Turnbull Interiors - Brechin, Ontario

Arthur W.

When our condo suffered severe water damage and subsequent mold problems requiring the lower level to be stripped to the studs, we engaged Irene Turnbull to rebuild the unit. Irene took on the project with a zeal and determination that I’ve never encountered before. She used her extensive experience in design to assist us in making dozens of choices involving materials, fixtures, colors and textures. Her stable of tradespeople insured that the job would be completed expeditiously and within budget. I cannot speak highly enough of Irene and how she transformed our wrecked condo into a showplace.

Patti W.

I recently had the outdated main floor of my condo renovated, including kitchen, dining room, living room and powder room. It was a huge job, and I am so grateful that I found Turnbull Interiors to do the work.
Irene made it easy to create the look I wanted, providing options and advice that gave me confidence in my choices. When I was confused looking at a dozen different white paint colours, Irene knew which white colour would give the result I wanted. She had excellent product information, and all her trade people were highly professional.
Irene took a personal interest in making sure everything went beyond my expectations. Working with someone so kind and understanding was important to me, as I was ill during much of the work, and she took the burden off my shoulders as much as possible.
I can’t recommend Turnbull Interiors highly enough!

Eric F.

I cannot Recommend Turnbull interiors enough. Irene is a fantastic person to work with on a Personal and Professional level. She is very knowledgeable and exceeds expectations when it comes to designing a space. On a professional level Turnbull interiors has contracted us to do painting on several occasions and I've seen how much she cares about her clients. She turns there house into a home. Irene will only use the best paint products and finishes to complete the space such as Benjamin Moore. These products are used not only so the space looks good when its done but the finish has longevity and looks great for people to enjoy long after.

On a Personal level seeing how much care and thought Irene put into her clients and there spaces we decided to hire her for our own space and couldn't be happier as a client. She listens and is very responsive and helped make our vision a reality.

I am looking forward using Turnbull interiors again in the future.

Carolyn W.

I had a vision of what I wanted for my 1884 farmhouse and working with Irene made that happen. In fact, it’s even better than I envisioned. I had already started my project on my own with a contractor, a plumber, and an electrician, when I thought I'd better touch base with a pro. And I sure selected the right person.

Irene took me to see counters, to select tiles, to select bathroom faucets, a tub, a toilet and of course, a kitchen faucet. She was a walking reference guide. And I felt comfortable seeing her advice every step of the way and pretty much any time. The contractor and plumber I hired told me it was impossible to have a shower in my upstairs bathroom but Irene said it was possible and to insist. Well today I have a beautiful shower upstairs with my soaker tub and a lovely Euro shower door.

When you work with a professional, like Irene, everything changes. You're armed with the information you need for decision making. And at every decision point, her check in with me was one simple question - Are you happy? I felt supported and listened to and knew I could reach out at anytime...

Am I still happy? Absolutely.
Would I work with Irene again? You bet!

Susan G.

Creating good feng shui in my home is important to me and what intrigued me about Turnbull Interiors (besides the stellar reviews, awards, and years of experience) was Irene being a Feng Shui Practitioner. Irene naturally understood how to help me select the best items that are perfect for my family, function, and space. This included using the very best trades people.

I used Turnbull Interiors for a kitchen renovation (countertops, faucet, backsplash, pot lights) and paint job. Irene exceeded our expectations and stayed within budget. She quickly identified our practical needs (family with small children) and helped me to select functional, stylish, and unique items that worked for us. At one point I wanted to purchase an expensive and fancy faucet and she educated me on how this particular faucet would not be practical with children, so she helped me to select a more reasonable, yet equally fabulous alternative! She also spent countless hours helping me find the perfect shade of white paint and custom sage green colour for my master room. She truly cares!

If you're looking for a trustworthy, passionate designer who really knows what they're doing - just call Irene.

Markus K.

PLEASE READ BEFORE USING TIofD.Let me start by saying that from an design point of view Irene does an excellent job. She has skill as an interior designer and does know how to create a warm, inviting and comfortable space. I had Irene do my kitchen and basement and her design plans were very good, but be aware of the downside to Turnbull Interiors. She cannot formulate a quote. Irenes' MO is to propose a lovely space, tell you how great it will look, but when asked what it will cost, her quotes are always off by at least 50 % or more. Her excuse was always "I can't quote until I see whats behind the walls". That's reasonable, but a pro can opine what something will cost, and pad for unexpected issues. Irene could not do this! In the pursuit of her vision, Irene will spend your money as if it is limitless and as if you had no need to know what something costs until after it's finished. It is not possible to remain on a budget when working this way. Irenes's inability to quote a job is not her only downside. Some of the more serious downsides are a lack of focus, hiring trades that are unreliable, and not listening to input. As examples, one of the trades she hired arrived at 9 AM drinking beer for breakfast. Due to his low quality work he was replaced and I ended up paying twice for the same work because Irene hired incompetent tradespeople. She lost focus on the kitchen work when we started discussing renovating our lower level. The unfinished items in the kitchen,missing baseboards, hallway lights, gaps in floor in front of cabinetry, primed only walls, etc. remained unfinished after that discussion. She had all trades work on lower level immediately, as it was more fun for her. Irene simply ignored the unfinished items, even when reminded. Speaking with the trades people it was seen that many do not enjoy working with Irene. Some outright refuse. She has been banned from at least one paint store. Input by us was ignored or given lip service or she had a reason why her idea was better. Better was always more expensive except for paint. The paint used was the lowest grade and after only a year I had to have all walls repainted due to low paint quality she sourced. To conclude, my experience with Irene was abhorrent. Every meeting with Irene was problematic. Every suggestion or input we had was dismissed. My request to get a quote for work was always ignored. If you fall into the category of people who have unlimited funds and who do not need to know how much a project will cost, Irene is the designer for you. But if you want someone who will work with you, for you, within your means, who is a pleasure to work with and who will be responsive to your input so that your space becomes your space and not a designer showpiece, DO NOT work with Turnbull Interiors. You will hate your new space because of all the frustration and excessive cost that was incurred by you choosing to work with Turnbull Interiors.

Lynn M.

I had moved into a very old , outdated condo two years ago. With Irene’s vision and trades it transformed into a beautiful place to live . It involved new fireplace, ceilings, bathrooms, lighting, countertops and backsplash. We worked collaboratively and went through every renovation personally and professionally.
Irene goes that extra mile and results are wonderful. I would highly recommend Turnbull Interiors.

Nicholas P.

True professionals and masters at their craft. Irene is so personable and does an amazing job at customizing and designing beautifully spaces specific to her clients needs. Highly recommend!