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WELCOME TO
DesignNotes
Your inside look at the ideas, projects, and styling inspiration shaping Ashleen Ashworth.
Here, you’ll find everything from recommended products and paint or lighting tips to behind-the-scenes project updates and the occasional life update from the studio. Think of it as a curated mix of design insights, progress moments, and the details that make a space feel intentional.
Check back monthly for new entries and fresh inspiration.


Time for a Rebrand
Henry Reynolds Design & Co. is becoming Ashleen Ashworth There are moments in a creative practice that don’t arrive as announcements, but as quiet decisions that have been forming for a while in the background - and this is one of those moments. I’ve made the decision to move forward professionally under my married name: Ashleen Ashworth. On the surface, it’s a simple change. In reality, it feels like a gentle realignment - between my name, my work, and the way my practice is


The Spring Edit: Thoughtful pieces to welcome the new season home
With a new season around the corner, I always find myself drawn to pieces that feel a little lighter - softer colours, natural materials, and small objects that bring a fresh energy into a space. The Spring Edit is a collection of a few things that have caught my eye lately. Some practical, some purely decorative, but all pieces that would feel right at home as we move into the brighter months ahead. Souffle Stool Starting off strong with this sweet little stool from SMALLMED


Collecting with Intention: Canadian female artists to know
With International Women's Day approaching, I wanted to highlight a few Canadian artists whose work feels especially relevant when thinking about art in the home. Art can define a space, anchor a room, or gently shift how a space feels - and there’s something powerful about choosing work created by women navigating unique perspectives and practices. The artists below are all represented by Tacit Collective, a Toronto-based platform dedicated to supporting women and gender-div


The Jewelry of the Home: Small details, big impact
When a home feels almost finished, but not quite - the missing piece is often found in the smallest details. Not furniture. Not paint. The hardware, fixtures, and accents that are touched every day but rarely considered. These finishing touches are often considered the jewelry of a home. Why the Small Details Matter in Interior Design It’s often the overlooked elements that disrupt an otherwise beautiful space. Updating hardware and fixtures is one of the most effective ways


Pinterest's 2026 Trends: Styled at home
Pinterest’s 2026 trends point to a shift toward more expressive, layered interiors - here’s how to style them in a way that still feels like home. Cool Blue Contrast through thoughtful colour choices Image via Pinterest, Design by @brandihowe Photography by @therealfrancoisdischinger Pinterest highlights Cool Blue as a trending hue for 2026 - a calming, versatile shade that pairs beautifully with richer, warmer tones. Rather than feeling icy or sterile, cool blue can bring c


Who is Henry Reynolds?
Every so often I get asked, “Who is Henry Reynolds?” And the truth is… he didn’t start as a person. He started as a feeling. So no, he is not my father, grandfather, business partner etc. I am the founder and creator at Henry Reynolds Design - you won't be speaking to Henry - but the path that led me to create this brand is deeply meaningful to me, and I'd love to share a condensed version with you. Back in 2021, I had just moved into a beautiful century home in Port Hope and


2025 Gift Guide: Little luxuries for a well-lived life
A curated collection of pieces that bring a little everyday beauty into the home. The best gifts are the ones that quietly elevate a space - the ones that feel considered, and loved long after the holidays are over. These are a few of the pieces I reach for again and again, whether I’m styling a project, sourcing for clients, or trying to bring a little more lived-in luxury into my own home. Design Books Worth Leaving Out My love language is a beautifully bound book with weig


Counter Intelligence: Choosing the right surface to steal the show
When it comes to countertops, the options are as varied as the design styles they complement. From sleek, modern surfaces to classic, timeless materials, choosing the right countertop can feel like a high-stakes decision. After all, it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about durability, maintenance, and how well it fits into your daily routine. Image sourced from Pinterest @TheHEdittt Before diving into the pros and cons of my top five picks, let’s set the stage: the perfect c


Coffee Table Books: My top 25 picks
I would argue that there isn't a surface out there that wouldn't be elevated by the addition of a gorgeous stack of books. I don't believe in someone having "too many books", it's just not possible. Today, I'm sharing a list with some of the coffee table books I have throughout my own home and a couple on my wish list. Whether you're interested in starting your own collection, looking to purchase a gift for someone or just curious to read my list of favourites - enjoy my top


A Gift Guide: For the design lover
There are so many beautiful things to look forward to when it comes to the holidays. Cozying up indoors, spending more time with family and friends and having a little extra time off from the everyday grind are only a few that come to mind. No matter how many festive beverages we drink or holiday cookies we snack on, this seasons' stress is inevitable for so many! We've put together a gift guide for anyone who's stress comes from wondering what to gift this season. These are


Fall Favourites: From the Crate&Barrel collection with Athena Calderone
This is in no way sponsored - I have loved everything Athena has produced since discovering her and her incredible talents. This new collaboration between Crate&Barrel and Athena is absolutely breathtaking and I wanted to share my favourite pieces with you. Rodin White Boucle Dining Chair The perfect chair for any space. Place it beside a console table in a foyer or hallway, use it as a vanity chair or as an accent chair in a bedroom or living space. There is no going wrong w


Paint Like A Pro: Choosing the right white
As one of the most common choices when it comes to paint colours in a modern home, it's important to take your time when selecting a white paint. While there may never be one perfect white to please everyone, there are some things to keep in mind when making a selection to ensure you've picked the right white for your space. Consider the lighting. There are so many uncertainties when it comes to paint. One thing you'll always be able to count on is it looking different in e


Let's Talk Stairs: A statement making entrance
Sometimes, you've just got to go for it - this stands true with both life and design. When planning the look for our foyer staircase, I knew I wanted it to be timeless, but bold. This is the first glimpse into our home and I wanted it to be a creative one! The beautifully classic black and white stripes we settled on were perfect solution. The runner we had on our stairs prior to this new one was a thick, neutral jute. It was great for a time but it lacked any sort of persona


Paint Like A Pro: Cabinet colours that aren't white
There is no denying that an all white kitchen can be absolutely breathtaking. That being said, it's not the only option. Dark cabinetry and especially lower kitchen cabinets, are having a real moment and I'm here to embrace it 100%. Dark cabinetry will add drama and an element of interest to a space. They're also better at disguising food spills and scratches long term. Here are 3 dark cabinet colours I've been recommending to clients and loving lately; BENJAMIN MOORE Wrought
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