The Botanical Modern Boho Home of Judy Lynch

We’re ending the week with one of our wonderful @greathomestaketime winners, Judy Lynch aka @whynotknot. Her fabulous home is one to be admired for on her amazing plant collection alone that breathes life into every corner. And then there are the limitless textural delights in the form of thrifted goodness. Proving that you can create a warm and inviting home without all the paraphernalia of expensive decor and accessories. Ready to be inspired? I know I am.

The Botanical Modern Boho Home of Judy Lynch

About Judy…

Judy’s background is in the travel business promoting resorts in the Caribbean and she had her own marketing company for 16 years before deciding it was time for a change. Prior to that Judy obtained a Bachelor of Commerce in Hotel and Food Administration. 

Three years ago Judy decided to volunteer with a large private organization in Toronto that works with people developmental and physical disabilities. Such a wonderful way to give back to society and something to be admired for don’t you think?!

With two boys at University living at home for the summer and owner of the most adorable puppy, life is pretty busy for Judy. That said she still manages to maintain a Kew Garden worthy home that’s filled to the brim with wonderful natural goodness. And for that alone, I’m truly in awe of.

As you’ll see from Judy’s home tour today, our lifestyles can also influence the way we decorate. Judy is a huge outdoor and nature enthusiast and spends most of her time with her puppy Yoshi at a beach near her home.

Judy’s Instagram Journey…

Instagram is a wonderful way to document your home whilst providing endless inspiration to others. For some, it’s a way of building up a brand and selling. This was initially the reason for Judy’s setting up @whynotknot. An Etsy shop selling macrame was on the cards and although Judy initially started selling, she never did open up her shop. Sadly, breaking her wrist and having major wrist surgery (a metal plate and 5 screws ouch!) and months of physio prevented her from being able to macrame.

On a positive note, Judy found pleasure sharing not only her own home but those of others. And with an impressive 21K following, it’s no surprise it’s been a successful journey so far.

The Botanical Modern Boho Home of Judy Lynch The Tour

Judy’s principal residence is in Toronto where she has resided for the past year. Although, she is fortunate enough to own a second home that she affectionately calls the cottage. It’s where she spends most of her weekends and the summer months but today we’re focusing on her fabulous Toronto home.

You’ll notice that Judy has chosen neutral decor throughout. This allows her amazing plant collections to take centre stage. Add in all the wonderful natural textural layers such as wicker, wood, and cosy wool rugs, and Judy has created the perfect botanical oasis full of interest and character.

I’m a firm believer that creating an amazing home doesn’t have to cost a lot of money and that re-using and up cycling in the world today just makes sense!! We have too much STUFF already !!

Judy

Thrifting One Step At A Time…

Thrifting is definitely an important aspect when it comes to styling and creating a home that has all the feels. Partly because of its benefits to our environment, upcycling and repurposing have become something that a lot of homeowners are now turning to. Judy’s home is proof that you can create a home without necessarily spending huge amounts of money. A little bit of imagination can be all you need.

I love a comfortable, lived in space and finding unique vintage one of a kind things helps create that.   

Judy

Basket Wall Of Dreams

One area of Judy’s home that speaks for itself in terms of creating interest with her ability to thrift is her amazing basket wall. It’s evolved over time and has been a labour of love. Turning a blank white wall into a textural masterpiece of woven delights.

It’s also a cost-effective way to incorporate artlike qualities to a large expanse of wall. And just think of the fun you can have sourcing the next piece to add to such a wall. Great homes may take time but you can have fun creating them.

I wrote a while ago about decorative hanging wall designs for your homes and I adore how they add a 3d quality to a wall. The detail of each individual basket brings a whole host of interest through texture, pattern and natural colourings.

I love vintage. It reminds me of my childhood because I’m a genxer so my childhood home was actually full of this stuff. It’s comforting to have reminders of happy days. 

Judy

Judy’s Go To For Thrifting…

Whilst I (or you for that matter) might not live in Toronto, I thought I’d share where Judy shops for her thrifted pieces. Her main source for vintage finds comes from the likes of Etsy, Instagram sellers, and Kijiji (Canada’s version of Craig’s List). Judy also likes to hit thrift shops (think charity shops) and one of her favourites is Value Village. Of course, this will mean nothing to us here in the UK, but at least we do have Etsy and Instagram and eBay.

Drawing Inspiration From Mother Nature – Botanical Decor

Where most of us will add the odd plant or two to lift a room, Judy has designed her home around her plants. As a fellow plant lover, Judy’s botanical indoor garden is one that I could easily spend time in.

Plants have a wonderful way of creating a calming and welcoming environment to relax in. And there’s no denying that Judy has achieved this.

So far Judy has a whopping 130 potted plants! Considering she has only been collecting and propagating them for the past two and a half years, I’m completely and utterly in awe!

It’ll come as no surprise that she confesses to being a plant hoarder. Considering how fabulous Judy’s collections are, I think we’ll let her off. After all, there is an element of skill and the time involved to nurture and watering to consider when it comes to living decor.

One of Judy’s most popular spots in her home is her plant shelf in her family room. And I’m not surprised its a wonderful way to display her botanical collections.

Choosing Plants To Create Interest

Nature provides us with so much inspiration when it comes to colour and pattern and form. Mixing up your plants from larger architectural species to delicate trailing hanging plants ensures interest and adds architectural qualities to a room. Judy has achieved this in every room including her bathroom above.

One thing you’ll notice when you look through my feed is that I have a passion for plants and I love designing a space around them. 

Judy

Plants & Their Endless Styling Possibilities

Plants provide endless styling possibilities just by the types of plants you choose to use. Try experiment with different varieties of plants such as flowering, variegated or trailing to add more interest to a room.

And as with decorative accessories positioning them at different heights, as Judy has, creates a cohesive look and feel to a room.

For all you other plant lovers Judy cohosts the hashtag #planteriordesign. Its a wonderful way to share inspiration of homes that use plants as their predominant decor choice.

Wellbeing & Plants

It’s no surprise that plants have an amazing effect on our wellbeing. They not only help clean the air around us but they are really pretty awesome for our physical and mental health. Plants have been proven to lower our blood pressure,  help with our concentration and improve our memories. These facts have been scientifically proven by NASA. And as Judy is a cancer survivor, hanging out with her plant gang can only be a good thing.

I’m very spiritual and I thank the universe because I do believe in angels and I also have lots of them. I am grateful every day to be alive because I’m a cancer survivor. I don’t let the disease define me, but I’m very aware of how fragile life is and I never take it for granted. 

Judy

If you want to see more of Judy’s home you can see these alone over at #knotathome for a mix of others head to @whynotKnot.

I hope you’ve enjoyed touring The Botanical Modern Boho Home of Judy Lynch today. And if you’d like the opportunity to have your home featured, then head on over to @greathomestaketime and follow all our hosts.

Thanks as always for stopping by!

Maria xx