Keeping up with the trends

Areaworx Lighting & Interior Design helps everyday people create extraordinary spaces

Gennifer Ryan has a talent for finding the items her customers crave. —

David Rooney photo/the Revelstoke Current

Gennifer Ryan and her husband, James, have brought some serious expertise to the Revelstoke community. James is a retired electrical contractor with experience in an array of projects, even doing the electrical installation for ski lifts at a new resort. Gennifer is an interior designer who once owned retail stores in Victoria and Vancouver, and continues to beautify local spaces with breathtaking—and affordable—decor.

In 2008, the couple opened Areaworx Lighting & Interior Design in Revelstoke. The business stands out as the only interior design firm in town, and a much-needed addition. Just over a year ago, Gennifer began to collaborate with designer Julia Nicol, and recently the company has welcomed talented junior interior designer from Quebec, Sarah-Jeanne Barnard.

“What makes us unique in the Canadian interior design community is our success at creating everyday designs for everyday people,” said Gennifer. “We practice value construction, meaning we design in order to utilize the least expensive method of building our spaces plus we incorporate universal design in the planning."

A fascinating background

Gennifer has an interesting career history, and prior to moving to Revelstoke she had several jobs consulting on major projects for the federal government.

"There is very little I haven't done,” she said. "From designing the interior of their first green building in Western Canada, to interrogation rooms, industrial warehouses, millions of square feet of office space, conference rooms, storage facilities and reception areas, to name just a few."

Of course, she also has a knack for creating more conventional spaces, including day spas, residential houses and condos among many others. She has even done some work designing furniture.

Gennifer has spent nearly 30 years as a professional retail buyer, and she travels regularly in order to source intriguing and visually appealing items for her store and pick up on the latest trends. Customers can peruse the Areaworx website and Facebook page to browse an impressive selection of  merchandise.

"We tend to keep banker's hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by private appointment," said Gennifer. "Drop by and browse the store. Sit, relax and flip through a design magazine, order from a catalogue, ask a question or two about design or a special event or book your consultation."

In their element

The Ryans have noticed an increase in demand for small house designs, and are currently designing their first custom detached residence in Salmon Arm. Customers are seeking more eco-friendly features and cost-effective means of construction, without losing the appeal of the final result.

"We are not expensive—we just look it—we promise!" Gennifer said. "Our merchandise is value priced with excellent quality, plus we'll price match, too."

Areaworx offers a little bit of everything, including Neiman Marcus fashion accessories, special event planning services, lighting plans (with a discount for entire house planning), custom house plans, window displays and more. Tradespeople will love the accurate construction and permit drawings, as well as free lighting plans and layouts, and fixture discounts for electricians and contractors.

This design firm has done exceptional work in the Revelstoke community. For some examples of their designs, stop by the following businesses where the Areaworx team has made their trendy mark: Free Spirit Sports, Your Office & Art Supply, Nico's Pizzeria and Benoit's Wine Bar.