Get to know Debra Salmoni, Scott McGillivray’s stylish sidekick on Scott’s Vacation House Rules, and the owner and principle designer of Debra Lillian Design. This Ontario native may live and breathe design, but it’s her pursuits and passions off-screen that truly define her.

Don’t miss Debra’s designs in Scott’s Vacation House Rules on Home Network. Stream Live or On-Demand with STACKTV. Try it free today!

From the early days of her career to sweet first dates, here are 10 things you may not know about Debra!

1. Though Design Was Her Passion, Debra Actually Studied Business and Marketing

Growing up in Brampton, Ontario, Debra didn’t have any interior designers to look up to. She knew she loved design, but the thought of launching that career where she was living was daunting.

“No one had interior designers. It just seems like a really unattainable dream. So I figured wherever my career or the world takes me, I’m going to have to know how to market myself. I’m going to have to understand marketing and business.”

Instead of studying design, Debra studied marketing at Seneca College. We’d say that education paid off, and then some!

2. Travel is Debra’s Happy Place

Outside of her family and the design world, travel is Debra’s greatest passion. She travels so frequently, Scott even teases her about it! Her most memorable trips include a family trip to Alaska and her honeymoon in South Africa.

“When I’m able to take my kids on trips and watch their eyes light up, like when we were in Alaska and watching icebergs, those are magical moments. That as a parent is kind of where I find it’s most rewarding.”

Related: These Canadian Cities Are Named the Best to Live in the World

3. Debra and Her Husband, Dave Salmoni, are Tied for Coolest Job

Debra’s husband Dave is an animal trainer and television personality, so her two children get to see both parents in the spotlight, doing what they love.

“They see Daddy playing with a grizzly bear and then Mommy’s playing with paint colours!”

4. Debra’s First Date with Dave Lasted Seven Hours

When a friend asked to set Debra up with Dave, Debra thought it was a joke, but eventually, she agreed. Good thing she did, that blind date lasted seven hours, and they’ve been together for nine years! For those in Toronto, they dined at The Saint on Ossington Avenue, followed by drinks at Reposado — two Ossington staples!

5. A Blind Date to Remember

That first date was so memorable, Debra has the date, September 7, 2013, etched on her ring. It doesn’t get cuter than that!

Related: Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel Announce Their Engagement

6. Debra Finds Inspiration from Afar

Travel is a major part of Debra’s life, it even inspires her work.

“I get so much design inspiration from travel, just being exposed to different cultures and colour palettes. It really helps me, seeing how different people use different spaces too. I’m like, ‘wow, that’s really interesting.’ Sure you can see it in magazines, but until you’re actually there and experiencing it, you don’t fully understand. Travel is very important to my soul.”

7. In Another Life, Debra Could Have Been an Event Planner

When asked about her hidden talent, Debra shared that her friends would say it’s event planning.

“My girlfriends have told me ‘You are the best event planner in the world.’ We’ve had a few girls vacations, and I just take complete control over it. We’d all arrive and then 10 minutes later, a catering company shows up with a bunch of food.” It’s all about the element of surprise!

8. When it Comes to Parenting, Halloween is a Highlight for Debra

Debra went all out for her family’s Halloween costumes (just take a look at her own Hocus Pocus costume!), and you better believe her house had the best decorations on the block.

Related: The 10 Best Companion Plants for Your Fall Vegetable Garden

9. Debra is a Mom of Two (Plus Two Fur Babies)

Debra’s family includes Honey and Mo, two of the cuddliest pups you’ll ever see! While the English Mastiff and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are as cute as can be, Debra admitted on Instagram that their Amazon delivery person might tiptoe past their door!

10. Debra and Scott are Best Buds but Mildly Competitive When it Comes to Instagram

It’s no doubt that Debra and Scott are aligned when it comes to design (their reveals are some of Home Network’s favourites), but when it comes to Instagram likes, there might be some friendly competition. Check out this cheeky post by Scott to see what we mean!

Related: Buying an Investment Property With Friends? Ask These Questions First

11. Debra Loves Antique Shopping in Paris 

Debra is a big fan of Paris and a big fan of the variety of antique markets that are there. Whenever possible, Debra loves frequenting the world’s biggest antique market Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. For Debra, the hunt for decor pieces with a story to tell makes the experience of decorating a home all the more thrilling.

See More: Debra Salmoni Talks Vintage Home Decor, Sustainability and Rewriting the Story of Your Home

12. Debra is a Proud Canadian  

Born in Brampton, Ontario, Debra has lived her entire life in Canada and proud of it. Having the opportunity to work with many Canadian families across the entire country, Debra has grown ever fondly of Canada’s natural wonders, hospitality and even chilly temperatures. Debra can often be found soaking up rays on the French River or venturing off into the mountainous regions near Banff.

Related: 4 Picturesque Private Islands You Can Rent in Canada Right Now

Mornings can be divvied up into things that are hard and things that are easy; sleeping in: easy, deciding what to wear: hard, forgetting your keys as you dash out the door: all-too easy, building an entryway organizer to keep your keys, cards and coats all in one convenient spot: easy peasy! OK, we snuck that last one in there, but hear us out. This beautiful pegboard entryway organizer can be customized to fit any need and creates a space for all of your daily necessities. Best of all, this statement-making organizer is way easier to make than it looks (accepting praise from friends and family on your DIY: super easy).

Scroll below for the full step-by-step instructions to build your own DIY entryway pegboard!

Materials to Make a DIY Entryway Pegboard

To make this project you’ll need a pegboard, plywood, pencil, drill, dowels, saw, saw guard rail, shelves and a mirror.

Step One: Mark Holes for Pegs

Using the pegboard as a measurement guide, mark through the holes on your plywood board that are 5″ apart using your pencil.

Step Two: Drill Holes Into Plywood Board

Place the plywood on top of scrap wood and drill holes according to the marks. Hold your drill at a 90-degree angle to ensure the holes are completely straight.

Step Three: Cut Dowels

Cut each dowel to 3.75″ in length.

Step Four: Hang Board

Hang your board on your entryway wall.

Step Five: Arrange Dowels on Board

Place your dowels where desired for hanging items and create shelving by placing two dowels along the same row and setting shelves on top. You can also rest a round mirror on top of two dowels to create a small vanity.

Don’t limit yourself to entryway essentials. This pegboard comes in handy in mudrooms for pet accessories, in bedrooms and playrooms for toys and books and bedrooms for robes and catch-all bowls. The opportunities are endless!