A Q&A with Interior Design Emily Staunton

The founder of Hatfield Design & Co. talks about her journey from fine arts to interiors, the launch of her rug collection, and how her showroom has become both a design destination and collaborative hub

Toronto interior designer Emily Staunton, founder of Hatfield Design & Co. (hd+co), has worn many hats over her career—interior designer, buyer and product developer—with projects and sourcing trips that have taken her everywhere from India to Europe. That global perspective, paired with a love of colour and pattern rooted in her Toronto upbringing, eventually led her to launch her own rug collection this year. Defined by a philosophy of “livable luxury,” the line focuses on timeless, sustainable designs that balance everyday practicality with a refined aesthetic. With her showroom now open at Designers Walk, Staunton is not only showcasing her collection but also carving out a space for collaboration within Toronto’s design community.

Can you tell us about where your design journey began and what shaped your aesthetic?

Going way back, I’ve always been a creative person. I knew early on I was interested in the arts, so I studied fine arts and design. I loved the hands-on classes—painting, sculpture, printmaking—and that became the foundation of my creative side. My grandfather owned a wallpaper company in Toronto, and he would lend me the large sample books. I’d go through them and see how colour and pattern worked together. Growing up around that definitely sparked something in me—it gave me an understanding of how illustration, pattern and interior elements all connect. That love of colour, pattern and design really shaped me.

What inspired you to start your own studio?

I’d always worked in creative fields—interior design, product development—but starting my own company happened almost by chance. I was between jobs when a friend, a real estate agent, asked if I’d take on a client who needed help with her new home. I had never led a project on my own before, but I said yes. That project was really energizing. I loved every part of the creative process—working with the client, understanding what they gravitated toward, and then translating that into the overall look and feel. And, of course, the before-and-after transformation is so satisfying. That first project showed me I could do this full time.

How do you see Toronto’s design scene influencing your work?

Toronto is such a multicultural city. You can immerse yourself in so many cultures and aesthetics, and that variety shapes the design community here. I’ve been lucky to work alongside some incredible designers and take inspiration from them. I also think Toronto clients are very open-minded. They’re willing to mix antiques with Scandinavian pieces, or modern with something more traditional. That openness reflects the city itself—worldly and diverse—and it’s inspiring to design in that environment.

What led you to open your showroom, and what kind of experience did you want to create there?

The showroom came about when I launched my rug collection. I needed somewhere to store the rugs, but I also wanted a space that really spoke to the HD+Co brand. I could have rented a warehouse, but I wanted something beautiful and immersive where people could come in, touch and feel the rugs, and understand the collection as part of a larger vision. Rugs are the foundation of a room, and I wanted to create an environment that inspires people when they’re choosing them.

How has the showroom changed your workday and your connection to the design community?

It’s become more than just a display space—it’s a collaborative hub. Clients visit, but I also use it for pop-ups, designer events and collaborations. Being inside Designers Walk adds to that—it’s a community with other creatives, plus the marketing and networking opportunities the building provides. There’s a real energy there, and I think it’s growing again as more studios move back in.

Let’s talk about the rugs themselves. What was the vision behind the collection?

I’ve always had a passion for product and a background in sourcing, so creating my own line was a natural step. The vision was “livable luxury”—classic, neutral designs that are timeless, accessible and affordable. I saw a gap in the market for rugs that were beautiful but not overly trendy or expensive. The collection focuses on texture and warmth, not fussy patterns. These are the foundation pieces of a room—the elements that should last, even as accents and paint colours change.

Sustainability also plays a role in the collection. How does that show up in the products?

When I discovered these rugs, I was immediately impressed by how beautifully they were made—and then I learned they were also sustainable. Our flatweaves, for example, are 100% recycled water bottles, and our jute rugs are naturally derived. The whole collection is either natural or fully recycled, which I’m very proud of. People are more conscious now about how their homes are designed, and it’s important to me to source and manufacture sustainably. Even practical items, like rug underpads, are something I’d like to expand into in an eco-friendly way.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the showroom evolving?

I’d like it to continue as a vibrant, creative hub. That means more pop-ups, collaborations and showcasing emerging designers. I’ve spoken with fabric and wallpaper designers about partnering, which ties back to my early love of textiles and pattern. The space can grow with the brand, whether that’s expanding the collection or bringing in complementary sustainable products.