Esthera and Gus’s Cozy Abode Above a Garage

Name: Esthera & Gus Preda-Engle, along with cat Lotlita
Location: Fossambault-sur-le-Lac; Quebec, Canada
Size: 1,200 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Owned

Esthera, a videographer at Boat People Vintage, and Gus, a professional snowboarder, are quite the talented couple. Esthera and Gus’s home truly embodies their style and heritage: Esthera is a first generation Romanian-French-Canadian, and Gus is half Native American. When they’re not traveling the world, the newlyweds spend their time in their loft making art and music. They have turned the space situated above Esthera’s parents’ garage into a beautiful home.

The loft is nestled among the woods of a small, French-speaking southern Quebec town called Fossambault-sur-le-Lac. The architecture is quite interesting. There is a separate entrance to the loft up a flight of stairs outside the garage, but one can also enter the loft through the main house by crossing a covered bridge. The first thing you notice when you enter the studio is the cathedral cedar ceiling. It creates an airy atmosphere even within the small space. Esthera designed the lofted bed, which was added a year after the couple moved into the home. The two wanted a studio space where they could write and play music together, and the lofted bed gave them the extra space they needed.

See more of Esthera and Gus’s humble abode here and here. And if you like Esthera’s home, just wait until you see her vintage clothing finds here.

My Style: Our loft is a little eclectic. We definitely have an affinity for ethnic, bohemian and magical things. However, we like to combine antique, vintage and modern together. There is beauty in each era, in each style, and finding a way to put them all together is what keeps it exciting for us.

Inspiration: The will of creating a cozy atmosphere where we can relax and be creative. We spend a lot of time in our loft, so it has become a sort of tiny retreat temple, sheltered in the woods, far away from the city.

Favorite Element: The ceiling. I feel like I’m in a cathedral when I look up. The structure never fails to impress me. I also like the echo it creates when we walk, talk, etc. Even though we live in a small space, the roof makes it look and feel gigantic!

Biggest Challenge: Working with open spaces. It has been hard trying to separate the kitchen from the rest. Our little dining table was always in an awkward, in-between spot. Lately we’ve added more tall plants around that area and it seems to have solved the problem.

What Friends Say: I think the architecture is always the most noticed element. We also get a lot of compliments on the decoration.

Biggest Embarrassment: The kitchen. I was never at peace with it. It’s a tiny bit too rustic for me. Gus doesn’t really mind it, but I would love to have more organized storage space. Also, one day, I would really like to have an antique claw foot bathtub in the bathroom, but for now we enjoy our shower that we like to call “The Time Travelling Machine” (not pictured because it is very funny looking).

Proudest DIY: The ghost chandelier! It is especially pretty at night.

Biggest Indulgence: The white leather sofa set.

Best Advice: White walls make spaces bigger.

Dream Sources: We have a thing for everything unique and handmade. Thrift stores, flea markets, and Etsy are good places for gem findings.

LIVING ROOM:

• Couch: by Natuzzi
• Coffee table: gifted
• Rug: Romanian heirloom rugs from my grandmother
• Card catalog chest of drawers – Antique store in Quebec (belonged to religious sisters)
• Mobile decorations: DIY(Tutorial here)
• B&W photos : photos of my parents in their young years
• Glass clothing cabinet – local furniture store in Quebec

KITCHEN:

• Table & chairs: garden table kit from a local hardware store (sheep skin added)
• Decorative faux camp fire light: DIY
• Hanging drift wood lamp: Homesense (decorative wood ball turned into a lamp)
• Kitchenware: thrifted

BEDROOM:

• Cloth Chandelier: DIY (Tutorial here)
• Wool blankets: passed down from my grandmother from Romania

BATHROOM:

• Necklaces: turkish necklaces from Etsy

Thanks, Esthera!

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