(Welcome again to Jan, one of the finalists in our Blogger search. She's writing from Vancouver, B.C. Comment away!)
Name: John Booth and Arounna Khounnoraj
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Size: 2 bedrooms - 2200 sq. ft.
Years lived in: 1 year
I was inspired recently when I saw a few snapshots of Canadian designers, Arounna Khounnoraj and John Booth's recently renovated loft home in Toronto. Owners and designers of Bookhou Design where they showcase their individual and collaborative works emphasizing handmade natural materials and small production pieces, they have combined their d.i.y. workmanship, craft and art to create a stunning space.
Spending seven months on the renovation, John doing most of it aside from the electrical and plumbing, the place was a challenge according to Arounna where they live and work in this two-story loft with their one toddler, Lliam.
Do you have an idea for a house tour? Let us know! tips (at) sf (dot) apartmenttherapy (dot) com
Style: Modern with an appreciation for vintage (mostly mid-century) - John�s artwork is influenced by abstract expressionism and Arounna�s is influenced by minimalism.
Inspiration: Scandinavian work � furniture and textiles � we wanted to keep the space open and somewhat rationalist in format � so that the objects and details stand out.
Favorite element: Western light that late in the day transform the entire space.
Biggest challenge: Finishing the place � endless details.
What friends say: The openness of the space and how high the ceilings � breathable space.
Biggest embarrassment: Not finishing the place.
Proudest DIY: The entire place is diy � hard to choose one in particular.
Biggest indulgence: Having a place where we can work and live.
Best advice: Be prepared to take more time than you think (embrace the chaos).
Dream source: Still searching.
Resources:
Accessories:
Antique and consignment shops � trade from other artist friends, hand me downs are always good � mostly we made them - Lliam�s crib, chair, tables, etc.
Lighting:
Made a lot of our own � materials from hardware stores.
Paint:
Benjamin Moore
Flooring:
Concrete just clear coated
Rugs/Carpets:
W Studio
Window treatments:
Portfolio
Artwork:
Our own, friends and a few purchased on trips and on the web
Thanks, John and Arounna!
-jan
What a beautiful place. Loved reading about it, and thought that what they named as their biggest indulgence was delightful too.
view Heather Moore's profile
Nice. Too bad it was such a funny day for pictures.
I'd love some captions wih the pics. I like the stories behind the objects more than objects themselves.
And hail to a fellow Canadian! Good luck, Jan!
view Alana in Canada's profile
Lovely, comfortable, lived-in space with nice artwork....I enjoyed your writing Jan, though I agree with Alana, my favorite slideshows are those with captions that tell a more complete story about the people, the space, and the objects they cherish.
view polkadot's profile
I love the framed drawing of a woman's head. Would you kindly tell me the name of the artist.
view gh's profile
Very lovely space, the artwork is beautiful - I also enjoyed your writing Jan. Best of luck!!
view doris london's profile
They have a really interesting space and the writing was really good.
I think AT:SF might just need to hire Jan and Leah!
view jennifer in sf's profile
thanks everyone for your comments! i will ask arounna to comment on the drawing.
view janfromvan's profile
the framed drawing is by toronto artist kerry kim. it was my fortieth birthday present. kerry has been a close friend for many years, operates his own school in the suburbs and is one of the most inspiring teachers around. the drawing is actually a gilcee print. that and others can be seen at http://mvsa1234.brinkster.net/ under faculty/kerry kim.
by the way thanks for all the nice comments, and to jan as well. john.
view jbooth's profile
Adore that Kitchen. I don't know how they managed such a minimal look without it feeling cold or sterile -- even with the cold day outside. bravo.
view laure's profile
Absolutely lovely photos and editorial. I find homes like this -- where the owners are working with the same kind of money and budget issues that we regular folks have to live with -- the most inspiring. It just goes to show that taste, creativity, and individualism can't be bought.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, Jan. Good luck!
view TammyE's profile
Love your credenza ... reminds me of mine.
And I Super dooper love those bent wood benches - where the planks curve... are they DIY or can I find one somewhere?
view clickchick's profile
Eh, I'm not really feeling this. It's surprisingly bland. The space is amazing but I feel that the drab decor takes away from the architecture.
view orangejuce's profile