When this time of year rolls around, Jessica Tremblay, a decor-lover, likes to put her DIY skills into overdrive and dress up her centuries-old home for an old-fashioned Christmas.

After a long treasure hunt of sorts, Jessica Tremblay fell for this 1760 heritage home nestled in the heart of the Richelieu region of Quebec. For two years, this place has had special meaning for her and her partner, especially around Christmastime, when Jessica gets to string together slices of dried orange, whip up salt dough ornaments and craft seasonal garlands. Striking a balance between farmhouse chic and wabi-sabi, the interior’s timeless quality charms all who enter.

Photography: Mario Mellilo | Styling: Valérie Gilbert | CHRISTMAS TREE, BIRD HOUSE, VILLAGE, LADDER, SKATES, BASKET, TABLE, BIN, Le grenier d’Ernest; RUG, Ikea; HANGING BASKET, Sur mon x; CUSHIONS, Boutique Aux Mirabelles; WARDROBE, IKEA; LIGHTING, Amazon.ca.

This entrance is actually an addition to the original build. “It’s the only part of the house where the floors don’t date back to 1760. Still, they were chosen to match the colour of the original doors, windows and floors.”

Photography: Mario Mellilo | Styling: Valérie Gilbert | PENDANT, Etsy; GARLAND, Jessica Tremblay; TABLECLOTH, H&M Home; RUGS, Wayfair.

It took Jessica quite a while to source these round-back Windsor chairs. “I always know exactly what I’m looking for and I’m extremely patient.” The antique glass-fronted cabinet and table are also second hand. The fireplace mantel has been transformed into a storage cabinet with custom-made doors. Throw rugs offer warmth over the original wide-plank flooring.

Photography: Mario Mellilo | Styling: Valérie Gilbert | RANGE HOOD, Ikea; CABINET HANDLES, TAP, Wayfair; WINDOW PENDANTS, Etsy.

The contemporary-antique fusion works seamlessly in the restored kitchen. The stainless-steel appliances, subway tiles, and white quartz countertops paired with the oversized anthracite ceramic flooring serve to highlight the organic wooden elements. The built-in cabinetry between the two windows, as well as the pass-through where a wooden beam flows from the kitchen into the dining room, reflect the home’s country charm.

Photography: Mario Mellilo | Styling: Valérie Gilbert | Heart CUSHION, THROWS, Boutique Aux Mirabelles; RUG, SOFAS, IKEA; MIRROR, Le grenier d’Ernest.

Adjoining the dining area, the living room was designed around the wood stove built into the original fireplace. As in the rest of the home, the living space’s fabrics are natural – linen, cotton, jute – and tone on tone. “The idea was to highlight the gorgeous wooden beams, so we took a minimalist approach to our colour scheme,” Jessica explains. The white coffered ceiling creates the illusion of height in the room.

Photography: Mario Mellilo | Styling: Valérie Gilbert | GARLAND, LAMP, Jessica Tremblay; BED, Kijiji; LINEN BEDDING, BASKETS, H&M Home; CHAIR, IKEA; CUSHIONS, Boutique Aux Mirabelles.

The master bed – found on sale online – is an almost identical copy of a Rachel Ashwell piece. On either side of the headboard, a desk and an antique chest of drawers stand-in for bedside tables. “I love mixing and matching pieces”, says Jessica. Making the most of the mansard, the bedroom was designed for cave-like comfort. “We wanted it to feel really intimate, which is why we haven’t changed the structure and shape of the roof.” The reading nook also serves as the perfect spot for morning coffee meditation.

Photography: Mario Mellilo | Styling: Valérie Gilbert | TOOTHBRUSHES, HAIRBRUSHES, Sur mon x; BASKET, IKEA; FRAMES, Etsy; RUG, Wayfair.

The bathtub, with its quartz trim and panelled surround, fits perfectly under the sloped ceiling of the master ensuite. Natural textures in the rug and hanging basket keep the vibe cozy and rustic. The shelf, crafted by Jessica’s partner, runs the length of the tub and is a perfect spot for placing candles and bathtime accessories.

Photography: Mario Mellilo | Styling: Valérie Gilbert | STREAMER/ORIGAMI, CHRISTMAS TREE BUNTINGS, Jessica Tremblay; CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION, Le grenier d’Ernest; COMFORTER, TOSS CUSHIONS, IKEA; RUG, HomeSense; STUFFED CAT TOY, Pottery Barn Kids; BASKET, H&M Home.

At four years of age, Victor sleeps in an antique three-quarter bed, also purchased online, secondhand. “We whitewashed the ceiling and walls of Victor’s bedroom to make the space feel bigger.” The handmade objects by Mom, wooden toys, and Grandpa’s antique dresser—which Jessica fitted with new drawer pulls—tell a bit of family history.

Photography: Mario Mellilo | Styling: Valérie Gilbert