Hello...
In early 2024, I rescued a sad little 1914 bungalow and turned this..
..into this.
And this..
..into this.
The process just about killed me. But once the hardest stuff was done, I got to indulge in my most favorite obsession: styling a home to make it beautiful, cozy and comfortable.
Many of the most endearing – and enduring - interiors are those built over time and on a budget. And after all my renovations, I am definitely on a budget! But being creative, working with what you have and thrifting unique, quality pieces can make a space far more special than one where everything is bought from a showroom. Collecting, curating and arranging don’t happen overnight; our homes are always evolving. And that’s the fun part!
So if you’re just starting to style your space, or you’re feeling stuck, maybe I can help. Sometimes all you need is a fresh eye to discover your home’s possibilities. Have a look through some of my work below. If you’re in Calgary and any of this resonates with you, I would love to chat.
Sticks and Stones
When it comes to design, nature always gets it right. Organic tones, textures and shapes add warmth, interest and depth…..found branches in a vase, stones scattered across a shelf, pinecones piled into a bowl. Foraging can turn up some of the most beautiful and unique home accents. And best of all, they’re free!
“Jennifer has an incredible eye for design that transformed my spaces into works of art. She helped me curate stunning gallery walls for my shop, Annie’s Alcove, effortlessly balancing colors, patterns and placement – things that would have taken me ages to figure out. Her natural talent creates warm, inviting spaces that feel both cozy and personal. I can’t recommend her enough – she has a true gift.”
Perfectly
Imperfect
Nothing adds charm like a little patina and imperfection. Mismatched wooden chairs around a café table; a mish-mash of framed art on a gallery wall; a vintage dresser with chipping paint. A mix of old and new makes magic.
Art
If you love it and can hang it on the wall, it’s art: originals, prints, tapestries, postcards, plates, photographs, baskets. Do a salon-style gallery wall; hang a painting over a door or down low next to the dog’s dish. Wrap a group of prints around a piece of furniture or tuck a small original into a bookshelf. Don’t overthink it; they’re just nail holes and that’s why we have Poly-fil!
Books
What can I say? I adore books. New books, old books, hardbacks, paperbacks…..I love them all. I love reading them, collecting them, stuffing them onto shelves, stacking them on tables, beside chairs, or next to the bed. Books add personality and soul to a room in a way that few other things can. So. Books. Always books.
“Jennifer has a natural talent for bringing a home to life. She has a keen eye for detail and an ability to take everyday pieces and tie them together in a way that feels both elevated and comfortable. Her approach to staging and décor doesn’t overwhelm - it enhances, creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and easy to connect with. It’s clear that what she does comes from both instinct and passion, and it truly shows in her work.”
Let there be (the right kind of) light
Nothing ruins a good room more than bad lighting. Period. But of all the things that you can tweak in your home, lighting is one of the easiest. Warmth and coziness require multiple sources of soft ambient light – so please, please turn off those overhead lights unless you’re in the kitchen, bathroom or the O.R.
The Secret Sauce
A hit of the unexpected can take a room from good to gorgeous. A gallery wall in your kitchen; a rug thrown over the back of a sofa; a small chair tucked into a corner and piled high with books; a sink skirt made of tea towels. Take a chance; try something different. All the best spaces break at least one of the rules.
And finally, if all else fails… add a cat.
