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Scott McGillivray is synonymous with incredible home transformations on the hit HGTV show Vacation House Rules. He’s accompanied by the designer and co-host, Debra Salmoni. New in front of the camera, the passion for home design and renovations surely oozes out of her. Though she is stepping into the spotlight for the first time, her background in construction and experience in the world of design make her quite a perfect candidate for the show.
She is no stranger to hard work, though. Debra has carved her niche as a talented designer who can balance functionality with aesthetics in her projects. It’s really her partnership with McGillivray that makes the show dynamic, with the two working together to take vacation properties and turn them into dream destinations.
Interestingly, Debra is not the only Salmoni with a career in front of the camera. Her husband, Dave Salmoni, has been a recognizable television personality for more than twenty years. As a well-known animal expert, he has hosted numerous television programs that have been based on animals and has earned broad respect as one of the most relentless spokespersons for animal conservation. Though far from fixing homes, Dave has been very supportive of Debra’s design career. Behind the scenes, he even helps her in managing her design business-a proof that the couple supports everything.
While Debra’s foray into home renovation television may be recent, her journey as a designer began long before HGTV came calling. Her natural talent, combined with her approachable and down-to-earth personality, has quickly won over viewers. As she continues to bring her creative vision to life on Vacation House Rules, Debra Salmoni proves she’s more than ready for the spotlight.
Whether it’s transforming an unkempt property into a beautiful retreat or running the business side of her company with her husband, Debra is making her space both in the design world and on television. Whatever is next with her talents, the fans will be waiting.
Source: Instagram
Debra Salmoni’s Family
Born Debra Francesconi on July 16, 1985, she is a Canadian native. Debra grew up in Brampton, Ontario.
She is the youngest of four children born to Beverley Armstrong Francesconi and Robert Francesconi. Her family is of Italian descent and involved in the construction business, where she got her first lessons in home renovation.
Her father, Robert Francesconi, passed away in March 2022 at the age of 71. Besides his wife, he is also survived by their children, Jennifer, Alex, Kelly, and Debra, along with their respective spouses and children.
Debra Salmoni’s Career
Debra attended St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School. In 2006, she received a diploma in marketing and e-business from Seneca College. She also completed an event planning certification from the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
Initially, Debra worked in marketing and sales for various businesses. She ventured into home improvement in 2010, joining Timothy Johnson Design as an associate designer.
In 2020, Debra started her design firm, DebraLillianDesign. That was perfectly timed with her television debut as a fellow designer on Vacation House Rules with host Scott McGillivray.
Source: Instagram
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Debra Salmoni and Dave Salmoni’s Relationship and Kids
Before she even got into home improvement reality TV, Debra Salmoni had been introduced to the television industry through her husband. Dave Salmoni is a zoologist, animal trainer, entertainer, and TV host/producer who has featured on the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and other shows.
Dave Salmoni even has his own production company, Triosphere. It’s based in South Africa and specializes in wildlife films.
Debra Francesconi and Dave Salmoni were married on June 13, 2015. They welcomed their first child together, Thomas “TomTom” Salmoni, on August 13, 2015, shortly after their wedding. Their daughter, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Salmoni, was born on April 13, 2017.
