In the world of YGK interior design, Maddee (Rose) Linton stands out not just for her creative talent, but for her community roots and design philosophy. Her studio Maddee Rose Design reflects a commitment to trust, functionality, and aesthetic layering – creating spaces that feel both timeless and lived-in. In this Q&A, Maddee shares her approach to projects, inspiration and the personal touches that make a house truly feel like a home.
EG: Tell us a little about yourself.
MRL: My name is Maddee (Rose) Linton and I am born and raised in Kingston. After getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design I moved back to Kingston to start building a network in my industry. Being closely connected to the community is what made it possible to start my own design studio. A couple of years into starting Maddee Rose Design I hired Taryn Chambers (our senior designer) who has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in interior design. I am also a certified interior designer which was important for me to complete so my clients can ensure they’re getting the highest quality service. Trust is the foundation of my business.
EG: What sparks your passion for interior design?
MRL: It’s no secret that our surroundings impact our daily lives. Interior design can be used in so many different ways. People often think it’s all about aesthetics but the functionality of spaces is what really drives my passion for interior design. Once functionality is nailed down then we layer on aesthetics, which is the fun part.
People often think it’s all about aesthetics but the functionality of spaces is what really drives my passion for interior design.
EG: A favourite part of the job?
MRL: Getting to know so many different people, clients and building teams, and spending the time to really understand who they are and what works best for them. Is it the most rewarding to have a completed project that truly reflects our clients and was built by a team that made the process enjoyable. Communication is our top priority and we get the warm and fuzzies when everyone feels heard.
EG: What is your approach to each project? What can a client expect from a consult to a finished product?
MRL: We always break down a project into manageable phases. It doesn’t help anyone to get overwhelmed with information. Connecting with our clients’ needs is always our first step. Then we present preliminary ideas to ensure we’re on the same page. Once everyone is happy with the direction we start building on the details, checking in throughout the process to make sure we didn’t miss anything. We never want clients to feel they’ve been handed a fully completed design without having enough space to massage all the parts to align with their vision.
EG: Your work has a signature look and feel, can you put that into words?
MRL: We love spaces to have character and to feel like they’ve always been there. A lot of people would call it eclectic, but we think of it more as “layered”. Spaces are more welcoming when they seem lived in instead of shiny and new. If everything is thoughtfully coordinated instead of a repetition of the same things then there’s more freedom to build on top of it over the years.
We love spaces to have character and to feel like they’ve always been there. A lot of people would call it eclectic, but we think of it more as “layered”. Spaces are more welcoming when they seem lived in instead of shiny and new.
EG: Where do you look to for inspiration?
MRL: Everywhere – magazines, books, movies, travel, art, food, the internet (of course). It’s actually a bit of a curse because I can never stop squirrelling away ideas wherever I am. Inspiration for interior design doesn’t have to come from magazine images of a space. The whole colour story of a house can be sparked from a favourite outfit or old landscape painting. Looking beyond interiors is the best way of avoiding recycled content and connecting with something that sparks your personal interest.
EG: What are some of your most memorable projects?
MRL: Our most memorable projects I think will always have to do with the people involved in it. If it was an enjoyable experience then we’ve tagged it one of our favourites. When our clients trust us then we can all have some fun. We also love a good challenge, so we’re drawn to projects that have unique problems to solve.
EG: How would you describe your personal interior style?
MRL: Strange? I love to make questionable choices when I have complete freedom. My favourite thing is when it makes no sense to anyone until it’s complete. I usually reserve this for my own spaces though. We always do 3D renderings of our projects so that clients can see the whole vision, but when it comes to my own spaces I do it all in my head which is why it often doesn’t make sense until the end. I’m always on the hunt for unique salvaged pieces to build designs off of. I love antique pieces because there’s a familiarity there but then trying to use it in a different way to create some new life.
EG: What makes a house a home for you?
MRL: Playful details are the most important thing for me in a home. I prefer things not to be too precious. For things to flow right for me there has to be a place for everything. Even if it’s a little odd nook or cranny that you store your favourite cup in. But also flexibility. Our needs change all the time and our home should be able to accommodate this. I don’t like to make anything too permanent in a home unless you’re willing to put in a little sweat to switch it up.
EG: What are some of your favourite local spots?
MRL: I’m drawn to places that feel easy going. Like I said before, I prefer things not to be too precious. Chez Piggy feels like an inviting piece of history in the city. It’s warm, lived-in, and has lots of little corners to tuck yourself into and enjoy a cocktail. Montreal St. Collective is always lively and changing but never overwhelming, and everyone’s energy is perfect to browse for thrifted items. A little biased, but Bobbi Pecorino’s Wine Bar, which we recently completed the design on, has been open for a bit now and the owners wanted it to feel like a laid back old-school Italian spot, and that’s right up my alley.
Connect with Maddee –
A sincere thank you to Maddee for sharing about her practice and passion for homes.