Say hello to the newest addition to the Style at Home team, section editor Catherine Therrien. A former associate editor at Gardening Life (as well as managing editor at a custom publication), Catherine has a ton of experience styling for photoshoots and also spends a lot of time revamping old furniture -- a perfect fit for Style at Home! I sat down with Catherine to find out a little bit more about her decorating style and her own home (which will be featured in our upcoming April issue). What appealed to you about working at SAH? Well, the very talented team, the gorgeous interiors (they’re always inspirational yet attainable), the beautiful design and photography, and of course the content. Describe your home in 6 words or less. A mix of several styles. What’s your fave place to shop for pieces for your home? I don’t really have one particular place that I always shop at for pieces for my home -- I’m all over the place! I like to frequent antique shops, thrift stores and reuse centres the most. I’m a huge DIY-er, so when I visit these types of stores I’m constantly thinking about how I can use an object differently or how I can transform it with new paint, hardware, etc. I do love Southworks Antiques in Cambridge -- it’s a bit of a trek but worth the drive. [caption id="attachment_6117" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="Catherine revamped an antique frame by making it into a chalkboard"] [/caption]

What’s your fave find under $50? My favourite find under $50 is the poster of Toronto I got from Ork Posters, showcasing the city’s 178 neighbourhoods. For only $22, the 30” x 24” classic black & white poster is a real steal (and a conversation starter — everyone tries to find their ‘hood when they come to my place for the first time!).

If money were no object, what store would you go to for a shopping spree? I’d have to say Design Within Reach. Mid-century modern is the first style I fell in love with for its clean simplicity, craftsmanship and individual character. There are so many pieces from DWR that I’d love to own! What do you sell on your Etsy store, Ava Reese? I sell a collection of wool pillow covers, totes and other soft goods. All my designs are original and handmade with lots of TLC!

[caption id="attachment_6118" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="An intricately-crafted cushion from Catherine's Etsy store, Ava Reese"] [/caption] What is your favourite movie interior? I just adore the whimsical bedroom in Amélie. It reflects her quirky personality (floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall wallpaper, strange lamps and eclectic artwork) and I think that’s how every interior should be — a direct reflection of your style and personality rather than what’s current at the time. You should be able to walk into someone’s house and say, “This is so you.” Where do you look to for design inspiration? Magazines are obviously always a constant source of inspiration. I also look to blogs, as you’re able to get a daily dose of new products, cool stuff and fab finds. I like to explore different neighbourhoods in the city as well -- there’s nothing more gratifying than stumbling upon a hip home decor store, antique shop or even an art gallery that I didn’t know about. If a song or album could be the soundtrack of your life, what would it be? I’d pick the song Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. It’s upbeat and uplifting, and I feel very lucky and fortunate to have everything that I do in my life. [caption id="attachment_6119" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="A bit of spray paint and elbow grease was all Catherine needed to turn a tired chandelier into this beauty"] [/caption]