Design Services

We had just purchased our first home together and began to embark on our next journey; home decorating! Thankfully, our journey began walking through the doors of our locally owned, Portobello Home.

Warmly greeted by Laura and Kelsey, our relationship began as we discussed paint colours and the home renovations we were planning. As our vision of each space started coming to life, they were always there to discuss, make suggestions, prepare floor plans, and superimpose images of furniture into photos of our home to help us envision the design. With their extensive showroom, we were able to sit, lounge, and experience each piece before making any decisions. Material swatches in hand, we were able to bring our favourite samples home to see each fabric in our space and then custom order pieces to our tastes and style.

Throughout the entire process, Laura and Kelsey were beyond helpful and both very knowledgeable of the brands they carry and which materials would suit and withstand our lifestyle. As we continue our interior decorating journey, we always look forward to stopping by the store to discuss ideas, see new products, and catch up. To anyone getting ready to furnish their new home or looking to freshen up an existing space, we can wholeheartedly recommend Portobello Home for all your interior design needs!

Portobello Home is amazing! When I made the move from my home to an apartment, Laura and her staff were incredibly helpful in recommending which of my furniture pieces would fit and they provided advice as to how I could add some new additions that would blend well. I have purchased a Gus line sofa for my living room and matching daybed for the den, as well as two EQ chairs. The expertise and advice provided was great and I am very happy with the results. I would definitely recommend Portobello Home.

If you are looking for a talented, professional interior designer in Thunder Bay, I would strongly recommend contacting Laura. Her passion for design is evident when she walks into a space and makes a plan that is creative, stunning and functional in a very short period of time. It was clear from the recommendations we received from Laura that she listened to our family’s lifestyle needs for the space and style preferences. With Laura’s help we were able to create a functional and attractive look to our busy home that accommodates children and pets. Thanks Laura for helping us create such a great space!

When I purchased my new home I was starting with a clean slate and needed furnishings for every room, which was a daunting task! I knew what I wanted but had difficulty determining what would look best. My realtor suggested I reach out to Laura Ponka at Portobello Home and I’m forever grateful that I did! Laura came to my home and took pictures and made several recommendations that would suit the décor I was looking for. I provided her with a budget and she was able to make choices within my budget. The store itself is a showcase of beautiful home décor. Laura and her team are extremely knowledgeable and I highly recommend them if you are looking for an expert to assist you in meeting any of your home design needs.

Laura has an amazing sense of style. I started out buying a few pieces of furniture from Portobello Home. I came to realize after spending much time in the store that Laura was a great resource for helping me choose furniture. Before this I would just randomly buy things I liked, but the end result wasn’t always what I had hoped it would be. Finally, for a basement project I brought in some pictures of the space and some art that I wanted to have on the walls. From there Laura was able to make the vision I had a reality. Ever since that experience, I have relied more and more on her expertise…to the point where now, I wouldn’t think of buying furniture or redecorating a room without having Laura come to my house! Anything she suggested was always much better than what I would have picked. I have come to trust her so much that since recently buying a house on the lake, I have made no decision without her. My husband has also come to the same conclusion. Whenever he has a question about the renovation, he no longer asks me what we should do. He says- go ask Laura what she thinks. It has taken all of the stress away. It has been an absolute joy- so much fun renovating.

I have had the opportunity to work with Laura over a number of years furnishing a character home and condominium. I first met Laura when I went into her beautiful store Portobello Home and was amazed by the diverse and stunning collection of home decor available in Thunder Bay. More importantly I was and remain impressed by the depth of her knowledge in design, her incredible personal aesthetic and ability to extend this vision to help create beautiful spaces that reflect and enhance her customer’s wishes. I have never worked with anyone’s so committed to helping meet my needs, her personal integrity and honesty is above and beyond and rare in my experience. I trust her without a doubt to expertly guide my choices- respecting my wishes and financial means, never self serving. Laura’s passion and dedication for her work is infectious and an absolute pleasure to be around, truly a class act.
Thank you to Laura-yet again!