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In a world where trends change at the speed of a scroll, Calgary-based interior designer Brittany McNab, founder of Calgary design company, Fifteen Twelve Home, has carved a reputation as one of Alberta’s most grounded, practical and creatively intuitive voices in home design. Her work is airy, intentional, and deeply personal. This January, she’s bringing that perspective to the 2026 Calgary Renovation Show, inside the brand-new feature space, Ask a Designer: Design Dilemmas Solved.
From Jan. 9 through 11, the BMO Centre will become a hub for renovators, DIYers, and design lovers alike. With over 200 exhibitors, hands-on features, and expert presenters like TV personality Kenny Brain and design/DIY expert Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, it’s the place Calgarians kick off the year with fresh ideas. But McNab’s presence brings an especially anticipated layer, as it is a chance for homeowners to get truly personalised guidance from a designer who believes that a well-loved space comes from clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
While social media is overflowing with design inspiration, McNab knows how easily that abundance can become overwhelming.
“The best room is one that fits your vibe and personality,” she says. “I love when clients celebrate their individual styles and look for ways to incorporate their personality into the space.” To help clients uncover that style, she often starts by diving into their inspiration boards.
“When I work with my clients, I start by doing a deep dive on their Pinterest to gather details that feel like something they love.” It’s an approach rooted in the belief that timelessness isn’t about following rules, and it’s about crafting something that remains meaningful for years to come. At this year’s show, McNab leads a brand-new, up-close feature designed for real-life challenges: Ask a Designer: Design Dilemmas Solved. This sit-down booth lets guests bring their biggest hang-ups, layout issues, renovation uncertainty, clashing colours, finish choices, and walk away with a clear direction.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all advice here,” McNab explains. “This is real, personalized design guidance to help you move forward with confidence.” She suggests starting with a foundation of finishes and furniture that will stay in style for a long time. Then try trending things in small accessories, paint, or something you made yourself. It’s the kind of thoughtful direction that can save homeowners costly mistakes and countless hours wandering aimlessly through tile aisles.
Beyond style, McNab is refreshingly candid about the financial side of design. “Budget is a huge consideration, especially with prices these days. You need a realistic budget for what you want to do,” she says. But stretching a budget doesn’t mean compromising your vision. In fact, McNab routinely works with clients who tackle their spaces in stages. She also champions thrifting, repurposing, and upcycling as design tools, not shortcuts.
One of the trickiest parts of DIY design? Making everything feel like it belongs together.
“My best tip for keeping things cohesive is to lay everything out and make sure everything plays well together,” says McNab.
“Gather your finished samples on a table and snap a picture, or make a concept board in Canva.” She encourages homeowners to look closely at the qualities of each piece: the lines, the tones, the finishes, the materials. And she reminds everyone that mixing styles is not only allowed, but it’s sometimes the key to unlocking your home’s personality.
“If you’re drawn to a piece, but you don’t think it belongs, incorporate it by adding other furniture and accessories of the same style. Layering styles can create a look that feels intentional and uniquely you.”
Meet Brittany at the Calgary Renovation Show and transform your vision
For homeowners, renovators, trades professionals, and contractors, McNab offers what many clients crave most: clarity in a noisy industry.
At the 2026 Calgary Renovation Show, she’ll bring that clarity to her feature space where she will await incoming questions from visitors, offering them an unparalleled chance to talk one-on-one about the challenges holding them back.
Whether you’re a contractor seeking insight into homeowner priorities, a renovator wanting to refresh your toolkit, or a homeowner ready to finally take action, this is your chance to learn from one of Calgary’s most compelling design minds.