7.25.2014

Summer: Part One | July 2014 | Mastigouche, QC
























Earlier this week three friends and I went on a short but (very) sweet camping trip. It is challenging enough to coordinate our schedules in the city, so when this rare window of opportunity arose to getaway together we all jumped on it as if we had won the lottery and really, we had! Nothing beats a little time in nature with the ones you love to truly feed your soul. 

7.10.2014

Katie | Lived Spaces | Habitat Series | Toronto, ON






















Over the past few months I've been bouncing back and forth between Montréal and Toronto quite a bit. In addition to celebrating lots of love and bumpy bus rides, this opportunity allowed me to expand my Habitat series to a new city- Toronto! The first apartment featured in the Toronto edition is that of my friend Katie. I met Katie through my friend Bev who happened to be the first person I explored this series with (remember this place?). Moreover, Katie and Bev are longtime buds with Anna who now lives here but who used to live in this apartment prior to her move to Montréal. Tackle one part of the triangle and then get them all... and boy oh boy I'm sure glad I did! Trifecta connection aside, it's been so interesting to document the spaces of three individuals who know each other well. Looking back on these spaces there are definitely aesthetic and design similarities which speak to what these ladies have in common. One reason why I do this project is because it feeds my fascination with how space and human behaviour intersect to create a home that reflects ones lifestyle and individuality. And well, I think that Katie's space represents just that- a relaxed atmosphere home to tons of books and spinets of inspiration throughout.
On a side note, when I started shooting the apartment it was a bright and sunny afternoon turned torrential downpour as we moved out to the balcony. Besides having to move our post shoot party indoors, in the end I didn't mind having a little wind in our hair.

Habitat Series #5 

Who: Katie Smith
City: Toronto
Neighbourhood: Little Italy

In three words how would you describe the design, atmosphere/mood of your space? 
Modern meets vintage.

What is your favourite room? Why?
It isn’t too hard to choose when you live in a studio apartment! But I’ll go with my balcony – I love having dinner or drinks out there on warm summer evenings.

What is the best decorating "find"/DIY in your space?
My antique wooden blanket box; I got it at a flea market in the Laurentians for a song.

Most treasured item(s) in your space?
Probably all my books, or the green canisters passed down to me by my aunt. I love the Cy Twombly cabbage print that hangs above my bed, too.

What elements are essential to you in creating a space that feels like home? 
Good lighting and a workable kitchen.

What is your best memory from this space?
My friend Anna lived in this apartment before me, and we’ve both hosted some pretty great pizza parties here over the past few years.

Weekends are for…
Eating and drinking wine with friends.

Your favourite Toronto coffee spot is…
Empire Espresso.

The best thing about the neighbourhood you live in is...
Little Italy has such a great energy to it, especially in the summer. And it doesn’t hurt that there are so many great places to eat nearby and a beautiful park a few blocks away.

A perfect day in Toronto goes like... 
Sleeping in, going to yoga, reading/sunning/picnicking in Trinity Bellwoods, and then heading to Chinatown for dinner with friends at Mother’s Dumplings followed by late night drinks in Kensington Market.

If you could travel anywhere next, where would it be... 
Iceland!

About

Lauren Kolyn is a lifestyle photographer based in Toronto, Canada.

Contact: kolyn.lauren@gmail.com