep it from feeling heavy. Grasscloth wallpaper above the paneling is great way to add texture & colour and plays nice with the wood. An area carpet is a must on the wood floor as well to break up the wood on wood. It allows you to appreciate the wood more when you contrast it with another texture & pattern.

See the Light

In a small dark room, too much wood can be oppressive. If you can’t bear to paint it out, adding a wash to the wood can tone it down or lighten it up while keeping the grain and feel that wood has in a space.

Hit the Ceiling

In rooms that lack architecture or need character, adding tongue n groove wood paneling to the ceiling and white washing or liming it with a grey glaze mixture is a great way to add charm and personality to a boring box.