An Interview with Debbie Travis, from under Tuscan Skies, to living in the moment
Debbie Travis’ design talent and natural charisma have made her an icon in Canadian Television.
Canadians and fans around the world have used her decorating suggestions and entertaining tips for years.
I love the outdoor trend that blurs the lines between indoors and out. Debbie Travis unveiled her exclusive outdoor collection for Sears. The new Debbie Travis collection of outdoor living, includes patio furniture and accessories from seating to sectionals to dining, plus Tuscan inspired dinnerware and décor.
The Debbie Travis collection is inspired by the places around the world that are a meaningful part of Debbie’s life and the people in those places who have had a positive impact on her. The products include tabletop, home décor, bed and bath, home furnishings and outdoor items, including furniture, tabletop and cushions.
Debbie joined me to chat about some of her inspirations, the Tuscan retreat from her challenges to her ‘Aha’ moments and some inside scoop.
TH: With roots in Canada, what was your inspiration to create your new beautiful women’s retreat in Tuscany.
Debbie: I have been a keynote speaker across Canada for many years hopefully inspiring and advising working women on how to live their best lives and follow their dreams. I have put these two great loves together – working with like-minded women and Tuscany. The idea is that they can now come to this wonderful place and brainstorm ideas and discuss their next chapters while relaxing under the Tuscan sun.
TH: What was the biggest challenges in buying a derelict, 13th century watchtower/pig farm and turning it into an Italian masterpiece.
Debbie: The biggest challenge has been the language. My Italian skills are pathetic even though I have tried so to work with 80 Italian builders daily for 4 years has been tough on them all. Also handling the many permits at the ‘commune’ was a nightmare as we are in a UNESCO National Heritage Site – so very strict.
What is your ‘Aha’ moment, the moment of sudden realization when you sit back and look at your Tuscan accomplishment.
Debbie: I have my ‘Aha’ moment all the time in Tuscany. I wake up to a breathtaking view of a wonderful valley with a hilltop medieval town, my lavender field, vineyards and olive groves. I can hear the chickens and the church bells and the air is sweet – it really is the Dolce Vita – the sweet life.
TH: What is your favourite room in the restored Tuscan Villa Reniella and why?
Debbie: Every square inch of every room has been a beloved journey and each space feels like one of my children. Hard to choose but the kitchen really is the hub on this entire, very large property (3 buildings) it is where the retreat ladies gather each morning for their cappuccinos, where the cooking classes take place and cocktails are served. It is the quintessential kitchen – always something delicious cooking, coffee aromas and the laughter and chatter of women from around the world.
[photo from Debbie Travis instagram feed]
TH: What is one item in your home you couldn’t live without?
Debbie: I would hate to live without the pool. The summers are long and hot and the pool is long and cool and beautiful. It is an infinity pool that tumbles over the valley. It is make from Bisazza green and blue glass tile with infusions of gold that dazzle in the sunlight.
TH: What advice have you got for aspiring women taking on a renovation?
Debbie: We renovate with our hearts and our minds. Our hearts are the emotions of the way the space will be used and the way it will look. The mind is the practical side – not always what we want to hear. The budget, time lines and how things work. Both must go hand in hand.
TH: Most memorable career moment to date?
Debbie: Gosh so many. I have had and still have (I will never ever retire) a fantastic career. I began my first television series in 1995 and I think the day we found out that the Painted House had sold around the globe as one of the very first decorating shows was pretty spectacular. The day Facelift premiered across North America and broke cable records. I have won 4 Geminis all were fab memories. And I have to say those out of the blue phone calls are always memorable. Last June someone from Sears called me and asked if I would be interested in launching a furniture line with them. I remember sitting on my lemon terrace thinking how cool life is the way it just keeps throwing opportunities out there!
TH: Any embarrassing on-the-job moments you’d like to share?
Debbie: There are so many. I remember ripping out the entire ground floor of a house for Facelift and finding out we had gone into the wrong home – embarrassing and expensive. I recently called Dr Oz on the Marilyn Denis Show, Dr Phil throughout the entire segment – painful.
TH: What is your #1 tip for those managing a marriage, family and business.
Debbie: I have been married nearly 30 years ago and we run our television production company WAM together. Have separate jobs within the company if imperative. We have raised our two marvellous sons throughout the chaos of my career – try and keep work at the office when you are having family time and put that phone away when you are at home – imperative to not be texting throughout your time together. It has to become a habit.
TH: What are your personal mantra(s)?
Debbie: For my speeches and for myself I use …”Dream it…Do it…live it.” Which means if you want to follow your dreams you have to put the working into it – then you live with the consequences. I also love to say “Fear…Just Screw it and Do it.
TH: What famous figures inspire you
I have been inspired throughout my adult life by Richard Branson. I love the way he does business. I am also inspired by Sting and his lifestyle. He lives with his wife Trudi Styler very near me in Tuscany and runs his own bio shop with products from his farm. There are many famous people in our area and they live the country life – are approachable and relaxed there – living in the moment and happy. I see it all the time.
TH: Where do you get your inspiration?
Debbie: I am inspired by life around me. I love being in my home town in London. The day to day street life exhilarates me and the individuality of the Brits. In Italy I adore just sitting outside a café watching the Italians and the way they move and embrace life. Colour ignites me whether it is in the personalities or the homes or the countryside that surrounds me. I went through agony trying to find the right colour for my shutters in Tuscany and there it was finally right in front of me – the colour of the lavender leaves in my fields – a soft bluish, green. Perfecto.
What are three things nobody knows about you, but you wish they did?
Debbie: Mmm that is a tough one.
• I lost my parents when I was young – my father when I was 12 and my mother when I was 28.
I make every decision now that makes my family happy – I live life to the full. I really love having fun.
• I left school at 16 and have worked hard all my life and I embrace everything I have with gusto.
• I have two sons that are incredibly talented – I don’t really have much talent – just a knack for making
things happen but they are the real deal. Which is rare.
TH: What is your favourite app on your smartphone?
Debbie I am forced to say my Duolingo where I am once again trying to learn Italian. I also love the weather app as I am constantly checking the weather as I live between Italy, England and Canada…
TH: What’s your next big thing?
Debbie: There is always a new thing in my life..
We are opening up our Tuscan Girls Getaways to corporate retreats and now men can join us at The Gourmet weeks. La Dolce Debbie has begun airing on OWN and I am looking forward to it airing around the world. Sears and I are knee deep at the moment in the design process for my line of bedding, furniture, table top and Christmas – really exciting. And of course I am hoping to launch more wine after my new Debbie Travis Pinot Grigio hits this spring. What’s next – I think I would like to sit quietly on my Tuscan land sipping a drink – just for a few minutes!
Debbie Travis greeting her fans with the launch of her Outdoor Living Collection at the Sears Booth, National Home Show.
Debbie Travis live appearance at the recent National Home Show, with Karl Lohnes.
Thanks to Debbie for joining us this year and we wish her all the best with the new Sears collection and the beautiful Tuscan Villa.
As Debbie says ”Dream it…Do it…live it.”
Tina
