Introducing DSA’s 2024 Design 360° Award Recipient:Colette van den Thillart
The Designer Society of America (DSA) is thrilled to unveil the recipient of this year’s prestigious Design 360° Award—Colette van den Thillart.
Recognizing exceptional talent, creativity and innovation in the realm of interior design, this recognition serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of van den Thillart, whose visionary work has reshaped and redefined the boundaries of aesthetic excellence.
“With an unparalleled eye for detail and an innate ability to transform spaces into captivating realms of beauty and functionality, Colette van den Thillart has elevated the art of interior design and will continue to do so,” says Natasha Younts, DSA President.
DSA sorts through designers’ styles and business models each year to discover and learn more about outstanding design candidates. The selection process begins eight to 12 months before selecting a new recipient. We are thrilled and proud to announce van den Thillart as this year’s designated DSA Design 360° Award winner.
Join our organization in applauding this design luminary and her remarkable contributions, which continue to inspire and captivate us all.
Van de Thillart began her career in interior design nearly 30 years ago after graduating from the Toronto International Academy. She also earned a master’s degree in French and English decorative arts 1660-1830 in London at The Wallace Collection.
All three photos were photographed by Alex Lukey. From left to right, the wallpaper is by De Gournay, the bespoke sofa is covered in a fabric by David Kaihoi for Schumacher. In the same Toronto residence is a bespoke plaster fireplace. Lastly, a client’s existing chair had a new lease on life after Colette had it recovered in an antique textile of West African origin.
Today, she owns and operates Colette van den Thillart Interior Design in Toronto.
Her portfolio features high-profile residences and model suites, as she holds Residential Gold and Loft Conversion Gold awards from the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) for her work in Canada.
Projects include work completed in the English countryside and London, as well as Toronto, New York, Miami, Montreal, Ireland, Morocco, New Orleans, Denmark, Curacao, Barbados, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Monaco and Moscow.
She is also a highly sought-after public speaker, and her philanthropic ventures include working with Sir John Soane’s Museum in London, The Design Exchange, Historic Royal Palaces, Strawberry Hill, a restoration program for the 18th century greenhouses at the Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa, The Ponsonby Temple Appeal for Parkstead House, Maggie’s cancer centers in the United Kingdom and the Toronto Public Library.
First image photographed by Alex Lukey – The handpainted mural that covers the walls of this Toronto powder room is based on historic photogrpahs and paintings of the area where the home sits as it was in the late 19th century. Middle, photographed by Chris Tubbs. The drawing room in Colette’s former London home. The chair is covered in a fabric called Shutter Stripe, which is part of the fabric collection she produces alongside Nicky Haslam. Lastly, photographed by Courtesy of Bonhams. This is the entry foyer to Stanley House, a 17th-century Grade II listed private home in Chelsea, London. The project was completed while Colette was working with Nicky Haslam.
To learn more about van den Thillart and read a Q&A from a recent interview with our 2024 Design 360° Award recipient, click here. Stay up to date with Colette by following her on Instagram and be sure to check out her website!
