Fontana & Dames

Have you heard about Knowlton’s new interior design firm, Fontana & Dames Inc.? Steered by two entrepreneurial and professional women with years of experience under their belts, Romina Tina Fontana and Jenny Dames, the company is off to a great start.

How did they meet? “The story goes that a friend in common introduced us, thinking we would get along, and sure enough we hit it off,” said Romina. “We were both working as independent designers in Toronto at the time, and by January 2020 we decided to partner up.” Jenny oversees their Ontario projects out of a lofty co-working space in Toronto, while Romina works at the firm’s new studio in Knowlton, just across from the Lakeview Inn.

Romina, an original Quebecker, decided to move to Knowlton last summer, and is very glad she did. “We landed at a good time,” she argued. “All the real estate agents in the area are incredibly busy. We have been happy to work with newly-arrived clients who were pleased to discover a bilingual design firm.” Jenny concurs. “It’s been fantastic,” she said. “Many of our current projects are secondary homes because, due to COVID, the cottage and country house lifestyle is more important than ever.”

Ever cautious, Jenny and Romina work around the clock. Only to make sure their clients’ needs are met while respecting COVID guidelines. “We do a lot of e-design and zoom meetings,” said Jenny. “And we currently coordinate projects so that we can visit our clients’ home when they are not there.”

Fontana & Dames does not have one specific style. Rather, the team focuses on client collaboration and insists upon the integrity of every single design decision. “We try to lead our clients in the right direction without imposing a specific aesthetic,” explained Romina. “We are happy to work with their particular tastes and design goals.”

Opposites attract, and Jenny and Romina are no exception to the rule. Whereas Romina is a traditionalist (think antique silver trays and objets d’art), Jenny is a modernist and a minimalist (less is more). Together, the business women work well. “We are very lucky to have each other,” said Jenny. “Romina and I complement each other with our skill sets and our distinctive styles.” Romina joined in: “Our business ethics and core values are aligned. We are dedicated to our clients. And we are proud to be in Knowlton. Here, there is such a fine tradition of home-building, architectural remodeling, landscaping and gardening.”

For more information, visit fontanadames.com or call 450-578-4080.