Cassandra grew up loving furniture and design, a passion sparked by her mom who always had one-of-a-kind pieces that were warm, cozy and felt like they were from another era. Recreating this feeling in the home she shares with her partner Ryan, his daughter and their dog has been vital for warming up their industrial-style space; they rent a unit in one of Toronto’s last standing authentic loft buildings in the East End.

Cassandra is a wellness specialist of many disciplines—registered holistic nutritionist (RHN), certified life coach and personal trainer. And she is the founder of The IBS Academy and Healthstyle, two ventures that focus on health and wellness. And her passion for health extends into the decor of their home. Both Ryan and Cassandra have made intentional choices in furnishing the space—like favorite art pieces with sentimental meaning, one-of-a-kind repurposed antiques, decor bought while travelling and items that represent their passions (i.e. Ryan’s surf gear).

They are also conscious when it comes to maintaining a non-toxic home environment, doing so by using good quality cookware to naturally derived cleaning supplies. For instance, most of the surface cleaning is done with a homemade spritz by combining a few drops of good quality essential oils, such as lemon, tea tree and lavender, with water. Both of them love to cook, so there is always something delicious slow roasting or baking in the oven (making the whole home smell delicious); preparing nutritious and whole meals is a standard in their home.

Cassandra is often the first one up in the morning, starting her day with some meditation, watering and talking to the plants while drinking a tonic (usually ginger), then making coffee as the others wake. Beginning with this morning routine allows Cassandra the opportunity to start the day on a grounded note.

Our Style: Warm, eclectic, bohemian chic

Inspiration: Travels, antique markets, one-of-a-kind artisans from India/Asia

Biggest Challenge: Not being able to renovate the kitchen because we are renting. If it were possible I would love a fresh, white look in there!

What Friends Say: “Wow, it’s so you in here!”

Biggest Embarrassment: Silly things like the hole in our leather couch from our Doberman puppy burying toys! Or that I don’t own an ironing board.

Biggest Indulgence: My partner does all the DIYs around the loft, including the art wall installation!

Biggest Indulgence: Turquoise blue vintage India chest

Best Advice: Don’t play it safe and buy all furniture, art, textiles and dishes from mainstream shops. Look in places that others don’t and buy what makes your heart melt.

Dream Sources: treasures gathered through travels

PAINT & COLORS
Entire loft came painted

ENTRY
Vintage high school gym bench — Craigslist

LIVING ROOM
Plant bag (pot) — Quince Flowers
Plants — Quince Flowers
Midnight blue ceramic stool — Winners
Hanging (hammock) chair — from travels to Sayulita, Mexico
Vintage Indian chest— Inde-Art Toronto
Vintage Turkish rug — Inde-Art Toronto
Vintage Asian chest — One Carlaw
Chinese pillars (Art) — Greentea Design
Ganesh art piece — Holy Cow
‘War is for Kids’ poster — boyfriend’s gift from a friend
Boris posters — from a friend’s cafe in Montreal

DINING ROOM
Brass lamp (vintage from the ’70s) — last thing of my mother’s
Vintage led crystal — gift from a friend

KITCHEN
Vintage brass kettle — Aberfoyle Flea Market (Guelph, Ontario)
Vintage plates — gift from a friend
Blue and white patterned dishes — Chinatown

BEDROOM
Artwork — painted and gifted by Ryan’s best friend Brett
Linens — Lacoste
Side lamp — Ikea
Boris poster (black + white) — from a friend’s cafe in Montreal

KID’S BEDROOM
Vanity — antique from a flea market
Mirror (behind bed) — Inde-Art Toronto
Bed — Ikea

BATHROOM
Vintage led crystal dishes/bowls — gift from a friend

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