The Wabi-Sabi 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