Established in 2022 by Clare Forndran and Danielle De Francesco, Forward Interiors is a full-service design firm dedicated to curating interior spaces that are executed with the highest level of detail and creative vision.

We draw inspiration from art, from fashion, and from an assemblage of various styles and periods. Our perspective embraces contrast, combining impeccable craftsmanship with improbable design, and classic silhouettes with contemporary sensibilities - for spaces that are timeless and effortlessly chic, punctuated by evocative, artful elements. They serve as unapologetic celebrations of each unique client.

Forward Interiors is based in Toronto. We work closely with highly skilled architects, builders, tradespeople and artists to serve clients both locally and internationally. We are proud to provide a thoughtful, white-glove design experience from start to finish.


 

CLARE FORNDRAN

PRINCIPAL + CO-FOUNDER | BDES

Growing up, my mother had a subscription to every design magazine under the sun, and each month I would devour every issue, making mental notes about where the designers within the pages were sourcing their pieces, how they were considering space, and where they were breaking the ‘rules’. This is where my obsession with interiors began. And it truly is an obsession - after a week of work I’m spending my weekend researching up-and-coming artists and sourcing new pieces because this is what genuinely brings me energy and joy. My personal aesthetic is forever evolving, and I see each project as an opportunity to bring something new to the table. I love spaces that feel timeless and storied, paired with contemporary, artful moments that provoke thought and conversation. The tension that’s created by pairing contrasting elements and being unafraid to push boundaries is what always feels the most interesting and beautiful to me.

 

DANIELLE DE FRANCESCO

PRINCIPAL + CO-FOUNDER | BID

I developed an early appreciation for the arts through my classical training in ballet. From dance, I discovered that beauty emerges best when discipline and collaboration meet creativity and joy. This principle has guided my career in design. As a designer, I'm privileged to work with art in all forms. From sourcing textiles and stone to designing millwork and furniture in collaboration with our endlessly talented partners, each day is creatively inspiring. These elements combined might appear effortless, but I get to direct the work that happens off-stage. This is the dance of thoughtful design—blending unexpected and arresting elements into one cohesive and comfortable space. I am most inspired by the opportunity to add a touch of elegance to everyday settings. I find each project challenging and exciting because our clients welcome our team with the utmost trust in our process and creativity.

 
 
 

HUONG VO

PROCUREMENT COORDINATOR

There’s a tradition in most Asian cultures that takes place on a child’s first birthday. A number of items are placed in front of the child, and the first item that they pick up serves as a prediction of their future career. I chose a crayon. For as long as I can remember I’ve had a love for all forms of creativity, and have always felt most at home in spaces that have a strong connection to the natural environment - likely because I grew up outside of the city in wine country. The interior design industry is a complex yet beautiful world, and my love for design combined with my Type A personality lead me to procurement. The importance of procurement is often overlooked, but there are so many moving pieces that must be considered when bringing a home to life, and a lack of proper care and oversight in this process can cause even the most beautiful project to fall apart. Ensuring that all items, no matter how big or small, are properly organized and remain on track brings me true satisfaction. I feel lucky to work in a field where I’m surrounded by hardworking and creative individuals - it inspires me every day!

 

NICOLE RAFTUS

AUTOCAD TECHNICIAN

I’ve always had a strong appreciation for interior design - specifically residential - and some of my earliest memories involve rearranging the spaces within my family home (looking back, I would call this ‘space planning’, though my parents may use a different term). I loved analyzing floorplans in design magazines and remember thinking that being the one to create those plans would be such an exciting job. While the visual elements of design are important, I’ve always held equal interest in the technical elements. Determining exactly how a design detail can be constructed to achieve the desired visual and functional effect is always a challenge that I find immensely gratifying. It’s this love for technical drawings and construction that initially sparked my love of AutoCAD, and I spent the first six years of my career in the millwork industry drawing detailed high-end kitchens and custom cabinetry for some of the city’s finest homes. At Forward I’m able to apply this experience into the production of meticulous construction drawings for full-scope projects, while also producing drawings for all of the additional details that go into the creation of a beautifully curated space, such as custom furniture and lighting. My childhood self would be happy to know that this also includes floorplans!