A BEAUTIFUL space is one thing. A space that changes the way people live is something else. For Toni Crockett SuratSingh, that is the real power of interior design. \u201cI believe good design has the power to improve the way people live,\u201d said Crockett SuratSingh, creative director and founder of Toni Crockett Design Ltd, an award-winning interior design studio based in Trinidad and Tobago.<\/p>\n
For the past 15 years, Crockett SuratSingh has designed homes and commercial spaces locally and internationally, with projects spanning Trinidad, Tobago, Toronto, Tortola, Dominica and St Kitts. \u201cWhether it is helping a family function better in their home or creating a commercial space that enhances a customer\u2019s experience, my goal has always been to design spaces that feel deeply personal and stand the test of time. Long before I became a designer, I noticed how certain spaces could instantly make people feel calm, inspired or connected. Interior design allows me to combine creativity with problem-solving. It is one of the few professions where art, psychology, architecture and functionality all come together,\u201d Crockett SuratSingh said in a recent interview with Her Magazine.<\/p>\n
Where it all began<\/p>\n
Long before becoming a designer, Crockett SuratSingh noticed the effect certain spaces could have on people. That observation eventually led her towards a career that allowed her to combine creativity with problem-solving. \u201cInterior design allows me to combine creativity with problem-solving. It is one of the few professions where art, psychology, architecture and functionality all come together,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
When a space changes<\/p>\n
the way you live<\/p>\n
What does the designer enjoy most about transforming a space? \u201cWatching someone\u2019s life improve because of good design. People often think interior design is about making things look beautiful, but what excites me most is seeing a family use their home differently because it finally works for them. Sometimes that means parents cooking together without feeling crowded. Sometimes it means creating spaces where children naturally gather instead of disappearing into separate rooms. Sometimes it is simply giving someone a home they genuinely look forward to coming back to every day. Those are the transformations that matter most,\u201d Crockett SuratSingh said.<\/p>\n
A designer who listens<\/p>\n
When asked how she would describe herself as an interior designer, Crockett SuratSingh\u2019s answer is straightforward. \u201cI would describe myself as a designer who listens first. Beautiful spaces are important, but I believe the best interiors begin with understanding how people actually live. Every project starts with asking questions and learning about my clients\u2019 lifestyles before a single line is drawn. Clients often tell us they appreciate how collaborative our process feels. They can expect honesty, thoughtful design solutions and an unwavering attention to detail. We challenge ideas where necessary, but always with the client\u2019s best interests at heart. Our goal is never to create a \u2018TCD Home\u2019. It is to create a home that feels authentically theirs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
From passion to practice<\/p>\n
Like many businesses, TCD began with a leap of faith. \u201cWhat began as a passion for design gradually evolved into a full-service interior design practice. Over the years we have grown from working on residential renovations to designing luxury homes, restaurants, retail spaces and commercial environments across the Caribbean and beyond. Today, TCD is a small but highly dedicated team that believes thoughtful design is about much more than selecting finishes. It is about solving problems, creating experiences and improving everyday life,\u201d Crockett SuratSingh said.<\/p>\n
She continued, \u201cToday, TCD is a small but highly dedicated team. Over the years, the company has grown from working on residential renovations to designing luxury homes, restaurants, retail spaces and commercial environments across the Caribbean and beyond. We believe thoughtful design is about much more than selecting finishes. It is about solving problems, creating experiences and improving everyday life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Making every<\/p>\n
square foot count<\/p>\n
Crockett SuratSingh explained that the most challenging projects are rarely difficult because of the design itself. \u201cThey are challenging because every project comes with unique constraints\u2014budgets, existing structures, timelines or unforeseen site conditions. One project that stands out involved completely rethinking how a family lived within the footprint of an existing home without expanding it. Every square foot had to work harder. It required careful planning, creativity and constant collaboration, but those are often the projects that become the most rewarding,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
A love for Caribbean Colonial<\/p>\n
Crockett SuratSingh\u2019s own design tastes are strongly influenced by Caribbean Colonial architecture. \u201cI have always loved Caribbean Colonial architecture. Deep verandas, intricate fretwork, traditional door transoms and beautiful antiques all tell a story and create a sense of timelessness.,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She has also been fortunate enough to collect a few antiques over the years that she treasures. There is one irony, however. \u201cIronically, my own home does not feature the architecture I love most, but perhaps one day I will own a property where I can fully embrace that style,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Style without<\/p>\n
spending a fortune<\/p>\n
For homeowners who want to make their spaces more stylish without spending a lot of money, Crockett SuratSingh\u2019s advice is simple. \u201cYou do not always need to renovate. Paint remains one of the most transformative tools available,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She also recommends updating lighting, decluttering surfaces, hanging curtains correctly, incorporating plants and investing in a few larger decorative pieces rather than many small ones.<\/p>\n
But one of her biggest recommendations is to learn how to edit. \u201cPerhaps the biggest improvement people can make is editing. Removing unnecessary items often makes a home feel more luxurious than continually adding new ones,\u201d Crockett SuratSingh said.<\/p>\n
Common design mistakes<\/p>\n
One of the biggest mistakes the designer sees is designing homes room by room without considering how the entire home connects. \u201cAnother is prioritizing trends over longevity,\u201d Crocket SuratSingh said.<\/p>\n
She also encourages homeowners not to underestimate the importance of scale: \u201cFurniture that is too large or too small can completely change how a room feels, regardless of how expensive it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
And then there is lighting: \u201cFinally, lighting is often overlooked, yet it is one of the elements that has the greatest impact on how a home is experienced.\u201d<\/p>\n
The people behind TCD<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile I am often the face of the company, TCD is very much a team effort. My husband, Rishi, is our managing director and has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning. He oversees the business operations, allowing me the freedom to focus on design and our clients. We also have an incredibly talented team in Arianne, an exceptional designer, and Beth, who keeps our studio running seamlessly behind the scenes. Each brings their own strengths, dedication, and care to every project. I genuinely believe our clients choose TCD not just because of the design, but because of the experience they have working with our entire team.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud of the culture we have built. I am incredibly proud of our team and the relationships we have with our clients. Design is only one part of what we do; we are also entrusted with people\u2019s homes, businesses and dreams. Knowing that clients feel supported throughout that journey is something I value just as much as the finished spaces,\u201d Crockett Suratsingh said.<\/p>\n