Why, hello there! How's your week panning out?
Mine seems to be disappearing at a rapid rate, but I did find myself
stopping for a very long breather when I stumbled across this beautiful home (take a look below and I'm sure you'll totally understand why!). I also couldn't resist getting in touch with the French Canadian owner Émilie
Desjarlais of Brook & Peony to a find out a little more about her wabi-sabi home, which she shares with her adorable little girl. Enjoy the tour!
In a 700 feet square studio in Saint-Lambert, Canada.
What do you do for a living?
I'm
actually trying to figure out what would be the ideal career to have
and a healthy balance with my young daughter. I'm currently doing visual
content creation and interior styling.
I'm renting an apartment in a building from 1900. The owners kept most of the original structure including the claw foot tub, windows and floors. I'm very lucky to live in such a beautiful house and neighborhood.
How would you describe your style?
My
style is very bipolar. I can't stick with one particular style! It's influenced by inspiration, trends and my travels. I would say it's Minimalist/Scandinavian/ Beach shack/ Antique.
Has living in Montreal influenced your style?
Yes
because our rents aren't as expensive as the rest of Canada so we can
live in a place with a lot of space without going bankrupt! Since I've
only lived in old apartments, I have learned how to make the most of what I
have. Old apartments don't necessarily mean they're clean and in a good
condition. This is actually the first place I haven't had to fix anything. I only need to paint it and change the light fixtures.
Since my daughter is very young, making it accessible and safe was my top priority. To keep my sanity I also made our living space very minimalistic. To make it feel like a home, I believe you need to surround yourself with objects and furniture you love and put your heart into it.
Your home has a lovely, organic feel to it. Do you have any tips for anyone looking to create a similar look and feel?
My best advice is to take your time. In August, it will be one year
since we moved in and it's only just starting to feel like home. To create an organic feel
you have to live somewhere for a while and observe the way you use the space.
I understand you have a background as an artist, can you tell us a little more about your work?
I
haven't created for two years. This is why I have turned my creative energy to content creation. I hope to be able to create again soon. For
now Instagram is the best place to follow me.
I'm very lucky to call @kara_bino, @audreyrivet and @oohdearjade my friends. And my favourite Instagram feeds for Scandinavian inspiration are @hej.mia, @mamoesjka_nl and @tintaluhrman.
And finally, do you have any shopping tips for anyone visiting Montreal?
I
work at @cheznouschezvous a brick and mortage boutique in my town . The
owner has a lot to do with my passion for scandinavian interiors! If you're in downtown Montreal you have to stop at @maison_pepin (www.thepepinshop.com), @prunellefurniture and @commedesenfants.
Thank you so much for welcoming us into your beautiful home Émelie!
If you don't already follow Brook & Peony on instagram - it's an absolute must!!
And for more Canadian inspiration today I absolutely love this studio apartment in Montreal and an idyllic Scandinavian-style cottage overlooking Lake Huron. Guh! I'd so love to visit Canada , it's a dream of mine (and now we've got a whole load of shopping tips for Montreal too!). Have you been?
I'm heading off for a photo shoot on a beach this evening. The sun doesn't set until 10.00pm and it never really gets completely dark right now - as a result the light is absolutely magical! I only hope I can capture it (I've never done a beach shoot before - eeeek - wish me luck!). I'm looking forward to sharing the results with you in few weeks time, in the meantime, feel free to follow along on stories (all tips welcome!).
Have a beautiful evening!
Niki
All photography © Émilie
Desjarlais / Brook & Peony
Such a cozy place. And it looks so natural. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI really like this home too Roxanna - just lovely!
DeleteI just loved it! It felt REAL in every way. It's warm and inviting just like any good home feels like. xx
ReplyDeleteYou're so right - it's got such a warm and inviting feel!
DeleteAs usual, the original interior, I particularly liked the calendar: d I do not know if I will not do this at home, because it would fit into the cavity, what is its price and where can it be bought? I will be grateful for the store's lead, I am waiting for more inspiration from the Scandinavian style, because in my opinion it is currently the best, at least for me, my best regards!
ReplyDeleteHi kasia, I totally know the name of the calendar but my mind has gone completely blank - so annoying! I'll come back to you as soon as I remember!
DeleteYou have discussed an interesting topic that every body should know. Very well explained with examples. i have found a similar websiteSunrooms, Pergolas Sydney visit the site to know more about rsqualityliving
ReplyDeleteWonderful place! Since i live in Quebec city, it's very interesting to have a view on a space which i can relate. If you ever come to Québec, it with be a pleasure to give you some tips... Montreal and Québec city are both beautiful and contrasting in many ways... don't forget Charlevoix in winter and in autumn... so so beautiful. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDelete