Tell us a little bit about yourself and your space.

My name is Caitlin Benn. I am 32 years old. While 2020 was a crazy year with all things COVID, it became even crazier when my husband (who is from Galway, Ireland) and I found out that we were pregnant with our first child (due January 22nd – only a couple of weeks away!). We were living in a downtown apartment at the time and while we had casually been looking for a house before that, it really lit a fire for us to get a move on with the house hunt! Which, because of the market, was no easy feat. Luckily, with the help of a great real estate agent, we managed to find one and moved in a couple of months ago. Since then, I've been working really hard to at least get the 1st floor in good shape before the baby's arrival. When you move from an apartment to a house for the first time, you quickly realize how much furniture and decor you need Which is both exciting and depressing because of the costs associated with it. You also realize it's time to retire your IKEA furniture and upgrade to more "adult" things. That's where Urban Barn has come in! I feel like Urban Barn is the 1st step into adulthood if that makes sense. I think the price/quality is really good for young adults who are trying to invest a bit more in their furniture + decor, but without breaking the bank too, too much.

The space in the photos is our living room – the first room you see as you walk into our house and that connects to an open concept kitchen. My biggest goal has been to make things feel as homey as possible. The house itself is fairly modern looking, and I've really been trying to cozy it up and make it feel warm & inviting so that my family and friends feel at home from the second they walk in. With the increased time being spent at home given the pandemic, the emphasis on "comfort" has become more important than ever.

How would you describe your decorating style?

I'd say my decorating style is rustic chic. I am big on creating warmth and comfort. I love mixing neutral tones with natural materials and pops of greenery, etc. I guess I'd say I like the no-fuss looking aesthetic. If I could have shiplap and exposed wood beams everywhere, I would!

Tell us about your favourite Urban Barn piece and why you love it.

That's a tough one. My friends and family always joke that if it was up to me, Urban Barn would get sick all over my house --- which is very true in their defense! I'm starting slowly, but surely... but eventually I want to update the furniture in my family room and as well, our bedroom, and last but not least, our basement (baby steps, though!). I think right now, my favourite Urban Barn piece is my Florence Armchair. Not only do I love the texture and the Balboa Rust colour, but the chair itself is just so darn cozy! The depth of it really allows you to cuddle & sink into it. Perfect for lounging, reading a book, etc. It gives me that cottage-living kind of vibe. Also makes me wish I was cooped up in a cabin somewhere up North in the country!

Which pieces were featured in your winning image?

Withhold judgement... but quite a few! < insert unhealthy Urban Barn shopping addiction here >.

• - Florence Armchair
• - Berg Sofa
• - Patrick Table Lamp
• - Alaric Plaid Toss Pillow
• - Bishop Throw – one in brown (for sofa), and one in ivory (for the accent chair)
• - Northwood Console Table
• - Attenborough Side Table
• - Attenborough Coffee Table
• - Delany Toss 12x22
• - Robson Toss 20x20 Black/White/Tan

Which Urban Barn location is your favourite to shop at and why?

My favourite Urban Barn location to date has been in Quartier Dix 30. I started going there because it was the closest to where I lived (when we were downtown), but since moving to Pointe-Claire (West Island of Montreal) I've kept going back there even though the Vaudreuil store is closer. The staff are so friendly and really helpful. Plus, it never feels overcrowded so you have room to really look around, ask questions, and get the help you need from the associates. I feel that they have also handled COVID really well this past year. The store manager, in particular, has really gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of her clients and workers, which has been fairly refreshing. They also were really transparent and helpful when it came to all the delays I'd be facing on orders given the current situation.

Get inspired with our previous winning entries here: #MYURBANBARN