A Toronto Apartment Comes Alive Thanks to Bold Colors and Fun Patterns

Posted in Angelcityfurniture

Name: Amber Wielenga Location: Toronto, Ontario Type of home: Apartment Size: Around 1000 square feet Years lived in: 5 years, renting

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I am currently a freelance graphic designer and server living in downtown Toronto. Five years ago, the area was a bit rough but lately, a lot of new condos and amenities have popped up and it’s getting busier and more popular. My place is an older high rise so it’s huge in comparison to new buildings in Toronto. I love the extra space and all the natural light. The past five years I have lived here with ex-partners and roommates but have been on my own for a while so I recently took the opportunity to express my creativity, redecorate, and customize the place exactly how want and now I will probably live here until I die I love it so much.

What is your favorite room and why? Probably the living room because I’ve spent the most time on it and the most time in it. Over the years I have rearranged, furnished, and redecorated this room too many times! I am happy to say I am finally at peace with how it is set up. Also, this is the space where I spend the most time with family, friends, and myself. When I am here alone without roommates, it also becomes my dining and bedroom because I am lazy when no one is watching.

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? I wish all the imperfections on the walls, baseboards, cupboards, floors etc. would magically go away. It would be a dream come true if the little chips/dings/scratches/100-year-old paint drips/marks miraculously disappeared and everything was perfectly smooth and unblemished.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Artsy, bright, cute, colorful, and clean.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The last thing I bought for the apartment was a total splurge. I had a smaller rug that I loved but it looked awkward after I recently rearranged the living room. This rug is larger and fits the space better, which makes the living room look more sophisticated and grown up.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Take your time, don’t rush decorating. Wait until you find furniture, objects, and art you’re really crazy about. If you’re young, start with hand-me-down, free, or cheap furniture and then slowly replace them as your style evolves, you find things you love, or have more money. If you don’t have time, hire an interior designer; they are experts and can help you create a space made specifically for you without all the sleepless nights about what shade of white you should paint!

*This submission’s responses have been edited for length and clarity.