The Designer’s Journal: The Art of Joyful Design with Cynthia Ferguson

For designer Cynthia Ferguson, more is definitely more—but always in the most thoughtful way. Known for her maximalist-meets-joyful approach, Cynthia creates layered, personality-filled spaces that tell a deeply meaningful story. Whether it’s a drapery detail inspired by her travels or a perfectly placed piece of hardware, every element in her designs serves a purpose: to delight, surprise, and spark connection.

“My home is a love letter to my life,” she shares. Overflowing with pattern, color, and collected objects, her space reflects a design philosophy rooted in emotion and experience. We caught up with Cynthia to learn more about her inspirations, her signature use of Schoolhouse lighting and hardware, and why the little details always make the biggest impact.

Describe your design style in three words.

Maximum, collected, and joyful.

Where do you draw your design inspiration from?

I mostly find inspiration from my travels (especially the little details), like a drapery treatment, trim, or moulding—it’s always small details that transport my designs to the next level.

What does your home say about you?

My home says I need to clean it at the moment! My house is definitely colorful, pattern-filled and joyful. Every surface features objects I have collected over the years, inherited or found. It is a love letter to my life.

Can you share what your favorite Schoolhouse product is?

My favourite products are the lighting and the cabinet hardware. I can use them in almost every single project and they are the subtle product placement that makes the entire vignette. If I remove the Schoolhouse product, the room would fall flat—the lighting and hardware designs are just that good!