Upper North Studio Inc.
Is all about Interior Design, Decor, ART and the Heart!
Founded and owned by Helen Willemsen.
Specializing in Art Acquisition, Decoration, Interior Design and Creative Endeavours.
U.N.S places art at the heart of every design project and believes art first, then the sofa! It is what adds that layer of mystery to any great interior.
I seek to create inspired interiors of exceptional beauty and exquisite quality that is specialized for every unique space. It is about the joy of creating elegant, timeless spaces designed to evoke a sensory experience, the mystery. I believe the interactions of our five senses; sight, touch, scent, sound, taste (and Memory!), are fundamental and should always be considered. They add layers of emotion, memories and experience that bring elements of real joy, inspiration and motivations to a beautiful design, space or interior.
“My work as an Interior Designer, Art Advisor and Artist is often intertwined. Like an archaeological site; no one discovery, layer or fragment could exist without the preceding. I borrow from history, from my own life experiences, the environment, what is hidden and layered, and from art, which transcends all boundaries. I am attracted to ambiguity, perceptions, mystery, the ghost of a memory; a work of art, a song, a poem, even the inspiration a fragrance/ scent may evoke.
A life time of travel from a very young age and a love of nature and everything art, fashion and design led me to my education in Art, Interior Design and Art history. My long career in Visual display, Interior Design and luxury sales have added a multi layered quality to my work; abstract at times, other times layered and structured….
Underneath all our layers there is beauty, love brings it forth” -Helen.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Helen works with private clients world wide, as well as across Canada.
She holds a BFA Visual Studies and a BA Art History, both with distinction, from the University of Calgary, D.I.D (FIDER) Interior Design from Mount Royal University and Sotheby’s certification.