The Lovely Home of Émilie Desjarlais

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!

Where do you live?
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.

Can you tell us a little more about your home?

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. 

What is important to you when creating a family home?
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.

Which are your go-to instagram accounts for inspiration? 
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

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A 1960's bungalow gets a make-over

How about something a little different today? The interior design brief behind this 1960's bungalow in Holland was to create somewhere humble and back to basic - preferably with a hint of a holiday feel. Dutch designers Studio Slow (you might recognise the name from this fab workspace tour) hit the spot using an abundance of pure materials to create a living space which is characterised by its lack of  doors and large windows which flood the space with light. The result is a warm and inviting family home - with a lovely unique and personal touch.

Photos courtesy of Studio Slow.

What a great space! I know it's only a small part of the design but I love the kitchen sink curtain - it ties in nicely with the 'back-to-basic' vibe and yet also adds a soft touch to the space.

Is there anything that catches your eye?

Get the look: office space - Eames wire chair, Octo pendant light. dining area - tulip table and the DCW chair is similar. Kitchen - pick-up beautiful vintage chopping boards here, vintage school poster. Update - the Copenhagen poster by Ferm Living can be found here!

If you'd like to see a little more interior inspiration that features lots of wood today you can always check-out this archive (I particularly like Holly's calm, natural kitchen, the cosy home of a Norwegian blogger and a converted merchant builder's garage in Melbourne.

Oh and you can see more of the residential work by the wonderful Studio Slow here (don't miss this farmhouse kitchen!).

Have a great day!

PS I don't usually talk numbers, but I was thrilled to see the My Scandinavian Home instagram feed reach 100,000 followers yesterday - weeeeeee! It's kind of exciting and yet terrifying to put yourself out there in the public sphere (I'm in awe of all the artists, musicians, writers and other creatives who do this on a daily basis). And I'd like to say a huge thank you to you all for your amazing support and for making the feed what it is (it wouldn't be anything without all your interesting comments, thoughts and ideas!). Here's to many more Instagram moments to come!

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A charming Swedish home in white, wood and ochre

Sometimes the most simple schemes can be the most beautiful. Like in this space. A relatively titchy (44 m2 / 473 f2) Swedish apartment where white walls, wood furnishings, and ochre accessories come together to create a lovely, warm and cosy home. I particularly love the mid-century touches (seen in the kitchen and sitting room) and the shelf with hooks in the bedroom. So charming and full of lovely ideas, don't you think?

Photography: Maria Sahlander Styling: Emma Fischer for sale through Bjurfors. 

Such a lovely, cosy home!  

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look: kitchen - source mid-century dining chairs here, this glass teapot is similar. Sitting room - this is a great place to pick up a mid-century credenza, the poster is by Berit Mogensen Lopez available here.

Yesterday was a completely crazy day, thank you so much for all your warm wishes and congratulations on my new book both here, on Instagram and Facebook it meant so much to me! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it! Unfortunately I haven't got time to relax and dwell on the good feeling this morning as I'm waiting for the imminent arrival of a crew from the German International TV channel DW-TV who would like to interview me for a documentary - exciting! More info soon, I promise!

In the meantime, today is the last day to receive 20% off a wonderful signed, limited edition print by Ruvan Wijesooriya from Absolut Art! Simply use the code MSH20 at checkout to redeem the discount. I've got my eye on Girl and Window....

Have a lovely day!

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The calm, natural kitchen

I was getting a little tired of being at home this week so I've re-located to a little café by the sea. They do a great porridge (have you heard of Grod in Copenhagen which only serves porridge? - I must pop over the bridge and pay them a visit!). Admittedly it was also to escape my kitchen which is in desperate need of a make-over.  This is why I was delighted to discover Holly Marder's inspiring new kitchen. As we know from her beautiful bedroom and studio, Holly has an entirely unique signature style, with a penchant for warm, earthy tones and natural textures. In other words, everything she touches literally turns to gold! Holly's make-over is a lesson in combining beautiful craftsmanship and maximising use of space for a truly functional, yet calm kitchen.

 

Photography and design: Holly Marder / Avenue Lifestyle. 

What a fabulous space?! I love that it has a slight mid-century vibe - and everything looks so calm. 

I couldn't imagine getting heated over anything here could you?  I'm thinking back to Saturday when I tried to make a chocolate meringue cake, in Swedish, with three young kids - let's just say I'll be sticking to cupcakes for a while! Or perhaps arts and crafts (hey, I know my strengths!).

Get the look from Holly's lovely kitchen: custom oak door fronts by Koak Design, walnut pulls and knobs by Ware Design Works, wooden pendant light, brass kitchen rails, wall lamp.  'My chair' by Normann, the beautiful Hubsch table, linen placemats, napkins and basket by Artha. 

You can see the full write up and more info about the products over at Avenue Lifestyle.

Looking for more kitchen inspiration today? You can always check out my kitchen archive and Pinterest board for mountains of inspiration! See you there...

Have a lovely day! 

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A Stockholm home rich in texture

I have to say, I've really enjoyed this week on the blog, it's been kind of crazy. From an apartment on top of a Norwegian ski jump to your very own Tasmanian (dream) island hide-away  you could never say I don't shake things up a bit! Since it's the end of the week I feel it's perhaps time to come back down to earth. But this lovely family home in Stockholm is far from ordinary. Owned by Petrus Palmér, the founder of Hem design studio and shop, wife Madeleine and two year old son Alvar, the house is full of beautiful textures - from light wood and concrete to marble, cork and linen, and of course, many wonderful items. Let's take a look around....

Photography Erik Lefvander (shared with kind permission).  Styling Alexandra Ogonowski 
Found via The Design Chaser with thanks. 

Get the look: kitchen - Alphabeta pendant duet lights,  Alvar Aalto chair 69,  cast iron Japanese teapot. By the Stairs - Vitra cork stool, Pocket armchair, Kenno throw. Bedroom: this light blue linen bedding is similar.

You can read more about this beautiful home in Residence here (one of my absolute favourite Swedish interior magazines).

And before I shoot off for the weekend, here's a little link love to enjoy when you have a moment:

Curious to know what happens when Parisien style is brought to a Swedish apartment? Take a look here.

The secrets to styling your home like a Parisien.

For the sweet toothers among us, how mouth-wateringly good does this fluffy smor dip look?! It's either that or this (or both?!). Or even this (someone stop me!).

This is where I'd like to go this weekend... what do you reckon?

Have a wonderful couple of days and see you Monday!

PS keep an eye out for my give-away on Instagram this weekend!

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A beautiful boho cottage (to rent!) in Byron Bay

Stop the press! I was planning on posting a completely different home tour today. And then this space happened. Everything had to be re-written (even though I've got a flight to catch!). Photographer and stylist extraordinaire Louise Roche recently captured Haveli cottage for Airbnb owner, Heidi (yes, it is available to rent...!). Described as an 'Indonesian & Indian inspired luxe cottage', the boho property is located in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia and is decorated throughout using items from Heidi's iconic shop. As if we needed another excuse to travel Down Under?!

Photographer and stylist: Louise Roche / The Design Villa

Could you imagine spending your holiday here?

Louise also used the cottage as the most beautiful backdrop ever for three of her clients: The Boho Bungalow, Rock Ribbins Eco Gifts and Shima Lifestyle (some of the items of which can also be seen in these pics). She is organising a new collaboration shoot from Port Douglas soon, if you're selling homeware, fashion or jewellery and would like to participate pop her a mail here.

Similar items (I love): jute rug, Indonesian straw bag, Batik cushions.

Other absolutely stunning homes in Australia (in case you missed them) include a light and airy cottage,  the retro beach house and a pared-back home in neutrals. And of course, if you don't already - I highly recommend following Australian design blogs Dust Jacket and The Design Files (please feel free to add your blog tips in the comment section below!).

Right. I'd better get packing for my trip to London this afternoon. Go, go go!

Have a lovely day! 

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