Surfaces I Love
When we were sourcing countertop and backsplash for our kitchen, we chose Dekton by Cosentino, but deciding on which slabs to go with was truly difficult. Their range is insane, between thicknesses, finishes, patterns and colours, and we were really torn between a few. We landed on Lunar, but in the process I f
Our Chalet’s Living Space
March 2020 launched a two-year odyssey for us. Not only did it kick off the global pandemic we all faced, but on March 1st 2020, we got the keys to our first home together. And finally, after countless delays, hiccups and dollars spent, we can confidently say that our interior renovations are complete! Of
Co-Existing with Nature With CRAFT Floors
All the wood is our home has a story-including our flooring. Made from the salvaged planks from old barns across Canada, our Hayloft floors feature beautiful craftsmanship and a perfectly imperfect look and feel. During summer of 2021, they came to visit our home and film a lovely little feature on our home: he
Our Master Bathroom, Revealed!
This room is more than just a bathroom to me—it’s my little wellness escape where I spend a lot of meaningful time. At long last, over 400 days since we first took a hammer to this space, our master bathroom is finally complete! It has been well worth the wait to see this space finally […]
Our Kitchen and Main Floor, Revealed!
To appreciate the story of this transformation, we have to rewind a bit, casting the clock back to March 2020. For everyone on earth, it was a month that changed things—on a global scale, and on an individual scale. Changes big and small impacted everyone uniquely. For us, life’s broader events hit on t
Our Basement Bathroom Reveal
Our basement bathroom is the first room in our home to be totally complete. No missing tiles, grout, cabinets or corners. When the door is closed, there is nothing left in that room to touch up or install. And it feels oh so good. How fitting that the first room done after all the hard […]
CRAFT Floor’s Simple Tips for Installing Hardwood
Installing your own hardwood is not that difficult—but it does require a pal, a plan, proper tools and time! In our space, we installed a reclaimed Heart Pine product from CRAFT Floors called Hayloft which pairs perfectly with our cabin’s existing features and our vision for a cohesively cozy home. It t
Our Exterior Envelope Details [and Siding Colour Reveal]!
It’s not hard to imagine how our home looked the first time we visited it one snowy day last November—it’s the five or so stages it’s taken since that muddle the memory. This weekend I was looking back on old photos from when we got our place in March, and it was a shock to […]
We Picked Our Floors — and They’ve Arrived!
One of the coolest days in any renovation is when finishes arrive—I live for delivery and box opening! And today was a day I’ve dreamed about for months: our CRAFT hardwood floors arrived. Hardwood flooring is a feature so prominent in a design that it’s often one of the first things you source. In our [&
We’ve Moved In! (Just in The Knick of Time)
The last time I shared an update on our cabin (AKA Piper’s Peak), the world was a different place—as was our home. But then again, every week here has been eventful, marked by its own set of challenges and achievements. Day over day, this house has transformed, and capturing each moment has been an impossib
Our Bathroom Design Plans + Progress (+ Sources)!
I could not be more excited to start seeing the design of Piper’s Peak come to life! And what better place to start sharing our design vision than in the first space to see completion: our main bathroom. More than even a kitchen, having a working bathroom by the time we move in was a […]
Getting to Know You… (Reno Update on Piper’s Peak)
Over the past month, in addition to intimately getting to know the inside of our home through the process of gutting it, we’ve also come to better know our new, quirky community… So today, in addition to a big renovation and design update on Piper’s Peak, I wanted to share some interesting fac
Fully Gutted and Full of Potential
Two weeks into owning #PipersPeak and we’ve officially taken it down to the studs and foundation. In all honesty, we did not anticipate gutting our place to this degree. We were simply going to do a “partial gut of necessary areas” over a few days, then move forward with the build. But once we
Finding the Right Light – 15 Lights and Lamps to Buy Right Now
One of the first things we’ll be ordering for our new place is lighting, which will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the overall design of the cabin. Lighting is not just an integral part of the build and functionality of a home, but of its design as well. It’s a permanent fixture, sure, but [&hell
House Plant Appreciation Day
As we usher in the weekend, I took some time this Friday morning to fuss over all of our houseplants, spritzing each plant with water and individually wiping each leaf with a damp towel, then lining them up at the window for a day of sun bathing. Our plants have been around for years and […]
The Holistic Approach + Our Kitchen Design [Cabin Update!]
With just three weeks to go until we get the keys to our place, it’s just starting to sink in, and we are so excited!!! We’ve been busy preparing for the renovations as best we can, which means lots of drawing, planning, scheduling, inspiration-hunting, measuring and lots of good, old-fashioned talk
The Renovation Plan and Design Vision for Our Home
From the day we bought our home (you can read about that here), we started planning the renovation and design of our space. We scribbled in notepads, drafted the home in SketchUp, hoarded inspiration on Pinterest , and created a massive excel Master List of SKUs and specs. Mike is not only a builder, but [&hell
We Bought a Chalet!!!
2019 was filled with life-changing moments, and in the final weeks before 2020, life introduced just one more: On December 23rd 2019, we became the proud new owners of an original 1980s chalet in Whistler—and we could not be more thrilled to finally share it! Our search for a place to call home on the [&helli
Ledge Love
The simple art of placing books on a ledge has brought me joy lately. In the new living room, we have a large window with a deep ledge on it, and I had debated getting a custom bench seat made, but the ledge isn’t totally flat: there’s a step-up 2/3rds of the way deep that […]
Master [Bedroom] of the West Coast
To me, west coast style feels unconcerned. It seems to be about function first, individuality second, and aesthetics inspired by the surroundings. It’s beautiful without trying to be. It definitely took some time to figure out the space, and the style of the places out here! We’re still moving thing
Hunting for a Cushy, Deep Sectional (+ My Curated Picks)
In the last four years, I’ve had four sofas. Year over year, it’s been a revolving door of upholstery. From a hand-me-down loveseat set from my mom, to a modern Gus sofa, a yellow, tufted pretty number, to a blue herringbone, slim-lined sectional. And I’m at it again. Beyond a seat, each furniture piece h
Our Cross-Canada Move Experience with QMM
September and October were overwhelming months. To up and move across the country is a big deal. And after the excitement of securing our new place and setting moving dates wore off, the reality of the required work ahead set in. Sell the car; see as many friends and family as possible; clean the co
An Ode To My New *Old* Entryway
When I first moved into my home in 2013, I developed a soft spot for the front door. Complete with a janky storm door, it was original to the home and perfectly and in tact. It had this thin strip of retro bubbled glass down the centre, a circular knob, and a silver mail slit […]
My Happy Holiday Home Update
Just like us, our houses are a constant work-in-progress. And as life ebbs, flows and changes, so too does the home. I’ve gone through a few big life changes over the last while, and my house has not been immune—neither has my wallet, but who’s counting? (Technically me. I am.) We often think of h
I Got a Central Vac—And It’s Amazing
Pals, I think I’ve officially hit peak adulting: I got central vac installed in my home. Call me Suzy Homemaker,—or don’t—but regardless of nicknames (Suzy Homemaker not among mine, for clarity sake), there’s something very rewarding and deliberate about having a home outfitted with a BE
#SabrinasBathroom: The Reveal
At long last, my bathroom renovation is complete. And before I dive into pretty pictures, I have to give big ups to my patient sponsors: Delta Faucet, Lowe’s Canada, Creekside Tile and Unison Home. (I’ve linked to all products below). If you haven’t followed along so far, take a pause and
#SabrinasBathroom: The Home Stretch
We’re just days away from having a completed bathroom. And it’s shaping up to be even better than I anticipated. (Did I mention yet how happy I am that I contracted this job out and didn’t DIY it?! ‘Cause I am.) But however pretty, true to typical reno form, it’s taken longer
#SabrinasBathroom: The Beauty and The Build
Remodels are never as easy as they seem. And designing your own space when there are limitless options is tough. So with the build of #SabrinasBathroom underway, I thought I’d share a huge post chronicling all of the decisions I made, why I made them and how my heart ache can help you. Although I’m
My (Proudly Canadian) Home Tour
In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, I thought I’d share an updated tour of my space, one which is proudly home to a mix of Made in Canada pieces, thrift store finds and old faithfuls from big-box shops. In tandem, HGTV Canada popped by and filmed a tour of my home (with Piper cameos, of co
A Small (but Mighty) Moody Dressing Room
Pre-S: This room makeover was completed for Hello Sunshine magazine. While this post will dive more into the design process and my personal choices, click here for the editorial, shot by the lovely Scarlet O’Neill and check out my tips for easier mornings. How sweet it is to be changed in you! I really
#SabrinasBathroom Reno Diary: The Whats and Whys of My Design Plan
It feels like forever since I started planning my bathroom renovation (which I’ve coined #SabrinasBathroom). I’ve consciously gotten better at it, but I’m still not the most decisive person in the world. However, if I’m being fully honest about why it’s taken so long to make t
Little Happy Living Room
I’ve spent most of my waking hours parked on this little yellow couch — or the dining table just behind it — recently. I’ve been on a tiny break from filming, and plugging away at myriad tasks, so rather than share all the things, here’s how I’ve sum up the last few weeks:
An Eclectic + Laid-back Bedroom Refresh
My relationship with my bedroom lately can be summed up with the saying, “quality over quantity.” A lot has changed since I last shared my bedroom, and while it’s mostly changes in my professional life (bye-bye sleep!), I believe that the form and function of one’s home simply can’
A Whimsical Wallpaper + Five Hours = A Bold Entryway Refresh
For the past year, my entry-way went through its awkward teen years. Since I finished my kitchen reno (which was nearly a year ago to the day), I had intended to do something with this wall along my entry. In the reno process, I updated my electrical and painted, and because I intended to fix this wall mu
#HelloProKitchenReno: One Year Later (with Updates)!
Thanks to Facebook’s on this day feature, I was reminded that one year ago today, I began renovating my kitchen. The before photo in the GIF above was taken just after Habitat for Humanity left after taking apart my kitchen and hauling it off to be sold. It marked the beginning of a series of headaches,
Things I Like: The Float Frame by Artifact Uprising
I haven’t spent a ton of time at home lately. With such a busy schedule, I’m constantly hopping between other people’s homes, which, in turn, has led me to hold dear my own home more than ever. For me, a lot of the feel-good vibes that home gives me come from my art, my plants, and my fa
Before + After: My Itty Bitty Pink Bathroom Makeover
My bathroom is tiny, and yet it sees the most action in a given day– and that ain’t ever changing. It’s always been challenging finding ways to make it work better for us without making any drastic changes to the layout — because at the end of the day, we aren’t willing to make
How to Care For Popular House Plants — Even If You Have a Black Thumb
I have over 16 house-plants. And I love each one dearly. So much so that I created a crop top and pillow scribed with “crazy plant lady”. I am not a plant expert, and my expertise simply comes from years of experience both killing and curing plants. So today I’m sharing the tips and tricks for what
My Backyard Oasis: The Big Reveal!
Guys, my backyard is so so dope. I’m tickled pink — err, black. [If you’ve been following along with my backyard renovation, you know how junky and dysfunctional the space used to be. (And if you missed it, check out the full before post here and my shopping list here and a cost breakdown he
Backyard Oasis: Mini Update + Cost Breakdown
My backyard oasis is 98% done! I must admit, it took a bit longer than I anticipated due to some last-minute changes to decor, but the last of my goodies are slated to arrive next week. A few days ago my Unison Home items arrived (pictured above), and it’s totally rewarding to see my mood board come [&h
It’s The Little Things: Painting My Fireplace Brick
The thought of painting brick gives some people hives, but I fear nothing — especially when the brick is ugly as sin. Last December, I decided to paint my basement fireplace brick surrounding in white. (Yes, this post is six months overdue, but better late than never, as they say!) Why? Well, I’ll l
My Backyard Oasis: The Plan, Process + Shopping List (2/3)
Once the tree mound filled in and flattened, I overhauled my gardens, tossed some junk, and installed a new fence, I could finally muster a vision for the backyard which first led to sourcing and designing a mood board. (If you haven’t seen the before photos of my backyard, check them out first.) As
Sliding Barn Door To The Rescue: Replacing Our Generic Closet Doors
When I first bought my house, I didn’t think my closets could get any worse. They were small and ugly. So, I painted the cheap faux wood white, and while it solved the problem aesthetically, it quickly became obvious that not only was form an issue, but function was even more-so. A month ago, I became s
Behind The Scenes of My Tweaked Living Room Looks + Video
On Friday, I shared this video on YouTube on how to shop your own home to create two different looks for your living space (seen above) by simply tweaking and swapping out decor and smaller items. And today, I’m sharing some behind the scenes photos as well as a fun time-lapse video that takes you beh
Shop The Look: My Living Room (+ YouTube Video)
Yesterday, I shared a post with oodles of photos of my living room (along with me and Piper). And today I was inspired to put together a look-book and source-list for you guys to shop if you’re looking to achieve a similar look! So enjoy and let me know what you think 🙂 Source List: Yellow Velvet
Ebb and Flow: Life and My Living Room
Rooms ebb and flow all the time. And my living room is arguably the room that changes most in my home — even if it’s ever so subtly: by the season; based on trends; based on what our weeks look like function-wise etc. I swap out a pillow here for a pillow there, forgo a throw blanket; move [&hell
My Backyard Oasis: The Before (1/3)
My backyard has been “undergoing renovations” for the past two years. One of the reasons I fell for this house was because of the potential that the backyard had. It was huge but overgrown in the wrong places, undergrown in the right places, and spoke to the previous elderly home owners. It was da
My $7,000 DIY Kitchen Reno Cost Breakdown + Source List
Last fall, I tackled a kitchen renovation. Other than help from my awesome dad who pitched in, I did everything by myself to save money, save for hiring professionals where absolutely necessary. Admittedly, my kitchen isn’t massive, so the $7k price tag is easier to swallow, however, I saved thousands b
OOAK Show Admission Tickets Giveaway!
I’ve partnered with Toronto’s One of a Kind Show to give away 10 free admission tickets to the show running from March 23rd to 27th in Toronto. Yippee! I go every year and, although I rarely leave empty handed, it’s such a great afternoon spent coming out of winter hibernation (only me?!) to g
Get The Look: My Home Studio / Office Reveal
My home office has been nearly a year in the making. I once worked in the smaller bedroom adjacent to it, but after we took over the basement and Shawn moved his office downstairs, it was time for an upgrade — but it didn’t come without a cost. In the before photos, you’ll see the […]
15 Designers’ New Year Resolutions for 2016 on Creative Bloq
I was asked by Computer Arts (AKA Creative Bloq online) to share my 2016 resolution as a designer along with 14 other cool people. What’s mine?… Lately, the creative and social landscape of the industry seems repetitive to me — which has stunted me from creating just for the sake of it out of fear
In The Kitchen with Nonna
It’s been just over one week that my kitchen renovation has been complete, and I’ve finally been able to enjoy the fruits — err, cookies — of my labour. This weekend, my Nonna came over to give her Italian seal of approval on my kitchen and my Frigidaire Professional® appliances, and, t
#HelloProKitchenReno: My DIY Kitchen Renovation
For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you probably know that, for the past few months, I’ve been planing and gearing up for a kitchen renovation, which I’m proud (and nervous) to be executing and taking on all by myself onto of my work raising Piper, teaching, and taking on illustration and d
My Small Bedroom Makeover
Recently, I partnered with Leon’s Furniture to transform my bland, dark, storage-less bedroom into a cozy sanctuary with plenty of space for jammies and plants. Check out the video above (made by Wild and Light) to see the transformation unfold and get my insight into the design process. Get the full scoo
Styling My Shelf The Neutral, Minimal Way
I recently re-arranged the furniture in my living room (again, I know, I know) to accommodate our upcoming kitchen renovation, and I love it. My couch and TV placement has seen three different layouts now (see these posts for old layouts), and I’ve settled on this new layout which makes the room more cozy
My Home Tour on Design*Sponge
A few weeks ago, Grace, my Editor in Cheif at Design*Sponge asked the entire D*S team to open up their homes and show them off on the site. I was hesitant at first, as up until recently, I’ve been considering moving and have been house-hunting for nearly 6 months. It’s been an un-enjoyable process t
New Life For a Foliage Embroidered Canvas
A few weeks ago, I scored this awesome framed hand-embroidered canvas artwork at my local Re-Store for $8. And I completely ruined it. The shot below was taken in the store (next to many other adorable embroidered pieces, unfortunately none which had any sign on them of who made them). I fell in love with [&hel
Spring Changes Around My Home
My living room has gone through a few iterations when it comes to furniture. Rugs, couches, plants and side tables have come and gone. But up until last week, my gallery wall had remained the same. This was my set-up when I first moved in 18 months ago: The few months that followed saw a […]
My Small Galley Kitchen Made Better With Wire Chairs from Structube
A few weeks back, I visited Structube’s Liberty Village location and fooled around hand-picked my most coveted furniture pieces from their store to create a curated collection for Valentine’s Day, supported by this video by Wild and Light. One of the pieces I picked were their Wire chairs (which I l
Lately, in Photos
I’ve been a long-time Warby Parker fan, but I’ll just come out with it — my head is wide, and a lot of their trendier frames aren’t large enough for my face. So on a recent internet search, I came across Clearly (AKA Clearly Contacts) and bought myself two pairs. This may the beginnin
Propagating Succulents: An Update on My Plants
I’m obsessed with my plants. It’s borderline concerning to my friends, but it makes me so genuinely happy to watch a leaf uncurl on my pothos or a new shoot to grow from my palms or the leaves of my jades reach for the light. But what’s even more satisfying is growing new plants from […
My Handmade Illustrated Quilted Blanket
Back in the fall I was asked to participate in an art show called ‘Objects Have Stories’ in Toronto. Me and 21 other top-tier Canadian illustrators were tasked to make a handmade tactile item to be displayed and sold at MADE for $200. Remember that pattern I made a while back that I posted about? [&
Around the House
My living room featuring an IKEA rug, BRYGHT Coral Armchair, Spun Studio pillow, Target lamp, a Structube Eiffel chair and art from some of my favourite illustrators such as Matthew Woodson, Sachin Teng and James Jean. Propagating plants. I feel like that’s all I do! My throw pillow design (which you can
My $250 Kitchen Renovation: Before and After
When I bought my first home last year, I fell in love with its charm and potential–not it’s dated decor. I knew that with a little elbow grease, the home could be brought from 1960 to 2014. My Kitchen Before First thing’s first — I don’t know who those people are. Believe it or not