So Canadian, eh? : Jane Gallant



I'd like to think I have a bit in common with this week's guest...

We both LOVE fabrics, upcycling, dabbling in DIY and we are both teachers.

Welcome

Jane Gallant from Modern Jane




She is so.....


Jane lives in Prince Edward Island, the smallest province of Canada, known as the setting for the famous  stories written by Lucy Maude Montgomery,  most famous for "Anne of Green Gables."

For those who have not discovered Jane's blog...

Where have you been?

 She will knock your socks off with the transformation of her absolutely charming house that she has single-handedly revamped {with a little help from her family}.

She has such an eye for detail, which gives her home that east coast charm.

I simply adore her home.

Like the wallpapered sloped ceiling in her bedroom....


The panelled entry and cute bench with wired baskets....


Gorgeous wallpapered dining room, with framed chair art, and antique table topped with a modern tray and potted orchid.....


Antique hutch, paired with a shiny industrial lamp, sea fan art and beautiful soft blue armchair....


 Her drop dead gorgeous kitchen...


Her calm and serene living room....


Her boyfriend's kitchen she has zhushed. Love the painted floors, the roman blinds, chandelier and bench. 


Tell us a bit about your background? Your education? Has design always been in your blood? 

Hi, I'm Jane from the blog Modern Jane. I am a full-time grade 2 French Immersion teacher. While I love my job and the kiddies, a huge part of my heart belongs to decorating and design, which seems to fill a lot of my off time. I was born and raised in Summerside, Prince Edward Island and after completing my post-secondary and working a few years "away", I returned home to my beloved island and soon purchased my first home.

I've been design obsessed for as long as I can remember. My father was passionate about refinishing antique furniture so I was often carted around to antique shops. I never complained but rather dreamed about buying all these things for myself one day. I rarely left a wall untouched, wherever I lived, be it my childhood bedroom, residence room, my own (albeit tiniest) first apartment ever and now my own home.

Where do you go for inspiration for your blog? 

I search for inspiration in everything. I still poor over every detail of my favorite magazines but mostly it's my blog friends who inspire me everyday with the beauty they create in their own homes. I also love to visit the homes of friends and family. I can quickly become enamored with their organizational skills, a cozy nook or a simple vignette, then rush home and try to recreate it!

What are your hopes and dreams for your future?

In the short term, I want to learn to take better photos for my blog. I just started a DSLR course which should help! Over the long term, I hope to continue to create a home that I can be proud of and continue to finish enough projects to keep my followers interested:)

How would you describe your design style?

I'd have to say simple, clean and bright. I love cozy, comfortable spaces with a mix of contemporary  pieces and vintage finds.

What are your tips for creating a stylish space without spending a lot of cash? What do you think gives the most bang for your buck?

Two things: paint and fabric. A coat of paint can transform an eyesore into a treasure! There are so many great sites with affordable fabric options now. Nothing adds color, pattern and texture to a room like a great combination of textiles.

You live Atlantic Canada, do you think the geography of that area, the ocean, the history and the climate affects the way people decorate their homes?

What I love about island homes is that they often have their "summer dress" and their "winter dress". Our homes in summer feature coastal hues and airy fabrics. While in dark, cold winter months, they are quickly transformed into cozy, warm spaces, rich in texture and color.

Tell us one thing about you that would surprise us!

This was a tough one. Some may be surprised to know that I am the biggest procrastinator of all time. I leave everything to the last minute. Even this post was a little late, wasn't it Barbara? I think I do my best under pressure:)

What do you like to do with your free time?

I love to relax at home, snuggling with Beaufort, my boston terrier, and chatting over a glass of wine with my guy. I've also gotten sucked into CrossFit craze and I'm totally hooked.

 If you could meet anyone or do anything what would it be?

Actually, I would love to meet some of my fellow blogger friends. I get so jealous when I hear about blogger meet-ups! Anyone want to visit PEI? I'll organize!

You are a teacher, how do you balance your work, blogging and your daily life?

It can definitely be challenging. I generally do my blog writing in bed at night and try to get up a bit early in the morning to catch up on my favorite blogs over coffee. I'm kind of into a routine now and it seems to work. I think the hardest part is finding time to get projects done! There just aren't enough hours in the day.

What are your views on the role Canadian design plays in the world design scene? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style and design, and if so, what is it that you think sets us apart?

Seeing the work of our talented Canadian designer and inside the homes of other bloggers, there seems to be a certain subtlety that exists in our approach. We are a tad conservative but are not afraid to use contemporary or modern elements. The result it stylish, down to earth and livable. Such a perfect combination!


23 comments

  1. Thank you for the introduction to Jane.Her sense of design is unique.
    I have become her follower

    Helen Tilstonxx

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  2. Another fun interview. I loved her summery look-now I want to know if she decorates her home for winter like she mentioned so many in her area do.

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  3. Jane sounds delightful, and her home is lovely! I'll definitely be visiting her blog.
    Thanks for the introduction, Barbara.
    Have a lovely Sunday,
    ~ Wendi ~

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  4. Very fun interview with Jane! I have followed Jane's blog for a while now. Which lead me here. So glad it did. I'm also your newest follower. This is a great series and your blog is super cute. Carrie

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  5. You Canadians have quite the decorating posse, up there! ;) I love finding all these great blogs through you! Headed over to check her out now!

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  6. Jane's blog is one of my daily's. Love her style, and the projects that she has completed are seriously inspiring. The boyfriend's kitchen is fabulous!

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  7. Love Jane's blog!! She always has such great ideas and also impeccable taste :) Great feature as always Barbara!

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  8. Love Jane's blog and she seems like such a sweet and genuine person. I think a lot of bloggers would want to to meet her too! Great interview!! As always. I love learning more about my favorite bloggers.

    Someone needs to interview you!!

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  9. Great to read all about Jane. I'm off to check out her blog.

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  10. Very nice to read about Jane :) Not to mention her great sense of taste!!

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  11. Thank you so so much for having me today Barbara! I was honored to be a part of you series. To all who came to visit via hodge:podge.. thank you and welcome! :)
    I agree with Tanya, I would love to hear your own answers to these questions!

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  12. Loved this interview. I've never visited Jane's blog, but am so excited to check it out. The pictures are gorgeous and the interview so fascinating ;)

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  13. I love Jane's blog and her summery sweet home! I didn't know she was from Summerside, one of my favourite cities in Canada. That's why I adore this series Barbara - you help us get to know our nation's great bloggers a little bit better.

    Jane - next time I'm PEI I'm looking you up ;)

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  14. Love her blog! She has great style! Great interview, Barbara. It's great to know more about the author behind the fabulous blog!

    Hope you had a great weekend!

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  15. Nice decoration using Antique dining room furniture........get high quality all type of antique furniture at Bradford's Antiques.

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  16. nice to meet you, Jane. I'll be popping over to your blog, your style is charming :)

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  17. One of my favourite bloggers. She has such great style and I"m always amazed that she isn't a designer.

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  18. Another Island girl! Love Jane's blog and her sense of style... and I really love her sense of adventure... wouldn't it be fun to attend a meet-up in PEI? ;-)

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  19. Great interview ! I love her name ..have use it for one on my girls!....Janes kitchen is wonderful ...oh how I wish mine looked like that !

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  20. Jane's house is gorgeous -- I adore especially her entry. I'd be a very happy girl there, having always wanted to visit Prince Edward Island. (Huge, huge L.M. Mntgomery fan here.)

    I enjoyed reading this post.
    Camille

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  21. Gorg!!! I love her home, it is so pretty. Great interview ladies :)
    Nancy xo

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  22. Jane is so fabulous...I love seeing all her projects here in one place! That kitchen is just so dreamy (c:

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