After years of being inspired by decorating and intrigued by beautiful spaces, Rhiannon honed in on her relentless passion for Interior Design and undertook formal training. Rhiannon and her husband Travis run one of our favorite design build firms, Hageman Homes, in Oakville, Ontario, where they create beautiful spaces rooted in traditional design and heritage craftsmanship. A traditionalist at heart, Rhiannon employs a thoughtful and layered mix of color, pattern, antiques, and natural textures as she creates elegant interiors that stand the test of time. She finds inspiration through travel, her children, and the many great designers of the past.
We were delighted to catch up with Rhiannon over the summer and talk about what Living Beautifully means to her, where she most often turns to for inspiration, the greatest lessons she learnt from her parents, and more.
Where did you grow up and how has your past shaped your design aesthetic?
I was born in Toronto and then raised in the countryside of Niagara on the Lake before moving to Oakville as a young teenager.
My father’s family is all still in England so we would visit yearly and enjoy time traveling Europe as a family. My time in England at my grandmother’s homes influenced me greatly. I have always adored her appreciation for formality, perfectly ironed sheets, curated antiques and pride in her heritage.
How would you describe your style?
Where do you turn to for inspiration when you begin a new project?
Old and new design books, magazines, Instagram, travel, art, my children and Miles Redd.
You recently joined your husband and launched a design build firm in Oakville, Ontario. What do you love most about what you do?
The people we work with bring me great joy. Whether that be our clients, talented architects and consultants, craftsmen and our wonderful suppliers. Relationships are everything in this business and we have worked very hard to cultivate strong ones.
It is a wonderful honor to create homes where our clients will build their family history. We recognize that we rely on so many other people to execute these beautiful homes, so these relationships are ones we cherish. We have been privileged to be mentored and supported by incredible people within the industry to whom we will always be so grateful. It is amazing to continue to learn every day.
Which decorators from the past do you most often turn to for inspiration?
Rose Cumming, Nancy Lancaster, Sister Parish, Mark Hampton.
If you could hire any designer from the past to decorate your home, who would it be?
Who are some of your style icons?
Jackie Kennedy, Lauren Santo Domingo, Aerin Lauder, and my wonderfully chic girlfriend; Caitlin Fisher.
What are some of your indispensable items when entertaining and how do you ensure a memorable dinner party?
D. Porthault Linens, fresh flowers and an easy playlist. Ultimately I think the goal of hospitality is to ensure your guests feel welcomed and cherished. Preparing well in advance seems to always set me at ease as a host. A well stocked bar also helps!
What tabletop items do you invest in, and save on?
Invest in classic or monogrammed linens and save on rattan chargers, hurricanes, antique plates and colorful glassware.
If you could invite any three individuals from the past, who would they be and what would you serve for dinner?
What are some of the greatest lessons you learned from your parents?
My father worked very hard to give us a beautiful life while my mother cultivated this at home in everything she did. They have both taught my sisters and I that the most important things in the world are integrity, kindness and old fashioned hard work. I can only pray to give my children the opportunities and love I was shown growing up.
What does living beautifully mean to you?
Enjoying each day as it comes, with peace from the Lord. Taking time to make each moment special, and ultimately celebrating even the smallest things. My mother made every holiday, birthday or small accomplishment feel so special. I hope my children enjoy life the same way.
How do you make everyday feel special in your home?
Time together is the ultimate gift and luxury. This summer, I took some time to reflect on how important the relationships with my children, husband, friends and family are. It is a goal of mine to spend more time ensuring each of these people know how dear they are to me. We set a formal table and eat together whenever we can, and nothing is too precious to be enjoyed.
What is your typical morning routine?
My husband Travis and I enjoy the morning with our children before school and often do drop off together. It’s a cherished time we have as a family and one of the gifts of owning our own business. We then start our work day together visiting projects, answering emails, or meetings with clients. A few times a week I meet a girlfriend for a long walk before everyone wakes up and this time is a cherished moment of peace!
How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
We often end the days walking with our children (who scooter) to visit my parents a few blocks away.
What do you love most about living in Oakville?
Oakville is a beautiful lakeside town with lots of history. The houses are beautiful, the gardens are classic and we love being right in Old Oakville where we can walk to the lake every day. Our family is here which is a wonderful blessing. We have been so lucky that we can walk to all of our projects in the last little while!
What can we expect to see in your beautiful new home?
We are so excited to restore our new home. It is a wonderful brick colonial that needs lots of work. Travis and I thankfully are inspired by the same things, and hope the house feels classic and quite English. I have slowly been collecting antique fabrics, art and furniture to fill the home. We will renovate the interiors over the next year and then slowly enjoy decorating together. I am most excited about the formal living room which we’ve agreed will be painted peach and the third story attic playroom and guest suite.
While traveling, are there any objects you enjoy collecting?
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Rhiannon's Favorites
Favorite Travel Destination?
Favorite hotel?
Favorite historic house museum?
Favorite piece of furniture in your home?
Favorite home scent?
Favorite perfume?
Favorite china pattern?
Favorite wallpaper pattern?
Favorite interior of all time?
Favorite design book(s) you most often turn to for inspiration?
G.P. Schafer’s books and Get Your House Right
Favorite movie every decor lover should watch at least once?
Favorite family tradition?
Favorite piece of advice from your mother?
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
