HG Design
Clarisa Llaneza
Meet the Designer
Toronto-based designer Clarisa Llaneza approaches interiors as a form of visual storytelling — where light, material, and space work together to create something quietly considered. With a background in architectural lighting, her work is defined by a sensitivity to how spaces feel as much as how they look. Drawing on influences from Le Corbusier to Axel Vervoordt, Clarisa creates homes that are restrained, intentional, and deeply connected to the way people live.
HG: How would you define your style?
CL: I would describe my style as collected, layered, and deeply personal. It draws from travel, art and architecture, but is always grounded in how a space is meant to be lived in. I’m interested in creating interiors that feel timeless rather than trend-driven—spaces that evolve over time, where every piece has meaning and contributes to a quiet sense of richness.
HG: When did you first become interested in design / how or why did you choose your profession?
CL: My interest in design started quite early, but it was shaped less by formal exposure and more by observation. Spending time in the Dominican Republic had a profound impact on me—seeing how people with very little were still able to create homes that felt beautiful, warm, and deeply personal. There was such a strong sense of pride and care in those spaces. That contrast—between how I lived and how they lived—really stayed with me. It made me aware that design isn’t about excess, but about intention. That was when I started experimenting with my own space, even just my bedroom, thinking about how it could feel more considered and meaningful. Choosing design as a profession felt like a natural extension of that early awareness. Today, my work is still rooted in that idea—that a home should feel personal, layered, and lived in, regardless of scale.
HG: Who and/or what inspires you?
CL: I draw inspiration from a range of places—architecture, art, fashion, and travel being the most constant. I’m particularly drawn to the quiet, intentional work of Tadao Ando—there’s a restraint and material sensitivity that I find incredibly compelling. At the same time, I’m equally inspired by the more layered and expressive approach of Carlo Scarpa, especially in the way materials meet and spaces unfold. Beyond architecture, a lot of my inspiration comes from more sensory and personal places—the fashion, nature, scents, and memory, memories of travel, of home, particularly the homes I grew up in. A certain light, a texture, or even a smell can bring you back to a place or a moment, and I’m always interested in translating that feeling into a space. It’s really that balance—between restraint and richness, precision and emotion—that continues to shape my work.
HG: Where’s your happy place?
CL: Somewhere in nature—open land, fields, something a little raw and untouched. Ideally with water nearby, which always brings a sense of calm. Even better if its in Europe, I dream of a place in the European countryside one day! Those kinds of places have a way of slowing everything down and bringing you back to what matters. And anywhere like that feels even more meaningful when I’m there with my boys.
HG: What’s your favourite part of the design process?
CL: The beginning of the process is always my favourite—when everything is still open and we’re defining the direction. It’s a very intuitive phase, where I’m listening closely and starting to understand how a client lives, what they’re drawn to, and what matters to them. I see my role as translating that into a clear design language—shaping something that feels both personal and elevated. That moment when everything starts to come together conceptually is always the most exciting.
HG: Styling tip?
CL: Layer, but edit. Mix materials and heights, but always leave space for things to breathe—that’s what makes a space feel elevated rather than overstyled. Just as important is keeping it personal—spaces should feel collected over time, not styled all at once. I’m always drawn to pieces that carry memory or meaning, objects that remind you of a place, a moment, or a story. At the same time, styling should always reflect the people you’re designing for. Sometimes more can be more—it’s about understanding the balance that feels right for them. That balance between restraint, layering, and personal history is what makes a space feel truly considered.
HG: Favourite room in the house?
CL: It’s funny—I didn’t grow up in a home where the kitchen was a central gathering space. I rarely went into it as a child, aside from the occasional moment helping make brownies or peeling beans. But after moving to New York and later on to Canada and being exposed to a different way of living, the kitchen has become one of my favourite places. I’ve come to appreciate it as the heart of the home—where everything naturally comes together. At the same time, I’ve always been drawn to the living room—more of a formal space, but one that still feels relaxed and inviting. A room that can immediately tell you so much about who lives there. A place to unwind at the end of the day, put on a great record, and just be. I think I’m most interested in spaces that hold both—connection and calm, energy and quiet. But as a designer, it’s hard to choose. I’m most drawn to the rooms that allow us to express the place, the space, and the people who inhabit it—spaces that not only reflect a way of living, but meaningfully enhance it.
HG: Best entertaining tip or favourite ritual when you entertain?
CL: I LOVE entertaining—it’s something I grew up with, in a home that was always filled with family and friends coming and going. For a time, my friends and I would take turns hosting monthly dinners, and I always loved the moments I got to host. We live in a very small house without a formal dining room, so I would build a table out of plywood in our living room and transform it into something really special. I’ve always loved the opportunity to set a table in a unique way and make guests feel truly considered. I usually welcome everyone with a cocktail of the night to set the tone—paired with good music, great food, and a beautifully layered tablescape. That said, I think the best hosting is about making people feel completely at home. It’s less about perfection and more about atmosphere—music in the background, food meant to be shared, and a space that feels warm and inviting rather than overly set. My biggest tip is to prepare as much as possible in advance so that once guests arrive, I can actually enjoy the moment with them. - I should take a hint from my own advise! - That sense of ease is what makes people feel comfortable. There’s something about creating that kind of environment—thoughtful, slightly improvised, and personal—that makes the evening feel truly memorable.
HG: What are you coveting right now (from Hopson Grace)?
CL: I’m always drawn to pieces that elevate everyday rituals. At the moment, I’m coveting beautiful glassware and anything for the table—handblown glasses, sculptural serving pieces, and linen napkins that feel soft and lived-in. There’s something about those details that makes even the simplest moment feel considered.
Get in touch with Clarisa @clarisallaneza | www.clarisallaneza.com
