About | Forever House Design Studio Barrie Interior Design

Meet The Founder

Guided by Intentional, Elevated Living

Dannie Burns founded Forever House Design Studio with one goal in mind: to help clients create homes they never outgrow. With years of hands-on experience working in a residential design firm where she grew into the role of architectural designer, Dannie developed a deep understanding of how thoughtful planning and intentional details shape the way a home feels and functions. Blending architectural insight with a warm, intuitive design sensibility, she transforms existing spaces into homes that feel cohesive, functional, and personal. Dannie is passionate about renovation done with purpose, designing with longevity in mind so each space feels meaningful today, and for years to come.

The Forever House Design Journey

Our interior design process is built to support full-home transformations—from vision to installation. Whether you’re redesigning a main floor, refreshing your entire home, or designing your new build our structured phases ensure a seamless, well-communicated, and beautifully executed experience.

PHASE 1: DISCOVERY & VISION ALIGNMENT

INCLUDES

Initial consultation (virtual or in-person)
Review of existing home and lifestyle needs or
Collaboration during new build planning phase, including review of draft floor plans and coordination with architect or builder
Site visit (if existing home or lot is accessible)
Detailed client questionnaire to understand style, function, and lifestyle needs
Budget, timeline, and project goals discussion

DELIVERABLES

Design agreement
Defined scope of work (room-by-room)
Project schedule outline

PHASE 2: CONCEPT & CREATIVE DIRECTION

INCLUDES

Exploration of your aesthetic preferences
Style analysis based on your lifestyle and home architecture
Mood board creation for each key area
Creative direction presentation for feedback

DELIVERABLES

Whole home concept mood boards
Colour palette and materials inspiration
Design direction approval

PHASE 3: SPACIAL PLANNING & DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

INCLUDES

Scaled floor plans for all rooms
Millwork concepts and millwork concept elevations
Elevations for other key features (fireplace walls, built-ins, etc.)
Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCPs) for proposed lighting and ceiling finishes and details.
Recommendations for ceiling details (beams, paneling, texture, etc.)
Preliminary finish and material selections
3D renderings (as needed) to visualize key rooms and design features

DELIVERABLES

Whole home as built floor plan
RCP drawings for electrician and GC
Preliminary finishes and materials board
Conceptual 3D renderings (if applicable)

PHASE 4: Design Detailing & Finalization of Finish Materials

INCLUDES

Finalized selections for all rooms: flooring, tile, cabinetry, lighting, hardware, and more
Specification of architectural elements: doors, trim, baseboards, casings, ceiling materials
Custom millwork drawings (kitchens, vanities, built-ins) OR coordination with millwork fabricator
Final 3D renderings for client approval

DELIVERABLES

Complete design specification package
Lighting and electrical plans with RCPs
Final 3D visuals (as required)
Final design presentation for approval

PHASE 5: Procurement & Project Management

INCLUDES

Sourcing and quoting all furnishings, lighting, and finishes
Vendor communications and order placement
Delivery tracking and quality assurance
Issue resolution for backorders, damages, or substitutions

DELIVERABLES

Final procurement quote and vendor list
Order summaries with timelines
Delivery and installation tracking schedule

PHASE 6: INSTALLATION & STYLING

INCLUDES

Coordination of furniture delivery and installation
Hands-on styling with decor, art, and accessories
Oversight of trades for light fixture installs, millwork placement, or wall hangings
Final walkthrough and adjustments
Contractor coordination for physical installs (yours or ours)

DELIVERABLES

Fully installed and styled space
Optional photoshoot-ready styling
Project sign-off and care instructions

Note: As a solo designer, I personally oversee all styling and creative details on installation day, while relying on trusted contractors or your preferred trades for physical installation tasks.