We moved to the small city of Peterborough four years ago from Toronto when we were transferred for work. My husband Kevin works for a local oat factory that makes the entire city smell like freshly baked cookies. It’s magical. After looking for months for a family home, we put an offer on our house over FaceTime—sight unseen in real life. Having moved a lot over the years, sometimes you just know. Our instincts were right. It’s the coziest house we’ve called home yet and Peterborough is a lovely and vibrant community. Year-round we can walk downtown for everything we need or we can easily find a trail that will take us on an outdoor adventure. Hiking and skiing are our favorite family activities here.

Our home was built in the early 1900s, but had some major renovations done by the previous owners before we moved in—including the big open kitchen. We’ve since added our own personality and renovated the entryway, two bathrooms, painted (and wallpapered) countless walls and we’re still finding projects all the time, inside and out.

My Style: Our style is eclectic with touches of bohemian and Scandinavian elements (with lots of plants). We love mid-century furniture with clean lines, but like to layer in pops of color with textiles and collect art from our travels and local artists.

Inspiration: Our two loves—design and family. We are inspired by interior and graphic design, architecture, travel, and cities. I am a graphic designer and small business owner. Most importantly, we’re inspired by family living. Our goal is to make our space comfortable with room for real life. To wake up here or return home to a place that feels like a sanctuary is something we’re all grateful for. Especially over the past few months at home. 

Favorite Element: Natural light from all the windows and high ceilings. Our plants love the windows, too. Being surrounded by big trees makes our home feel like a secluded treehouse from spring to fall. Even during the cold winter months after the leaves have fallen, the sun shines in and the home still feels incredibly cozy. Oh! We LOVE our old radiators, too. They clank and make weird sounds, but the radiant heat is like a warm hug during the winter.

Biggest Challenge: Knowing when you’re done. There’s always a project with century homes. From structural to decor to general maintenance—it seems like the work is never done, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Proudest DIY: Our entryway. It’s a large space that welcomes everyone who steps through the front door. It used to be disorganized and messy with awkward shelves and benches. We simplified the space because seeing clutter as we walked into the house was stressful. We created a more dramatic (yet, welcoming) look with pared down storage—one basket per person, a shoe bench, and simple wall mounted coat rack. It wows, but welcomes guests and gives them a taste of what they’ll find throughout the home—plants, a thoughtful mix of old and new elements, lots of light, and tiles. 

Biggest Indulgence: Tiles, tiles, tiles. Throughout the house we have used modern tiles to add personality to our spaces. From the entryway to the bathrooms, it has been well worth the splurge to add color, pattern, and texture. We have tiled two showers floor to ceiling with white subway tiles mixed with smaller patterns (mini hexagon, penny tiles). Our one tip: don’t use white grout in a shower. We learned the hard way with a humid space and opted for gray the second time around. In our second bathroom we also invested in brass fixtures and it was well worth it.

Best Advice: If you can, live in your home or space for a while before committing to big changes. You might be surprised by the ways you do (or don’t) use a space. Take time to make changes slowly and intentionally. In our home, I was convinced our attic would be my home studio; but it really wasn’t for me. We’ve since turned it our into a bedroom and renovated the existing ensuite.

What’s your best home secret? Collect items that you absolutely love over time—from travels, antique/vintage markets, heirlooms, etc. If you don’t love it, it’s not worth bringing it into your home. Waiting to create a personal collection will truly allow your personality to come through in a space and tell your story. Also, shop small. A lot of the items we have in our home are big brands that were sourced through an independent retailer here in Peterborough called Burrow Home. The owner Megan has impeccable taste and helps us find exactly what we need.

• Benjamin Moore — Blue Note
• Benjamin Moore — Grey Mist + Cloud White

• Bolo Plant Hangers — ​Umbra
• Hub Oval Mirror — ​Umbra
• Standees — ​Lucky Jackson

• Sven Sofa — Article
• Basket Wall — Luv Want + Personal Collection
• Sky 06 Apricot/Mist Rug — Loloi Rugs

• Levo Chairs — Article
• Sunrise Blanket — Swell Made Co.
• Quaker Oats Art — Nikoiya Wile

• Bed + Side Tables — Gus Modern
• Heart Art Print — Banquet Workshop
• Nesta Tiered Planter — Umbra
• Taza Rug — Article
• Clouds Pillow — Swell Made Co.
• Wallpaper in Kids’ Rooms — Bouclair
• Collage Art in Library — Holly Young

Thanks Lesley!

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