Navigating an Old Home Reno, Best Lip Balm, Seeing Green
Let's Do This
Anika Schachtler on Navigating an Old Home Reno + more
Anika grew up on a horse farm in Ormstown, QC, just off the western end of the island. Her childhood was filled with horses, riding competitions, and farm life. In 2021, she and her partner bought an 1830s farmhouse just outside of Ormstown, which they’ve been slowly renovating– a process Anika quickly realized she had a real passion for.
Today, they share the farm with breeding mares, riding horses, chickens, and a very cute miniature goat. Anika launched her interior and exterior design business in 2018, focusing on renovating and restoring homes and cottages from the 1800s and 1900s.
Anika lets us know why old homes matter, why we should all know more about Ormstown and her dream project.
PLUS! Below she shares her top decor shops in the area! Perfect for the best day out exploring.
First off, how did growing up in an old home influence both your career and how you work with old homes?
I've always been drawn to the stories old homes hold. You can feel the sense of history in the walls and the details that have stood the test of time. Growing up in one, I learned to notice worn wood floors, old hardware, and hand-carved trim. I see them as something worth protecting. When I work on these older homes, I focus on keeping those details while finding ways to make the space work better for how people live today.
I think a lot of people look at an old home and get overwhelmed. Closet space is pretty minimal and tech was unheard of. How hard is it to update that?
There’s no doubt that homes were built differently 100 and 200 years ago, but that’s what makes them special. Updating things like electrical is manageable with skilled tradespeople, and storage solutions are always part of my designs. Whether it’s adding built-in closets, finding a vintage armoire, or even turning a small room into a walk-in closet, there’s always a way to make it work.
Why do you think it’s important to build on what we already have versus going for something new?
First, it’s better for the environment. Instead of constantly buying new, we can give new life to what’s already there. Second, when we hold on to older pieces or materials, we’re preserving the solid, built-to-last quality that many modern items just can’t match. Things from the past were often built with more care and pride, something that’s hard to find in today’s mass-produced furniture or renovation materials. Lastly, vintage pieces, family heirlooms, and meaningful items make your home feel like yours. It’s not about filling a space or trying to replicate that perfect photo you saved on Pinterest, it’s about creating a home with character and history, one that tells your story.
How do you structure projects so that you make sure you respect both the house and the client’s wishes?
I start by walking through the home with the clients and noting all the original details that stand out. Then I ask what they love about their home. In another meeting, we talk about what’s important for them to improve. My goal is to combine those details with their ideas, blending the home’s history with their lifestyle.
Do you typically source or manufacture items for your projects?
I love to source Quebec and Canadian-made pieces when I can, and vintage finds are always part of the mix. I also design custom pieces and work with local craftspeople to bring those designs to life. It's so rewarding to see those details come together.
What advice would you give for someone looking to buy an older home?
It’s a journey, so take your time. Lean into the charm, embrace the quirks, and remember that old homes have stories worth keeping alive.
Any dream projects?
An early 1800s home tucked away in the countryside, with a charming porch, original floors hidden beneath layers of linoleum and paint, and a story just waiting to be uncovered. Outside, a backyard with wide open space for creating a relaxed summer dining patio surrounded by cottage-style gardens, where you can unwind, watch the sunsets in the distance, and enjoy a glass of wine as the day winds down.
What was it like growing up around horses and having them be so integral to your life? Was it important for you to have a space for animals in your own home?
Horses are everything to me. My day starts and ends with them, and those quiet moments in the barn are when I feel calm and grounded. Riding through the fields or woods is my way to unplug. It’s just me, the horse, and the open air. I couldn’t imagine home without them.
Tell us more about Ormstown. If I were to spend a day visiting, where do you recommend I go?
Ormstown has such a great sense of community. I’d say visit Main Street, and if you visit in June, you can’t miss the fair. It’s the highlight of the year!
What about shopping? Do you have any special places?
I sure do. I’ve put together a list of my top 9 favorite local decor shops in the Chateauguay Valley (just an hour west of Montreal). You can download the list HERE
Thank you Anika! Anika can be found on Instagram and her website is here.
Photo credits: C'est Finnie
Drugstore Lip Balm Worth Buying
I get this super weird adverse lip reaction whenever I stay in a hotel without a window open to outside or somewhere with forced air. It’s awful and looks like I’ve had really bad filler. And no, it’s not the pillows. I’ve tried a TON of different lip balms including some fairly expensive ones, and this one by Flexitol is by far the best. Imagine my surprise when I found out it’s an Australian brand! I buy mine at Pharmaprix but you may have to dig a bit - it’s usually way at the bottom.
Clockwise L-R: The Bettina Tiered Shirt Dress by Maeve, Poplin Shirt from H&M, Staud - White & Green Beaded Bag, Socks from Le Bon Shoppe, Petit Moyen Bag from Clare V (I know not stripes, but I still like it), Boden Sweater, Asos Drop Waist Maxi Dress, Madewell Poplin Skirt
Stripe-ing It
I recently attended the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Tennis Tournament. And I *know* it’s a tennis tournament and that green and white are traditional tennis colours and *maybe* this is a thing people do every year… but the amount of women wearing green and white striped clothing was well… striking (stripe-ing?). And yes, we have our own tennis tournament coming up this summer and frankly, these are kind of pretty for any time too - no?
I want to add, I know we are trying to shop more locally but I was really struggling to come up with local shops carrying striped clothes. However, I’d love to talk about your favourite local shops, or Canadian brands. Please let me know so I can give them a shout it in future newsletter.
There’s also this one for sale from local company Petits Heritiers.
Night of the Zoopocalypse is as close to a kid’s horror movie you’ll get (and I do think it’s for kiddos on the slightly older end). My kids absolutely loved it and imagine my delight when I found out it’s Canadian.
Six Hudson’s Bay stores are to remain open including downtown Montreal, Laval and Pointe Claire.
I know we are cutting down on Amazon, but I wanted to share this bag I bought last year and have used twice on trips. The genius thing about it is how it opens up like an accordian so you aren’t searching for your stuff. When you fold it closed, everything stays put. If someone has a non-Amazon recc pls share. Wirecutter (at the New York Times) just listed this one as their top pick. I have quite a few items from Peak Design (they started as a camera bag company) and they are all super high quality.
If you enjoyed the book Educated by Tara Westover, you may like Wavewalker by Suzanne Heywood. And if you haven’t read Educated, please read it!
Have you traveled somewhere and have some tips for readers? I’d love to hear from you. Summer travel season is coming up!
Reader Recommended:
I did a call out last newsletter for reader recommended Canadian Fitness brands, and Sharifa recommended Daub & Design - a Canadian owned fitness brand.
Just a Note
Since I’ve already mentioned it twice in this newsletter I want to state that it is my intention to try as much as possible to offer local and non-Amazon alternatives when I can. Feel free to share local shops, brands, etc. that deserve a shout out.
Who else is looking forward to these:
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Michelle Little is a photographer who specializes in family, maternity, newborn, headshots and boudoir. I offer studio, in-home and outdoor photography. You can see her website here and get in touch here.
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