Meet the Designer: Tom Symes

HG Designs

Tom Symes

Meet the Designer

Toronto interior designer Tom Symes is a master at creating timeless, liveable interiors that incorporate his clients’ worldly experiences and treasured keepsakes. An instinctive designer, Tom loves to mix periods and invest in quality basics that last a lifetime while incorporating unique antiques and contemporary art. Whether it’s a city residence, country home or cottage on a lake, Tom’s fine-tuned skills will ensure you’ll never want to leave. We recently asked him what fuels his work.

HG: How would you define your style?

TS: My design style can be best described as a blend of livable luxury. I love incorporating antique discoveries and timeless art, accessories, and furniture into my designs.

HG: When did you first become interested in design?

TS: I've been passionate about design for as long as I can remember. Even as a young boy, my bedroom resembled something out of an interior design magazine, meticulously curated with matching elements and styled shelves filled with stuffed animals, toy cars, and boats. I chose this profession because it doesn’t feel like “work” to me. It’s extremely fulfilling even when obstacles present themselves.

HG: Who or what inspires you?

TS: Both my parents played a significant role in instilling a love for well-designed spaces in me. My father, Richard, renovated numerous historical properties in Toronto and was an avid antique collector, while my mother, Pamela, shares design sensibilities with Jacqueline Kennedy! A few of the designers who inspire me include Michael Angus, Nate Berkus, Steven Gambrel, and Rose Uniacke.

G: Where is your happy place?

TS: My happy places include my screened porch at our cottage with my two cocker spaniels, the beautiful beaches of Saint Barths, and exploring Europe for design inspiration.

HG: What's your favourite part of the design process?

TS: My favourite part of the design process is when the initial vision transforms into reality, and my clients are genuinely thrilled with the outcome.

HG: Favourite room in the house?

TS: My favourite room in any house is typically the one where people gather the most. It's where the heart of the home truly resides.

HG: Best entertaining tip?

TS: My best entertaining tip is to marry someone who can cook, allowing you to focus on decorating and hosting. It's a winning combination for memorable gatherings.