the marion house book

For this month’s edition of Hello! Neighbor, we are visiting with Paul and Rachel and their twins Shep and Georgia who live one street north of us.

Paul and Rachel live in a Victorian house that was formerly owned by an etiquette teacher. There is so much to look at in their home from the objects they collect to Rachel’s hand crafted projects. It seems to me like Rachel is always creating whether it is the bunting that runs along the top of a wall or the cookies coming out of the oven or the chandelier that looks like a magpie’s nest.

She is also a very talented illustrator and makes these beautiful alphabet prints, perfect for a kid’s nursery.

N is for Nestabet

O is for Owlabet

P is for Poppabet

These lovely works and others are available at Rachel’s etsy shop, thrasher&wren. Take the time to browse through her site, you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s their house…..

Names

Rachel Riordan, Paul Riss

Occupation

Illustrator, Art Director

How long have you lived in your home?

9 years

Any animals, kids?

Twins – Georgia and Shep

Dog – Lucy

Cat – Francis

What is your favorite room?

The Kitchen – backyard patio

What is your favorite object/thing/moment in your home?

Family time, usually happening in the kitchen and involving a meal, or baking.

Fav objects: Various religious portraits, Gary the deer, kids tee pee and the antique chandelier hanging in our living room.

What are your future plans for the home?

Overhaul and landscape the backyard, and down the road I would love to open up our attic and make it into a loft bedroom/playroom for the kids.

Anything you would change?

Bigger closets and more storage space!

Best thing about living in Parkdale?

So many great galleries, coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance…important with twin toddlers.

What original feature(s) of your home will you never get rid of?

The antique chandelier in our living room, I had to fight to keep it when we bought the house (owner wanted to take it)…I persevered and it stayed. And of course original crown molding in both the living and dining room…I paint it, but will always leave it.

Thanks Rachel and Paul.

Acknowledgments

Giraffe photograph by Chris Gordaneer.

Kids teepee from Baby on the Hip.