The fabulous and talented Debbie Travis rounds off today’s Friday Five. Technically, she’s a Brit, but she’s been part of the Canadian scene for so long that she must surely have citizenship here. I just had to include her in today’s series…accent and all.

Her first show, Debbie Travis’ The Painted House, aired in 1995 and it was here that I learned all about faux finishes. I clearly remember watching her create this Fornasetti dining room and this wild blue wall. It was because of Debbie that I added words like crackle varnish, anaglypta, and battik into my vocabulary.

Debbie Travis is an accomplished artist, designer, author, and business woman. In addition to Painted House, her more recent shows, Facelift and From the Ground Up have been successful in Canada and abroad. She has written many books and has won several prestigious awards. She also has a line of products available at Canadian Tire. Needless to say, Debbie is a woman who wears many hats.

Debbie Travis’ designed kitchen and bathroom

Debbie Travis Expo Cut mirror, $39.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis Tie-Up shade, $24.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis lantern, $34.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis lighting

In recent years, Debbie has headed to Tuscany and now hosts a Debbie Travis’ Girls’ Getaway. The experience includes 7 nights accommodation at her Italian villa (wow!), delicious meals and drinks, winery tours, and more. La dolce vita, I’d say!

You can learn more about what Debbie is up to on her blog or you can follow her on Twitter.

***

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Happy Canada Day!