This Canadian Home Is a Cheery Explosion of Color & Shapes

Name: Coby Starck, husband Leeroy, and two boys, Guthrie and Ewan
Location: Lethbridge — Alberta, Canada
Size: 980 square feet
Years lived in: 8 years, owned

I am interior design obsessed! I have always loved architecture and design ever since I was a child. I stumbled across Apartment Therapy some years ago and have followed your site ever since; it is a great source of inspiration and entertainment. I work as a hairstylist and also do interior styling and design. Our home is always changing: painting, adding, shuffling around art and accessories. I like the energizing playfulness our home exudes.

Leeroy is a musician/producer/radio host. We also have a 1000-square-foot recording studio attached to our home. There are plenty of musicians coming and going to use the space, and because it’s attached we gather and host in our home a lot.

Leeroy and I had a wood and metal furniture company that we ran a while back building modern tables for commercial cafes and private customers. We are a couple that share a love for art, music, and travel.

What is your favorite room and why? Probably the kitchen. It is the main hub of the home. It is open to the living/dining area, and it is also where we entertain a lot. I like the combination of concrete countertop (which we built), subway tile, and open shelving. The kitchen is a small space but very efficient — mostly everything is open to the eye so it’s great for entertaining as people can dig in and help prepare. The style also fits with this 1931 home; we wanted to keep the character but also give it a more modern feel.

Which fictional character would be most at home in your place? Somebody who enjoys bold accents and textiles with the simplicity of a white backdrop, plus handmade furniture and art. I think anyone that has an appreciation for the arts or someone who is a little quirky would like this house.

Any advice for creating a home you love? I think to create a space that is genuinely you, and only bring in pieces to your home that you absolutely love. That speak to you. Bring and add pieces over time, and slowly curating your space. Don’t let other people’s opinions or trends depict your style. Don’t be afraid to try new things, like painting with a bold color or a DIY project. I think that is the true joy of putting a space together. Going out on a limb. Creating an original space.

Thanks, Coby!

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