People of Belarte - Iman Lalji
Iman Lalji is an interior designer based in Calgary, Alberta, with over a decade of experience crafting stunning residential spaces. Her passion for design began early, tracing back to when she first designed her very own Little Mermaid-themed room as a child. Over the years, Iman has honed her craft, evolving from small projects to more sophisticated, high-end and complex interiors. Today, she's known for her ability to transform homes into luxurious, personalized sanctuaries, a talent she showcases on her growing Instagram and YouTube channels.
Her own home design can be described as a “lived-in luxury,” a blend of warmth and sophistication that reflects her design philosophy. But when it comes to favorite spaces, it’s her three-year-old daughter's bedroom that holds a special place in her heart.
For the first three years, her daughter didn’t have a dedicated bedroom or nursery. The family was constantly in transition, moving from Toronto to Calgary, never staying in one place long enough to create a room just for her. It wasn’t until they finally settled in Calgary that Iman had the chance to do something truly magical for her. It was a moment she had been waiting for. The room’s centerpiece is a whimsical bunny-themed bed, featuring a glowing ear for bedtime reading and charming little paws that make it feel straight out of a storybook. Iman complemented the bed with hand-crafted bird decor from Etsy to watch over her daughter as she sleeps. Across the room, a butterfly mural dances on the walls, and practical wall hooks keep things organized. Designing this special space for her firstborn was a deeply meaningful experience for Iman. After years of designing bedrooms and nurseries for her clients, creating a room for her first born child was a deeply meaningful experience.
When asked how she stays inspired in such a dynamic industry, Iman emphasizes the importance of staying curious. When you’re passionate about design, inspiration is everywhere. Among her favorite wall mural designs, Iman’s top picks are the ones she carefully selected for her own home. The entry walls and office, in particular, stand out as her favorites. These spaces are not just visually striking—they carry a deep personal meaning and reflect her creative spirit.
When Iman first stepped into the living space, her initial thought was how awkward the millwork looked. The placement felt strange, and despite her love for the high ceilings, something just seemed off. There was an issue with the right tower on the wall. It stopped at an awkward height in relation to the ceiling, something that really bothered her. But instead of letting it detract from the room's potential, she came up with a clever solution. She camouflaged the imbalance by using a wood texture on the back wall, then added hanging planters to soften the corner and draw attention away from the asymmetry.
Now, every time she walks into her living room, she feels a sense of accomplishment. She’s amazed at how she was able to transform a standard builder-grade home into a space that feels completely custom, tailored to her style.
Looking ahead, Iman has her sights set on exciting new horizons that will expand her design reach even further. While she has spent much of her career perfecting residential interiors, a dream of hers is to bring her talents to television. She’s ready to take on bigger and bolder challenges. One of her long-held dreams where she can share her passion for design with a wider audience. She also hopes to dive into more commercial projects where she can fully explore bold, brand-driven designs and experiment with creative concepts. Commercial design, in her eyes, opens up a whole new world of possibilities. With commercial projects, you can really push the boundaries. Commercial spaces allow for larger-than-life concepts and creativity, where designers can fully embrace a brand’s vision and bring it to life in a way that’s both functional and captivating.
As Iman continues to grow her business and share her work with her ever-expanding audience, it’s clear that her love for design, whether for her clients or her own family, will continue to drive her creative journey. See more of her work at instagram @designedbyiman
