So Canadian eh? : AM Dolce Vita


Canada is so full of talent, it is endless.
 This week's guest simply tops the charts!

Please welcome 

Michelle from AM Dolce Vita



She is......

Michelle, the creative genius behind AM Dolce Vita, a blog that focusses on the re-design of her home and anything pretty that tickles her fancy. I must warn you, the following photos are magazine worthy! Her home is jaw dropping and I am stunned to learn that she had no help from a designer! She has talent oozing out if her pores and it is shocking to find out that she does not work in the design field. 

So please refrain from drooling as you view the following photos of Michelle's amazing home.....


Her basement. 

The dining room.

Can I just say that this is an amazing entry?


Living room.



Hello? Where has that fixture been all my life? And yes, I'd love to take a bubble bath in that tub!



Her calm, serene and elegant master bedroom.


Ehem.....wipe your chin.


Tell us a bit about yourself? Your education, your day job {is it design related}? Your passions? Were you always creative

 I thought I was done studying after spending four years on Computer Science and Economics degrees with minimal-to-zero social life. In year 2000 when every other person I knew had an MBA, I somehow talked myself into getting one as well, which later allowed me to transform my career from a computer nerd into a software sales executive. I wouldn’t go so far as “Forrest Gump” but it was definitely a bit of “being at the right place + doing the right thing at the right time”. Though my day job is completely unrelated to the design field, it does constantly demand creative (and fast) thinking.

Why did you start AM Dolce Vita? Explain the name! How have you enjoyed blogging? Anything you have not enjoyed? 

 I started AM Dolce Vita in 2008 as my journal to document the renovating and decorating of our builder home room by room. I am the "M" behind the AM Dolce Vita, and "A" goes to my husband Anthony who works as a medical professional. I enjoy being able to share all my exciting projects with blog and real-world friends which in turns helps sharpen my creative mind. The only downside is the constant struggle to consistently post 3-4 times a week.

How would you describe your design style? 

 My design style is vintage elegance with some contemporary touch. We have a builder home so I always make sure to add some “always there” feel to any room. Through adding architectural details and antique/vintage furniture pieces, I enjoy mixing old and new elements for a more classic and timeless appeal. I like to keep my design clean and fresh while warm and cozy at the same time for everyday life.

Your home is impeccably decorated, did you decorate it on your own, or hired a designer? If you did it all on your own, what are your design secrets?

 I am the happiest girl in the world whenever I receive compliments like this, thank you! My design taste and style evolve over time, so I’ve had some hits and misses. As my design skill matures, I have been able to envision the “end state” embarking from a simple mood board. By the way, did I tell you how much I love mood boards? These days I wouldn’t start any project without drawing out a design plan first.

Where are your go-to design sources? 

It’s hard to pinpoint my go-to design sources. We are fortunate to have an ocean of them from décor magazines, blogs to web sites such as Houzz and Pinterest. I love Elte and West Elm type of popular stores as well as Craigslist and antique shops for fixer-uppers and vintage scores.

What inspires you? 

Anything beautiful, and I was told I have a good eye for it. Oh how could I leave out Paris?! I feel so inspired to create something beautiful after every trip.

How do you manage to balance your work, life, home facelifts and blogging? 

It’s hard to wear multiple hats at all times but I make time for what I am passionate about. My work and personal life allows me to have the best of both worlds: structured and creative, disciplined and lighthearted, mature and fun, etc. 8. Tell us something that would surprise us! I love comedies, the witty and quirky ones! Thank God for Liz Lemon and Leslie Knope!

If you could be granted one wish, what would it be? 

Spend a day shadowing Sarah Richardson.

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?

Canadians are known for the love of home renovations. Our cultural diversity is the platform for our unique “fusion” design styles from mixing Nordic Simplicity with glamorous Hollywood Regency, to English Country with Parisian Elegance, to Asian Zen with Rustic Industrial.



Michelle, you should submit your photos to a magazine! They are so magazine worthy.
Wouldn't you all agree?
Thanks for opening up your home to us.


XO Barbara

20 comments

  1. Holy smokes, thanks for the introduction! her place is beauty-full.

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  2. What a talent...I think her entryway is DIVINE!

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  3. Thanks so much for the feature, Barbara! It was a true honour to be here.

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  4. I am *dying* over this house! So many great rooms, just stunning! Well done Michelle!

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  5. What a calm, beautiful home! I love Michelle's light touch, and elegant choices... gorgeous. Thank you for another amazing introduction, Barbara!

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  6. Holy moly her home is amazing. If I didn't know better I would think this was a home being featured in a mag!

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  7. What a gorgeous home! And so inspiring that she designed it all herself!

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  8. Fantastic interview. I love Michelle's blog and her sense of style. Thanks for the Q&A and now we know more about the creative mind behind the amazing work!

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  9. Lovely blog Michelle. It would be great if we could "subscribe" to it, so that new posts land in our inbox - any chance?

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  10. Lovely blog Michelle. It would be great if we could "subscribe" to it, so that new posts land in our inbox - any chance?

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    1. I've just added the Subscribe gadget. Thanks Natural Beauty.

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  11. Wow an absolutely beautiful home and that entry way is just stunning! Have a great Thanksgiving!

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  12. Another great feature - Michelle's home is gorgeous!

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  13. Wow Michelle I want your tub!! Beautiful home! Great feature!!:)

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  14. That bathroom is fit for a magazine! Wow!! Great job Michelle! Thanks Barb!

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  15. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I'm coming over to steal those zebra stripe chairs in the entry! LOVE!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Meesh. The zebra chairs are from Anne-Quinn Furniture here in Toronto.

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  16. drool worthy home! fabulous job michelle!

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  17. What a nice interview and your home is amazing! Especially the bathroom. Love every detail in there.

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