Mia Parres is a globe-trotter, devoted yogi and Bryan Adams super-fan. She’s also an interior designer, architect and co-host of The Expandables, which premiered on HGTV earlier this month. Parres grew up in Toronto, but her family roots are deeply set in Scandinavian and Danish culture, which has influenced her design aesthetic – characterized by simple sophistication and smart functionality.

What spaces in Toronto do you find inspiring?

The waterfront and the beaches. I walk, run, bike down there almost every day. I also love taking my lab, Bogey with me. He sometimes swims with the swans.

What aisle do you spend the most time in at the grocery store?

The cleaning aisle. I’m a neat freak!

Which virtue do you try to cultivate within yourself?

Benevolence is important to be, always be kind to others. Loyalty. Gratitude.

The receipts in your wallet would indicate what?

I love buying fresh flowers, pampering myself and coffee.

If you could reinvent your career and be something totally different, what would that be?

A fabric designer. Or theme park architect, like my dad.

When you dream about travel, what place in the world comes to mind?

Muskoka, for the life long familiarity. Or a sailboat in the BVI.

What makes you happy?

Being inspired. Discovering new design trends I love. Yoga. And my dog, Bogey.

What makes you cringe?

Gossip.

What quality do you loathe most in others?

Dishonesty.

What, in your opinion, is overrated?

Being scared.

How do you feel about life at this moment?

Optimistic, humbled and dedicated.

What quality do you value most in a lover?

Passion, intimacy and loyalty.

What is your favourite thing to do on a Saturday?

Making brunch with my friends. Taking my dog for a run.

What is your comfort food?

Eggs benedict.

What word or phrase should we all use more?

“Are you going to finish that?”

15 minutes gets up-close-and-personal with compelling personalities and people to watch in Toronto.