After her studies in cinema and working as a film director for five years, Cécile Gariépy moved to Paris to pursue a master’s degree. Her life in France was very academic, and creative Cécile started drawing illustrations. She posted her doodles on Instagram and from that moment on, her career path changed. Thanks to social media, Cécile is now an illustrator whose work has been published for Aesop, Spotify, The New York Times Magazine and AFAR, just to name a few.

The minimal and modest apartment she’s lived in for three years and shares with her boyfriend and their dog is an extension of her work: colorful, playful, and plant-filled.

“Both my parents are artists and have passed on to me the sensitivity for color. Colors have a big influence on my mood, so I always try to keep bright colors around me. I have also traveled a lot and I have always appreciated the omnipresence of colors in other societies, especially in the Middle East. I guess I’m trying to replicate that at home!” she says.

The apartment’s wide, open space is convenient to host people and the whole place feels inviting, something the couple values. The most important elements to Cécile sit in her living room. Why? Because of the artfully displayed books and illustrations on the shelves. “As much as I value the decoration of my apartment, I am not really attached to objects. I believe that handmade elements, such as illustrations, small sculptures, or even greeting cards, are the ones I value the most.”

Our Style: Simple but colorful.

Inspiration: I am inspired by what makes me happy: plants, colors, books, patterns of all kinds.

Favorite Element: The backyard! It’s quite big and pleases my dog as much as my friends.

Biggest Challenge: My apartment does not receive much outside light, but I try to make it as bright as possible through furniture, plants, and decoration.

What Friends Say: They say the apartment is big and comfortable, but they don’t have time to say anything else because my dog always comes to steal attention.

Biggest Embarrassment: The monumental bath in the bathroom. It was there before I moved in! I take a bath maybe once a year…

Proudest DIY: The illustrations that are scattered all over my apartment.

Biggest Indulgence: How many plants are too many plants?

Best Advice: Since a house is made to live in, I prefer utility and comfort over unnecessary design.

Dream Sources: Dusen Dusen, Hasami porcelain, Truck Furniture, Hay.

PAINT & COLORS
Behr — Whisper White

ENTRY
Mirror — IKEA

LIVING ROOM
Sofa — Article
Bookshelf — Rufi
Yellow Chair — West Elm
Green Chair — West Elm
Rug — IKEA
Berbere Cushion — Assyrian Rugs
Flower Cushions — Marimekko
Other Cushions — IKEA
Small Table — IKEA
Mid-century Buffet — Showroom Montreal (vintage)

DINING ROOM
Table — Showroom Montreal (vintage)
Chairs — Showroom Montreal (vintage)
Lamp — Lambert & Fils

KITCHEN
Stools — Rufi
Radio — Tivoli
Lamp — Luminaire Authentik
Kitchen Faucet — Vigo

BEDROOM
Rug — Aelfie
Chair — Vintage
Locker Cabinet — IKEA
Bricks Pillow — Dusen Dusen
Yellow Pillow — Simons
Blue and Red Pillows — IKEA
Mirror — IKEA
Blanket — Zara Home

OFFICE
Chair — IKEA
Desk — IKEA
Banana Poster — Playtype
Bookshelf — Vintage

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