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