Feathering My Nest
I am definitely a homebody. So making my surroundings pretty and comfortable has always been a high priority for me.
I love fabrics and an afternoon spent at a designer fabric showroom is my idea of heaven. I’ve spent countless hours browsing antique shops in search of unique ceramics, old prints and furniture with the perfect patina.
For inspiration, before Instagram, I acquired a sizable collection of design books (which got pared down before my last move!) Favourite desingers include Michael S. Smith, Tom Scheerer, Mark Hampton, and more recently Amelia Handegan and especially Rita Konig.
In terms of style, my ideal decor is a mix of Scandinavian with light colours and clean uncluttered spaces along with a casual country/farmhouse vibe. My most coveted interior design feature is a white farmhouse sink but I think that will have to wait for my next home.
The architecture of my present living space is quite modern - lots of white walls and open plan. One of the first changes I made after I moved in was to add bookshelves in the living room and book/cupboard storage in the downstairs area as well. I think that has made a huge difference in cosiness, as well as hiding a lot of stuff!
Linen curtains and a book shelf soften the living room
The other major improvement has been the additon of wall to wall linen sheer curtains in the living room and master bedroom. So pretty and softening, with the added bonus of increased privacy.
In Toronto I found a decorator who custom designed and sourced for me the living room sofa, and helped with fabrics for the bergere chairs, one of which was re-upholstered from a busy chintz pattern to the current neutral linen, to better suit my space.
The dining room features an antique chandelier, a new modern table and seating from local outlet Mjolk, as well as three large framed wallpaper panels of clouds. The sideboard from Design Within Reach is a workhorse: it holds all my extra dishes and bowls, placemats and napkins.
I find the cloud panels very zen!
Because the kitchen is in full view of the living room, I try to keep it as uncluttered as possible. Were it a separate space I would have loved a bold tile backsplash but settled for simple white squares with a bit of texture. More texture and warmth comes from the bamboo blinds, and I couldn’t resist adding a sort of frieze of vintage plates above the window.
Bamboo blinds and vintage plates are an antidote to shiny surfaces in the kitchen
I feel so fortunate to have a light-filled space that I love to come home to! Hope you enjoy this mini-tour of my small but welcoming refuge.
