Holly & Ryan’s Home “Filled With Creative Energy”

published Dec 19, 2015
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(Image credit: Submitted by Holly)

Name: Holly & Ryan
Location: Peterborough — Ontario, Canada

With the support of my husband Ryan, we are raising our two daughters and German Shepherd Dublin in a 1300 square feet bungalow. I grew up in Peterborough and two years ago we moved back to be closer to our families. I am an artist and work from my studio located in our basement. My husband commutes to Toronto and works from home part-time.

(Image credit: Submitted by Holly)

When we saw this house we knew it was the one for us. Our last home needed updating and renovations, this one was move in ready. Our style is eclectic – a mix of vintage, mid century and modern.

I loved the main floor and the natural light in the kitchen and living room. It is a lovely space for entertaining and the backyard is visible from the kitchen which allows us to see the kids playing in the yard. Our last home was a bungalow in an established neighbourhood, but we lacked privacy and trees. As soon as we saw the yard I told my husband I wouldn’t even need to go to a park. We have very low maintenance gardens and privacy which is great in the summer.

(Image credit: Submitted by Holly)

All of the bedrooms are a great size, the only thing that we would like to update one day is the main floor washroom. I would love to have a window and it is currently covered by the wall in the bath tub. The previous owner was a caterer and did a large renovation to the space. Our last kitchen had white cabinetry and subway tile, so it took a bit of adjustment for me in this space. I think painting the walls a dark grey helped tie in the granite and update it.

(Image credit: Submitted by Holly)

We love sitting in our living room as the built-ins display many of our collectibles. A small television, toys, crafts and books are neatly hidden behind these doors. We also have a large playroom in the basement filled with the girls favourite things. I collect art, my husband and I love photography and my paintings are displayed throughout our home. When we moved in I painted the entire house. I love colour, texture, and pattern. I love the dark blue walls in our master bedroom, I haven’t tired of them yet…and I tire quickly, you can ask my husband.

(Image credit: Submitted by Holly)

Painting the main living space white allows our gallery wall to stand out. I will never tire of a good gallery wall, my daughter has a large one in her bedroom and we have family photos in the stairwell to our basement. I think your home should reflect you and that it’s ok to buy pieces that you love, you’ll find a spot for them somewhere. I am proud of our home and I know that our girls love living in this space. It’s filled with creative energy and I think that visitors feel welcomed as soon as they enter.

Thanks, Holly & Ryan!

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