HOME TOUR
Be inspired by Stephanie Fradette’s texture-filled modern vintage abode
After years of roaming, French-Canadian Stephanie Fradette has finally settled in Scotland, where she’s made a mix-and-match home with husband Simon and daughters Sienna (8) and Eva (6). Maker of woven wall hangings, fibre art, needle punch and macramé, Steph has managed the impossible – creating a vintage-heavy interior that doesn’t feel cluttered.
“The house was a bit ‘beige’ when we moved in, so we redecorated the entire place in white to
make it look bigger and lighter,” recalls Steph. “We also unified the dining room, kitchen and living room by adding walnut flooring lengthwise throughout to give a sense of space.”
Steph’s tricks to create a light, airy feel don’t end there, as the walnut flooring is picked up again in the kitchen. “That was the most significant remodel, as it was dark and tiredlooking,” she explains. “We added a window to take advantage of the natural light and kept a neutral base of white IKEA units and walnut worktops.” With the house now a blank canvas, in came a hotchpotch of vintage finds, midcentury furniture and colourful makes.
“The pieces I love most are the ones I’ve upcycled or made my own. It’s amazing how something as simple as changing the handles can transform a chest of drawers.” So no worshipping at the altar of vintage then? “I’m mostly drawn to well-designed pieces, whether they be old or new. I’m also a patient buyer. It took three years for me to replace a midcentury teak sideboard I’d sold because of an international move.” And where did she finally find one? “Through a friend. But I’m at the local charity shop every week to look for treasures as the hunt is as thrilling as the find!”
Most of Steph’s pieces are sourced secondhand. “I’ve become really mindful about ‘fast’ interiors in the last few years. Just like fashion, it can be easy to find trendy homewares cheaply made on the high street.” But, there are some exceptions. “I couldn’t resist the ochre sofa we recently got from Made.com. It had been on my radar for a while, and I’m so pleased with how the punchy colour adds depth and richness.”
Steph’s distinct colour palette runs through her home and her work. The same shades of mustard, orange and earthy brown – plus a spectrum of greens and blues – blend with
natural ochres, whites and creams to create both a beautiful living space, and those textured wall hangings crying out to be stroked.
Hanging alongside those she keeps for her own walls are framed photographs, screen prints and typography. “Open shelving is fab for vintage finds, but I like to balance the look with modern artwork to give it an eclectic feel.” For Steph, “investment art pieces like the Ben Eine alphabet print are a statement in themselves, and will translate to any space they’re in.”!
Her home is also made modern with plants a-plenty, and the peachy paintwork of the dining room chairs. “They’re my most recent object of lust. I found them for £10 at a car boot sale, and transformed them with a lick of salmon paint. They now look like designer chairs, plus they make the room so much more fun!”
Fun is a running theme in this home. Steph’s favourite room is “definitely the living room. I love that we have no co"ee table so we can all lie down on the carpet and play games, or the girls can use it for cartwheels and forts. It’s the first space you walk into – a sea of colour, and everything we are as a family.”
So how would Steph describe her home? “A bit boho, a bit retro. The eclectic granny? Curated vintage-modern!” However you describe it, the result is the same – a loving home with a big personality and plenty of joy.
01 family decorative photos Old adorn easel. a 02 Steph and Simon’s vast plant collection brings texture and layers to the home.
bedroom’s 01 The master subtle tones let furniture and artwork shine. 02 Sienna and Eva love all things pink, so Steph decorated their room to suit.
