Welcome to the next installment of our Floor Tours series, where we step inside the spaces of some of our favorite design-world friends to chat all things rugs and decor and learn how they’ve turned their house into a home.
This week, we’re getting the grand tour from Amy Peters, who shares her Nova Scotia home with her husband and two young boys. Amy is a styling pro—her home is seriously one of our faves—and every corner is filled with something special. So of course, we had to get the scoop on her style, how her home came together, and any decor tricks she has up her sleeve. Keep scrolling for all the amazing inspo from Amy!
Tell us about your style! How would you describe your aesthetic?
I always struggle with this question because my style is continuously evolving. I usually describe my style as cozy and collected, filled with lots of earthy neutrals, wood tones and textures. Many styles combined to create a home and style that is unique. I’m drawn to classic, timeless designs and lots of neutrals.
What made you choose to move into this home? What were you looking for?
When we purchased this home in December 2018, we wanted to get out of the city since our boys were four and two. We wanted more space, a large yard, and a better lifestyle for our young family. We loved the neighborhood and sense of community.
At the time I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this house but it ticked a lot of the boxes: It was only 10 years old, had great bones, and a decent layout. I fell in love with the window seat in my son’s bedroom, and we knew we could put our own touches on this home to make it our own while raising our family.
What has the process been like designing your space, and making your house feel like a home?
When we first looked at the house, it had very dark colors, so immediately we painted everything—and I mean everything. It brightened up the home and gave us a blank canvas to work with. We moved in all of our belongings then really took our time to understand the flow and functionality of the house and how it worked for our family before we started any big projects.
Naturally, we wanted everything to be done quickly, but it made more sense for us to enjoy designing each space. We took our time, budgeted, and it was a lot of fun having a few projects to look forward to. Our home has been a work in progress over the last 4.5 years, and there are still things I’d like to finally update! Aside from projects, I’ve enjoyed styling each space, and adding those personal elements really helped make the house feel cozy and lived-in.
What is your most treasured item in your home?
Aside from my family, I have a few sentimental items that belonged to my father and other family members. I also have a few gems I found thrifting and antiquing, and also a favorite mug!
What are your favorite things to do at home?
We enjoy cuddling up with some snacks and watching movies together or spending time outdoors by our fire pit. We added our fire pit two summers ago and to our surprise, we actually use it year round. It’s a nice way to connect with the family without devices or technology.
How do you balance style and keeping clean with having kids in the house?
Have you seen my IG vs. Real Life story highlight? I LOVE sharing style inspiration and tips on Instagram but our home is very much lived-in and kid-friendly. Usually I’ll have photos of a styled space to share but minutes later it is upside down with kids, random socks, food, pillows on the floor, random toys, etc.
We have to ask about your rugs! What rugs do you have from Rugs USA, and what made them the perfect fit for your space?
We have many products from Rugs USA and I’ve loved watching the brand evolve and carry more and more products. Our first rug from Rugs USA we got over six years ago. My long-time favorite rugs are the Veronica Wool Braided rug in off white and the Eldorado rug in beige.
Let’s talk projects! What DIYs or renovations have you done in your home? What’s next on your to-do list?
We’ve done so many projects and small DIYs since we moved in. Our house has come a LONG way! Our most recent renovation was our pantry and mudroom/laundry room. It was a pretty big undertaking and has created a much better flow of this part of our home. Our garage connects to our mud/laundry room, then we have a walk-through pantry which makes it easy to kick off messy footwear and carry in groceries.
The reno created a better use of the space. We knocked out a wall, moved a door, and combined two spaces that were not previously joined—and now it looks SO MUCH BETTER. I love a good sight line and looking from my kitchen into a messy mudroom wasn’t ideal. After living here for three and a half years, we decided to go for it. I love the arched opening frames in the pantry and that and our mudroom/laundry room is out of sight.
So far 2022 has been challenging so we haven’t started any projects yet, but we are hoping to tackle our powder room soon! And lots of other changes to come!
Do you have any design tips you’ve discovered while decorating that you’re willing to spill?
Speaking from experience, don’t rush the process. Take your time. It is better to wait and find the *perfect* piece vs. rushing and buying just anything to fill the space. I also love shopping my home when I’m craving a change. I’ll move things from one space to another, re-style them, and find new appreciation for them.
I really enjoy thrifting and antiquing to find unique, one-of-a-kind items. It’s an affordable way to decorate, but I mostly love finding those gems that no one else has.
What do you love most about your home?
I love the memories we’ve made here and the people I share it with. My family is what makes this house a home. It is comfortable and safe and we’ve come to realize we have become homebodies. In our old home we were always on the go, looking for reasons to leave the house, and now we find reasons to stay in. It is cozy and relaxing and it’s our favorite place to be together.
One last thing I’ll add about loving about our home: This house has made me realize my strong passion for interior design and interior styling. It has opened many doors and opportunities and has connected me with many wonderful people, friendships, and businesses from all over the world. This house will always be special to us.
