Jag Nagra and Agata Matyszcuk, along with their two dogs, reside in a 1,400-square-foot townhouse in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, which they have owned and lived in for two and a half years.
Jag recalls that when they decided to purchase their first home together, they impulsively visited a new townhouse development during a relaxed weekend. Upon entering, they immediately felt it was the right place. It was the only property they saw in person, and it matched their desires perfectly. Despite some initial hurdles with financing, they managed to secure the last unit of their preferred floor plan. The space was an ideal blank canvas for their personal style.
As Jag works remotely as an illustrator and graphic designer for her business, Page 84 Design, they aimed to craft an environment that is daily inspiring, character-rich, and vibrant. The couple enjoys DIY endeavors; even if not flawless, these projects are crafted with love and give them genuine pride. Agata's patience and craftsmanship turn their concepts into reality. They are pleased that their first shared home is brimming with memories and handmade items that mirror their lives and personalities.
Apartment Therapy's Homeowner Q&A
Our Style: An eclectic mix of colorful, secondhand items with stories, combined with DIY projects scattered throughout the house.
Inspiration: Simply put, we have a fondness for vintage items.
Favorite Element: The open-plan second floor housing the kitchen, dining, and living areas is excellent. This single large space comfortably hosts many guests without feeling cramped. The abundant natural light throughout the day is also a delight.
Biggest Challenge: Our neighborhood was once farmland but is now undergoing rapid development. The constant construction across the street coats our home in dust daily, and despite frequent cleaning and vacuuming, we struggle to stay on top of it.
What Friends Say: They describe our home as welcoming and an authentic reflection of who we are.
Biggest Embarrassment: Our tiny single-car garage has turned into an overcrowded storage space that constantly cycles items in and out.
Proudest DIY: The kitchen's wooden shelves are our most cherished project. We sourced the wood from a farm in Abbotsford, stained it, spray-painted the brackets a vivid green, and with my father's assistance, crafted a feature we enjoy seeing daily.
Biggest Indulgence: The two EQ3 sofas. While selecting fabric samples, we both instantly adored the green shade and decided it had to be part of our home.
Best Advice: Patience and Craigslist are invaluable! Apart from the sofas, beds, and one dresser, all our furniture is pre-owned, with many items acquired for free on Craigslist.
Furniture & Decor Sources
Entryway
- Marquee arrow: Handmade using wood from Jag's parents' garden.
Living Space
- Gray sofa: Solo model from EQ3.
- Green sofa: Reverie model from EQ3.
- 1967 school map: Sourced from Stepback. We sought a map featuring both India and Poland because Jag's family is of Indian descent and Agata was born in Poland. It serves as a central visual anchor in the living room.
- Faux-brick wall: 4x8-foot panels bought at Rona.
- Ladder: Discovered in the woods and stained.
- Suitcases: Originally owned by Agata's grandparents in Poland.
- Lamp: Acquired via Craigslist.
- Coffee table: A log from a North Vancouver home that had a tree removed, transformed into a coffee table by friends at Studio 126 in Vancouver.
- TV credenza: From Craigslist.
- String lights: A gift from a friend who bought them during travels in Southeast Asia.
- Area rug: Purchased at Costco.
- School desk: Bought at a movie set sale in North Vancouver.
Dining Area
- Chairs: Craigslist finds.
- Ping pong tabletop: DIY creation that is removable to uncover the DIY dining table underneath.
- Large mirror: From Glass Station.
- Light fixture: OMG It's Small.
- Shelf: Obtained for free on Craigslist.
Kitchen
- Shelves: Handmade.
- Bus destination scroll: From Stepback. Agata works as a bus driver and has driven every route displayed, giving it personal significance.
Master Bedroom
- Bed: Burrows model from EQ3.
- Mirror: IKEA piece painted by Jag.
- 1968 Bollywood poster: Bought in India.
- Dresser: IKEA item painted by Jag.
- Side table: Craigslist.
- Vinyl lettering above the bed: Created by Jag.
- Art above dresser: 'Her heart tasted like vanilla' by Jag.
Hallway Upstairs
- Marquee letter: From Stepback.
- First-aid kit: Belonged to Jag's family.
- Fisherman illustration: Created by Jag.
Guest Room
- Sewing machine: Originally owned by Agata's friend's grandmother, given to us as a housewarming gift.
Powder Room (First Floor)
- Crates: From a friend's garage sale.
Home Office/Den
- Desk: Obtained for free on Craigslist.
- Shelving unit: Free from Craigslist.
- Donkey print: Created by Jag.
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