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It may have started with my first and only visit to Canada.  I was 8 years old, equipped with my very own Kodak Brownie camera (for those too young to have heard of such a camera it would be like saying “Canon EOS SLR digital camera”…at least for me).  My parents took me on vacation to Niagara Falls, the Canadian side, during the spring; I can remember swaths of tulips in full bloom near the falls.

My interest in Canada must have waned because when asked if I’d like to join my mom and step-father on a vacation to Victoria in June, the year I graduated from high school, I passed on the all-expenses paid trip (my loss).

So…many years later (please don’t do the math, I’m not really that old)…I was referred to a mystery series of novels written by Louise Penny titled Inspector Gamache series.  The murders often take place in a village called Three Pines (Quebec) not to far from Montreal.  I don’t know whether the village truly exists or is imaginary but it sounds so charming!  The descriptions of the village and its characters, many speaking French, what’s not to love?

The latest intrigue with Canada came in the form of an HGTV program called “Sarah’s House”.  This show is new to me and it follows the renovation of houses owned by Canadian designer,  Sarah Richardson.  Her partner in all things design related is Tommy Smythe.  I love what Tommy does with rooms large and small.  He’s funny and talented and I enjoy watching him.  His current apartment in Toronto is amazing (pictures below) and only 700 square feet!

The landlord lives above Tommy in this beautiful apartment. I love the iron gates.

I wonder if this was once a single family home?

I love the gallery of pictures and the Union Jack pillow! The living room feels big.

The hardwood floors are rich and with his use of white paint, stand out.

I imagine this is a dual purpose desk/kitchen table. When you only have 700 square feet of living space a lot of things have to do double-duty.

I love the chest, I believe it's an antique.

The chandelier is a nice touch in the bedroom, don't you think?

The arbor leads to the back yard---very beautiful.

Click HERE if you’d like to see Tommy’s apartment prior to this beauty.

Tommy Smythe contributes to Canadian House & Home magazine and this kitchen came up during my search

I love the lantern and the black French doors.

Isn't this pretty? I wish I had the issue so that I could see the rest of the article.

{sigh, kitchen love}

It’s so much fun to find a new (to me) designer who’s style and flair you admire and can strive towards borrowing for your own home!