What makes a home feel right — and what signals that something is off?

In this episode of The Real Estate of Things, Vancouver interior designer Alicia Savin joins us to talk about creativity, construction quality, and why great design starts with understanding people, and helping them understand themselves — not just trends. From maximalist color palettes to renovation realities and the “boring money” hidden in plumbing, flooring, and structural work, Alicia shares a candid look at how homes actually come together.

We also dive into how design influences real estate decisions, why buyers sometimes overlook build quality for aesthetics, and how homeowners can create spaces that are both personal and functional. Whether you’re renovating, buying, selling, or just design-curious, this conversation offers practical insights into the intersection of real estate, design, and everyday living.

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Email: scott@scottdempster.com
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Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:35) - Alicia's Background
• (06:00) - Defining her style: curated maximalism
• (06:51) - Starting a design business from scratch
• (09:58) - Understanding clients through lifestyle and personality
• (14:35) - Design trends: moving beyond white and gray homes
• (15:01) - Alicia's Home Renovation Journey
• (17:01) - The Cost of Building Properly
• (19:00) - Structural quality vs cosmetic upgrades in real estate
• (23:37) - Putting a Personal Touch for Clients
• (27:20) - Working with couples and client decision dynamics
• (31:45) - Budget priorities: where design money matters most
• (33:40) - Inspiration sources and creative process
• (37:15) - Design & Business Trends
• (38:40) - Career Experience & Lesson Learned
• (42:55) - Lessons from open houses and real estate staging
• (45:40) - Where to find Alicia + closing thoughts