The Relaxed Beige-Tinted Apartment of Audrey Rivet

Not one, but two talented people I've interviewed in the past ten days (Ezz and Émilie) have cited Audrey Rivet as one of their favourite Instagram accounts. A coincidence? I headed off to take a peek and came to the conclusion it definitely was not! Audrey is a Montreal based content creator and graphic designer who loves "looking at life through beige-tinted, vintage glasses". Her posts cover latest fashion finds, hip Montreal hangouts and snapshots of her relaxed, apartment - all of which follow under the same beige-tinted umbrella! I thought I'd share some lovely snapshots of her Hochelaga-Maisonneuve home which she shares with boyfriend Francoise and two cats Barb (yes, she has an instagram account all of her own - she's a kitty cat star in the making!) and Victor (a little more shy). Enjoy the tour!

Ranarp pendant light*, Knoll woven armchair* (shop for vintage versions here*).

"I really love every interior design that has modern and old/vintage elements mixed up. I think that way we can have the best of both worlds and add a warm touch to a modern house. My favourite vintage style is Art Déco." 

Print by Studio Kim, Notepad (on desk) and print frame by Micush.

The transcribe on the right was given to Audrey by a friend. It was a print draft for a screen print event which was never intended to be used. I think it looks lovely on her office wall and am so curious to know what it says - can anyone translate it?!

 

Söderhamn sofa, New Form 4* print, Neptune Arts print,

"I am inspired by everything related to art, design and fashion. I find happiness in discovering new artists, new inspiring people, new creative spaces… and also in finding beauty within ugliness and obsolete things." 

Sinnerlig pendant light*, print by Kristina Krogh

Kimono by Madewell x no.6 (sadly sold out).

What a lovely space! The brown and white palette is so simple, yet so warm and inviting feel.

And just how pretty are her curious cats?!

Is there anything you love in particular about Audrey's home?

You can keep up to date with Audrey's latest projects here and discover more inspiration here.

Oh, and it would be rude not to share a few other Canadian homes to enjoy over the weekend, after all - there are so many fabulous ones! Don't miss Émilie Desjarlais' lovely home, Canadian Little Nicki's relaxed, bohemian home and a small, but very inspiring studio in Montreal.

Right, I think that's it from me this week! I'll be stopping in on Sunday to share some pictures of the one thing I miss from home right now (we're currently travelling around the West coast - which I'm covering on stories) - can you guess what it is?!!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Niki

PS I have to say I'm slightly nervous about the England vs Sweden world cup match tomorrow, it's going to be a little intense in our house - eeeek! I'm feeling quite outnumbered over here must say! I loved the UK metro's headline today: 'send them flat-packing' - brilliant! May the best men win!

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A Rare Peek Behind The Facade of Copenhagen's Colourful Nyhavn!

No trip to the Danish capital would be complete without visiting Nyhavn, a 17th century waterfront, canal and entertainment district lined with brightly coloured townhouses, bars, restaurants and historical ships. But have you ever wondered what lies behind the colourful facade? Photographer Céline Hallas, husband Daniel, children Samuel (15) and Sienna (11) and their "very beloved dog" Yoda reside in an apartment with side views onto the canal. I caught up with Céline to find out more about what it's like to live in the famous district, her love of colour, collecting art and secret Copenhagen tips!

How did you get hold of your apartment? I can imagine it's pretty tricky to get hold of one?!
I really don't know how it happened. We had sold our old home without finding a new place to live and actually had to move in with my parents. We were looking in a totally different part of Copenhagen, but while we were sitting there in my parents' basement, constantly looking at what was for sale, this apartment in Nyhavn kept haunting my dreams with it's beautiful details and colourful courtyard. We fell in love with the apartment, not the area. We really didn't know the area and the fact we now never want to live anywhere else is pure luck!



What do you love most about living in Nyhavn? 
I love being surrounded by culture and history and even though it becomes part of everyday life, I always feel so blessed when I return home each day and see the colourful houses - this is home! To live by the water feels like an amazing gift. Sometimes when I open the windows in the early morning and smell the sea, I have to pinch myself to believe I'm not dreaming.

Are there any challenges? 
Sure there are! Tourists LOL! I sometimes feel they forget that this is our home with all that comes with it and not just a place where they can ensure the perfect picture to document their trip to Denmark!

I love the colour in your home - how do you decide on each shade?
I have always been obsessed with colours and colour combinations and it has always been my strength. So for me, it's more instinctive then sitting down and deciding on a colour. I find inspiration all over the place. I primarily use Farrow & Ball, the colours are all so beautiful.

Do you have any tips for anyone looking to use more colour?
Don't be scared, what's the worst thing that can happen? Maybe you'll have to re-paint it to get it right -  it's so worth it. Life is so much more fun when you fill it with colour.

You have some wonderful pieces of furniture in your home, what are you drawn to?
I'm not into one style, I'm into great design and quality. I am drawn to pieces with colours, but I'm very selective about colours, it has to be just right, I'm very colour sensitive. If something has a 'wrong' tone it makes me depressed, I wish I was kidding but it affects me a lot.

Where do you shop for furniture? 
We primarily buy at auctions - Lauritz and Bruun Rasmussen. But we also find a lot at dba (a Danish online second hand shop).

Do you have a favourite piece? 
I think I have three! Our green couch from VITRA - beautiful to look at and even better to relax in. Our dressing table - it's hard to find a piece of furniture that brings so much joy. And our amazing post modernist floor lamp called Callimaco from Artemide, it just make me so happy to look at!

I love all your art, have you been collecting for a long time? 

Art has always been an important part of my life and I have had some of the pieces wfor years - such as the Wiinblad and Richard Mortensen. Over the last few years, my husband as really started to enjoy art in a new way and we both really love filling our home with it. 

Who are your favourite artists?

Wiinblad will always have a special place in my heart! But within the more contemporary art scene, I love Eske Kath, his work is loud, poetic and colourful- and I must say, that talks to my heart! I also like Farshad Farzankia and Evren Tekinoktay.

Do you have any secret Copenhagen tips?
I don't know if I have any - but if you are into art, I would recommend swinging by Bruun Rasmussen when you are visiting Nyhavn. It might be an auction house, but it feels like an ever-changing art
gallery.

How fun to take a peek behind Nyhavn's facade. I often look up at the open windows and wonder what lies beyond!

Thank you so much for inviting us into your home Céline!

You can see more pictures of her home and insights into family life in the district of Nyhavn here.

I particularly loved the gallery walls - it's especially refreshing to see a children's bedroom with more mature artwork, which could help them to appreciate the beauty of art in a different way. What do you think?

Another thing that's really interesting about the Danes is that they are massively forward thinking and as a result, big trend setters. If you like to keep your home bang up to date, it's worth taking note of  the colour schemes, materials, patterns etc in this home - they'll almost certainly be a hot trend next year!

For more 'great Dane' inspiration I'm loving a Danish home that's sunny on the inside, the fabulous Danish home of an interior designer and a warm and inviting Danish home.

I do love the relaxed Danish style, how about you?!

Hav en god dag! See you Friday!

Niki

All photography by Céline Hallas, shared with kind permission. 

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