Kelly Wearstler Brings Her Love of Animals to an Innovative Veterinary Hospital in Canada

The celebrated Californian designer created the interiors of King Animal Hospital, blending medical innovation and aesthetic sensitivity in a space that unites clinical precision with residential warmth.

Article appears in AD Italia. Photos by Nick Hudson.

For the first time, the celebrated Californian designer has entered the world of veterinary healthcare, applying her refined design language to a space that marries medical innovation with aesthetic sensibility. The 60,000-square-foot hospital, located in Ontario near Toronto, is designed to redefine the veterinary experience—offering environments that combine clinical efficiency with the comfort of home.

To bring this vision to life, Wearstler collaborated with Danielle Scheinberg, owner of the veterinary hospital, developing a thoughtful balance between sophisticated materials and advanced technology.

Spaces throughout the facility are designed to foster the well-being of animals and their owners. From the softly hued lobby to the pink-tiled hydrotherapy pool, every element was chosen to convey serenity. Beyond aesthetics, functionality drives the design: a stone reception desk, custom terrazzo floors, and a hand-painted mural by Marina Williams enhance the carefully curated interiors. Exam rooms—featuring ceramic benches by Kelsie Rudolph—and rehabilitation spaces reflect a philosophy where design becomes an essential part of care.

AD Italia Meets Kelly Wearstler

AD Italia sat down with interior designer Kelly Wearstler, who shared:

“I have a deep love for animals. With the interiors for King Animal Hospital, I wanted to find a balance between advanced medical care and residential comfort. I wanted to create a space that felt like an extension of a home.”

Advanced Medical Care Meets the Comfort of Home

Your work is strongly rooted in material and artistic expression. What inspired you to bring that approach to a veterinary hospital?
KW: “I’m drawn to projects that challenge me. When Danielle Scheinberg, with her deep passion for animal welfare, approached me, I immediately fell in love with the vision. For this 60,000-square-foot veterinary hospital, focused on equestrian care as well as dogs and cats, we wanted to completely reimagine the experience and create something with soul. I wanted to push the boundaries of traditional healthcare design, creating a beautiful tension between medical innovation and residential warmth. The rich materiality that defines my work—the interplay of texture, color, and form—became the ideal language to express this vision.”

How personal is this project for you?
KW: “I’ve always had a deep love for animals. This project holds a special meaning for me. The idea was to build a space that conveys warmth—something far from the cold feeling of a typical clinic. A place where emotional well-being is valued just as highly as medical excellence. Every decision balanced technical functionality with a sense of home.”

Designing a healthcare facility, especially for animals, is a unique challenge. How did you approach this?
KW: “Entering the healthcare design space forced me to see things through a new lens. We had to design for very different patients—from small animals to horses—each with distinct needs for space and care. This meant exploring materials that perform clinically but also offer tactile richness and warmth. In the hydrotherapy room, for example, we chose these extraordinary D-tiles. They completely transform what could have been a purely functional space into one full of personality and soul.”

A Multifunctional Space for Small Animals and Horses

Did you design primarily with the animals’ comfort in mind, or was the well-being of their owners also important?
KW: “Animals respond to their environments visually, just like we do. I focused on the emotional experience—not just technical needs. From textures and color palettes to artwork and lighting, every detail is designed to create a layered, multisensory space. I wanted the hospital to feel like a haven—an environment where both pets and their people feel calm and cared for.”

The hospital features inlaid stone, warm wood, and terrazzo flooring. What inspired those material choices?
KW: “I was drawn to materials that evoke warmth and tranquility. Every choice had to meet clinical standards while delivering tactile richness. The custom terrazzo extends from the floors up the walls, giving a seamless sense of calm, while stone and wood bring a reassuring, natural warmth.”

Color, Texture, and the Handcrafted Touch

Healthcare spaces are usually associated with sterile tones, but you brought in color and texture. Why?
KW: “The soft cream and blush tones in the reception area create an inviting, warm welcome. The terrazzo adds a tactile layer that deepens the calming atmosphere. As you move through the space, the palette subtly shifts—defining different functional areas while keeping a visual rhythm throughout.”

Why was it important to incorporate artisanal touches, like Marina Williams’ mural and Kelsie Rudolph’s ceramic benches?
KW: “Marina’s mural greets everyone at the entrance. With its soft palette and gentle patterns, it sets a peaceful tone. Kelsie’s ceramic benches bring a sculptural presence that is both durable and expressive. I love integrating handmade pieces—they create a beautiful contrast with the clinical elements and leave a lasting emotional impression. Encountering something handcrafted in an unexpected context adds a sense of wonder and warmth.”