If you’re a regular Living Luxe reader, you already know Darlene Janeiro from our many stories featuring her exceptionally exquisite residential projects — each one striking, distinctive, perfectly appointed and meticulously designed. As the founder and principal of her thriving eponymous design firm based in Oakville and servicing the neighbouring regions and Greater Toronto Area, Janeiro has been in the business for 16 years. In that time, she’s grown as a creative designer and a seasoned entrepreneur. Today, the Darlene Janeiro Design Group not only continues to offer a plethora of design services (from complete renovations and remodels to commercial and hospitality projects, which she and her team take from conception to completion), but they also operate a busy retail business. With her strong entrepreneurial spirit, she’s introduced a new series of workshops, as well as a mentorship and partnership program to benefit her colleagues who operate their own small businesses.
When it comes to her core design work, Janeiro continues to offer homeowners what she proudly calls “private label living” — a principle built on her passion and dedication to ensuring clients receive an effortless, personalized and refined approach and experience when moving through the various phases of a renovation or refresh. Her main goal is consistent with each project she takes — she wants her clients’ expectations to be exceeded and she cares about how much they enjoy their space. “Our aim is to take the stress out of the process and provide our clients with results that reflect their individuality, seamlessly fit their lifestyle and truly spark joy,” she says.
The retail component of the business features an exciting, bold selection of personally curated furniture, decor accessories and other elegant items (including original artwork created by local artists, and new product lines sourced from around the world) that mirror Janeiro’s design services and philosophy. “Nothing we do is cookie cutter, and I take that approach with the products and pieces we bring into the studio. I wanted it to be unique and different — that’s what has elevated the brand, and, over time, it’s been a big part of our growth,” she says. “We don’t order multiples of the same piece. I believe in one-of-a-kind, distinct items that talk to homeowners and will be unique in their space. What we carry is part of how we are redefining ourselves and growing in new ways.”
Janeiro and her team have grown and elevated the brand in several ways over the last few months — they’re now catering to hospitality clients, they relaunched their website (darlenejaneirodesign.com) to announce updated services and they introduced the store’s ecommerce platform. Janeiro and her team have worked to innovatively expand the list of services to accommodate and promote the different lifestyles within the brand. Janeiro has also expanded into the Florida market. What’s more, she was recently recognized by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce as a finalist in the Entrepreneur category at the annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence. “What I do is beyond design — you have to be an entrepreneur and wear many hats to run a successful business.”
This is all thrilling, but what’s perhaps even more rousing for her skilled and appreciated team are the workshops and partnerships Janeiro is cultivating. “Our workshops will guide individuals and give them inspiration using mood boards. For example, we’ll offer workshops for new parents who are looking to create a calming space for their infants, and workshops for empty nesters who are trading one-time bedrooms for areas dedicated to their hobbies. It’s all about empowering clients when it comes to colour, texture and how to repurpose pieces to make their space more unique.” She will also hold sessions focused on the importance of sustainability and how to work with existing elements to create a revitalized space.
“NOTHING WE DO IS COOKIE CUTTER, AND I TAKE THAT APPROACH WITH THE PRODUCTS AND PIECES WE BRING INTO THE STUDIO. I WANTED IT TO BE UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT — THAT’S WHAT HAS ELEVATED THE BRAND, AND, OVER TIME, IT’S BEEN A BIG PART OF OUR GROWTH.”
At the same time, the business-to-business program she’s conceptualized for designers, contractors and architects is all about mentorship and leveraging her buying power, as an established firm. “I’m finding professionals are coming in and asking for help with sourcing for their projects,” she says. “I’m excited to be providing mentorship to new designers who are still learning the ropes. I can provide industry expertise, share product knowledge, purchasing power and impart my wisdom. I’m really enjoying guiding these professionals.” At this point in her journey, Janeiro’s business has taken on its own identity. “It’s gratifying to elevate my brand by offering new services,” she says enthusiastically. “It’s very rewarding and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
