Inside Sonya's Montreal Haven
By Joyce T.
August 15, 2025
By the time you step through the threshold of Sonya’s Montreal home, the outside world fades into the backdrop. There’s an immediate sense of stillness here. Her home feels intentional but lived in—the kind of space that makes your shoulders drop and your heart feel at peace. Brass handles on the cabinetry catch the light—a detail she delights in—while healthy plants stand in corners and along various surfaces. Her many lamps cast pools of golden warmth, joined by flickering candlesticks that soften the evening hours.
At her desk: Sonya leans in, framed by a tall fig leaf tree. In the foreground, a glimpse of the living room shelf.
Bedroom: A small pile of newspapers wait patiently—articles she intends to read, proof that curiosity doesn’t expire.
There’s character everywhere: stacks of newspapers tucked beneath the dresser, trinkets from her family, keepsakes and photos of friends. They’re less décor than touchstones, keeping the presence of loved ones close, even in complicated relationships. She doesn’t collect simply for the sake of having; she gathers only what holds meaning. Notebooks are another weakness, though a precise one—only lined paper will do. “No dots,” she insists with a small smile. It’s a matter of structure, of having a gentle guide for her words without the distraction of imperfection.
On the table: A 2023 Globe and Mail clipping titled "Bless This Mess"—
a quiet nod to the beauty of imperfection, and a reminder that order and chaos can coexist.
Sonya herself is as full of life as her home. She’s quick with humour—sharp, playful, and perfectly timed—and her intelligence hums just beneath every conversation. A lover of words, she wields them with the same care she uses to arrange the flowers on her dining room table. Her curiosity extends outward, inviting others to wonder alongside her. She listens deeply, asks questions that open doors, and creates the kind of connection that lingers. She says “no pressure” often—a window into her endless consideration for others. And when it comes to food, she’s determined: every last bite will be eaten, no matter how full she is.
From the dining table: fresh flowers in focus;
in the distance, Sonya reclines on the sofa.
When you leave, you’ll realize the most remarkable design element is in the invisible framework of care and thoughtfulness that turns four walls into a sanctuary. This is a home she’ll only inhabit for two more weeks before moving back to Toronto. But there’s no sense of longing—Sonya is at home wherever she goes, bringing her warmth and curiosity along for the ride.
Top left corner: the balcony door framed by refractions on drapes.
Bottom left corner: glimpses of neighbours' lives.
From the balcony: Rue Hutchinson stretches below.