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 round, we’re so excited to show you inside the home of Pam Goulden from @mypracticehome, whose neutral, classic-meets-modern style we’ve been major fans of for awhile now. Pam lives in her Canada home with her husband and two daughters—plus a cat and a dog—and her home strikes that perfect balance of being family-friendly and super stylish. Ready to peek inside? We’ll let Pam give you the full tour!
Tell us about your style! How would you describe the look of your aesthetic?
My style is always changing. When I started to lean into my DIY projects, I was most inspired by modern-farmhouse style. I also have always loved mid century design and I sneak in some elements from that here and there.
What made you choose to move into this home? What were you looking for?
At the time, my husband and I were not yet married but looking for a place to start our lives together. We considered this to be a starter home and a way to get into the market. Now, here we are 10 years later, and we are not ready to leave anytime soon. We have made this house a home!
What has the process been like designing your space, and making your house feel like a home?
It has been ongoing and I feel like we are only just beginning. I feel like you need to live somewhere for a while before you really know what you want or need. I’ve painted many times and tried different layouts before I settled on something, and I’m sure it’ll change again in the future.
What is your most treasured item in your home?
I don’t place a lot of value on the things in my home. We have some older photo albums that are very special as we cannot replace them. But my fireplace is a piece I am really proud of! I found it in someone else’s garbage and was able to make it over to become the focal point of our living room. It is really special because having a fireplace in my living room was always a dream and I was able to make it happen on my own!
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?
My two favorites are layered in my living room. For the bottom layer I have the Veronica Wool Braided rug in off white, which brings so much texture and coziness to the space. It provides the perfect softness for getting down on the floor to do a puzzle or play with my girls.
The top layer is the Eldorado rug in beige which brings the perfect touch of color to the space. This rug, I believe, would work with any furniture you have. It has such a beautiful blend of colors and appears to change by the light and the shades around it. It too is so soft to the touch, and because of its pattern and pile, it is very kid and pet friendly.
What are your favorite things to do at home? Is there a particular space you like to gather and spend time with your family?
We love to entertain in our backyard! We have a beautiful hedge that lines our property and provides privacy and a feeling of being in a garden! We spend all our time out there when the weather warms up.
How has having kids in the house impacted how you’re thinking about design? What changes have you had to make, design-wise?
Children come with so much “stuff!” I would say every project I have tackled over the last few years has had more storage worked into it. I redid both of their rooms and decided to open up their closets and add more basket storage and space that is easily accessible to them.
Let’s talk projects! What DIYs or renovations have you done in your home? What’s next on your to-do list?
I think I have touched almost every room on our main floor. Kitchen cabinets, installing built-ins in our living room, making over a fireplace I found in someone else’s garbage—every room has received a makeover.
I am currently working on my downstairs space which is a family room area. I have painted our brick fireplace, made over the fireplace itself, and am about to install a slat wall behind the TV. I can’t wait to see the impact that has on this room!
Do you have any design tricks you’ve discovered while decorating that you’re willing to spill?
I think the biggest thing I have learned is to be patient. Live in a space for a while before you start making big changes. We are 10 years in our home and we are really just figuring out our style and what is really important to have for our day to day. Take your time to do your research, gather inspiration, and create mood boards so you know where you are going. Thinking about a whole space and not just a piece of a space will save you time and money in the long run.
Where do you love looking for inspiration?
I am always taking in inspiration wherever I go. Store displays, Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, TV shows, etc. I draw from everywhere. I love wandering the Ikea room displays. They always have unique storage solutions. Instagram is also such an inspiring community to be a part of. There are so many creative minds and I love seeing how others solve problems in their homes and create spaces they love all on their own!
What do you love most about your home?
It is the people I share it with and the memories we make together. Our favorite space together would be our backyard. When the spring weather hits each year, it becomes an extension of our house. We spend so much time there, in the pool or around the fire, entertaining friends and family.
