This Sunny Home Has 75 Houseplants… Each with Its Own Name!

published Mar 10, 2019

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The sunroom is a crowd favorite because it is an extension to the outdoor space. A lot of plants live in here and we made it super cozy with twinkle lights and floor poufs. We have hosted some jam sessions in here. (Image credit: Janet Kwan)

Name: Wendy Lau, husband Kwan, and a whole lot of plants
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Size: 1,770 square feet
Years lived in: 10 months, owned

I was first drawn to this house for the natural lighting and the sunroom and I knew that it would be perfect for all my plant babies. It was a true labor of love as we renovated this 1970s home to update it to its full potential. We took down all the interior walls and made it one big open space.

(Image credit: Janet Kwan)

I wanted this home to exude hospitality and warmth so it was important that the home could deal with high traffic and lots of company. I designed with this in mind and we left the floor plan really open so that we could set up more tables and chairs when we host. (We hosted Christmas four times this year and our biggest gathering was almost 30 people) The floors are hickory, which is a very hardy wood. The kitchen counters are quartz to handle wine spills and heat from all the potluck meals and we also installed a generous sized farmhouse sink from Franke by Villeroy and Boch for stock pots and big baking trays.

(Image credit: Janet Kwan)

I was very intentional with all the furniture pieces and materials used in the home so that any wear and tear will be part of the charm and story behind this home. Being a flight attendant, I get to procure small pieces I love from around the world to accent the home, making it truly unique. I love all the stories behind the art and pottery pieces because I was there and I met the artist behind the item I will bring home to cherish.

(Image credit: Janet Kwan)

I really believe that a home is a collection of items you love that tell a story of where and how it came to be part of your life. When you walk into my home, you walk into my life and hopefully you will feel welcomed.

(Image credit: Janet Kwan)

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Bright whimsical boho granny chic.

The \woman (Image credit: Janet Kwan)

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I have been working on my “woman cave” and it all began when my friend found an awesome papasan chair she found on the side of the road! So I’ve been hoarding baskets and pillows for this cozy retreat where I plan to do a lot of reading and dreaming. The last thing I bought was from a local thrifter who sells her treasures on Instagram (@luvewantshop) and I got a beautiful rattan loveseat to go with the papasan chair. She also helped me source a Hollywood Regency vanity that completes the oasis.

The master bedroom has a stenciled wall. (Image credit: Janet Kwan)

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? I would want even more natural light! We have some awesome west-facing windows, but I feel like my front hall and master bedroom gets the best lighting but if I could have south-facing windows for every room that would be so so awesome.

The guest bedroom has a tape wall. (Image credit: Janet Kwan)

Any advice for creating a home you love? I think my advice for creating a home you love is to surround it with things you love that will serve the people you love. I don’t want to be worried when my friends come over and we have a rip roaring good time and I’m chasing everyone with a coaster or a rag to wipe up my counters for fear of stains.

Thanks, Wendy!

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