The First Homeware Update

The very first homeware update! It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 3 entire months since Jonah and I moved into our gem of an apartment in Toronto’s west end. Most of the furniture were things I had from the old condo, and while we’ve acquired a few things, there’s still lots to come, including the accent chair of my dreams that I’m impatiently waiting on, possibly a desk situation (because, well, WFH life), a floor lamp, and a yet-to-be-completed IKEA DIY. Clearly, we’re still figuring lots out.

My focus so far has been on making the place feel like home. For me, that really comes from the small touches that together have so much personality and character: coffee table books, vintage trays, handmade pieces, scented candles, and the like.

What I’ve known from the start is that I wanted the apartment to be a place where we can relax, recharge, and feel our best. I’ve always been a visual person, and I wanted the space to feel warm and inviting: full of warm woods, texture, earth tones, and subtle pops of colour. And I think scent adds so much to a space as well, so I have candles and diffusers scattered around.

So while the space is still a total work in progress, I feel really good about where it’s at. Decorating a home is a labour of love, and I wanted to share a few of my favourite pieces and the corners I’m loving.

FURNITURE

When I purchased the major pieces here and there over the past few years, I wanted things that would be versatile and last me for a long time. The sofa was an amazing graduation gift from my parents when I still lived with them, and I think it’s only gotten better with age (and the occasional layer of leather conditioner). In the condo, I needed a spot for my record player (and storage for my records), and I knew I wanted a vintage piece. It was unexpectedly difficult to find a condo-sized credenza, and this was a Craigslist find that I will cherish for years to come.

• 

• 

ACCESSORIES

I’ve been obsessed with burl wood for a long time now, and while I don’t have space for a burl wood console table or wardrobe, I do have room for this picture frame. It’s the perfect home for this photo I took on film in Laguna Beach back in December 2019. Oh how simple things were back then. The curvy terracotta vase and similarly curvy planter on the credenza are from one of my favourite local ceramicists, Common Goods Studio. I just love the organic shapes and the natural element they bring to the space. The art has mostly been sourced from Etsy, and I’m working on getting some more limited edition prints directly from artists as well. And lastly, the lamp of dreams from CB2 that transports me to the coasts of Portugal every time I lay eyes on it.

BEDROOM

The bedroom is still a definite work in progress. It isn’t huge, and it also doubles as Jonah’s workspace, so I don’t have a ton of room to work with. I think with some colourful throw pillows, a plant or two, and maybe some art above the bed, a bit of life will be breathed into the space.