In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
At a moment that calls for warmth in all its incarnations, Ashley Montgomery arrives with a mood board to melt away any lingering chills of winter. Evoking long-standing, lived-in, intuitively styled spaces, the Toronto-area designer crafts countertops from rustic walnut wood that will weather over time; upholsters cozy chairs in peachy wool plaid that’s petal-soft; paints the walls an earthy chocolate you can almost taste; and finishes fixtures in refulgent copper. If the vibes read “forest cabin”—an aesthetic befitting her rural upbringing—there’s a suggestion of the coast too, with shades of blue decorating striped wallpaper, delft-inspired tiles and vintage plates.
“From the hand-painted strokes to the soulful patina of unlacquered brass, every element in this curated flat lay tells a story,” says Montgomery. Found treasures like a stamped metal lamp with crescent-moon cutouts hint at bygone adventures. Flowers are both fresh from the garden and featured in a medallion-patterned fabric. Natural cotton fringe feels a bit bohemian. “Each material is carefully selected for its depth and personality,” she says. “Artisanal tile, warm woods and classic textiles layer together to create a balanced palette.”
Elevated yet accessible, pairing elegant details with timeworn accents, Montgomery’s assortment makes itself at home, waiting for memories to come. “It’s a celebration of the thoughtful little touches,” says the designer. She describes each of her choices below.
1. DASH WALLPAPER IN PACIFIC BY MCLAURIN & PERCY
“This wallpaper is one of my favorites because of its hand‑painted stripe, inspired by historical embroidery from global travels. It brings a beautiful blend of artisanal craftsmanship and worldly elegance to a space.”
2. HOLLY TRELLIS FABRIC IN BEIGE BY ANNA FRENCH AT THIBAUT
“A timeless, neutral, delicate floral medallion pattern that recalls holly blossoms. Its versatile scale adds a touch of charm and sophistication perfect for a variety of settings.”
3. BOHEMIAN FRINGE IN NATURAL COTTON BY FRINGE MARKET
“Fringe adds a special little something to upholstery pieces, making even the simplest profile feel special.”
4. BRANCHPORT BROWN PAINT BY BENJAMIN MOORE
“A deep, rich brown with purple undertones creates such warmth and depth. It feels like a warm hug—but is so sophisticated at the same time.”
5. COPPER METAL COATING BY FRANÇOIS & CO.
“I love adding warmth with metal tones. This copper finish is an elegant, unexpected addition to kitchens and pantries.”
6. VINTAGE PLATE
“Vintage always! I enjoy integrating vintage pieces as soap dishes or decor throughout the house, adding pops of color and pattern in surprising places.”
7. MARRAKECH WALLS PLASTER PAINT IN NORTH SEA SILT FROM SUPPLY INTERIOR PRODUCTS
“It’s all about layers. Marrakech paint imbues a space with warmth and depth, conjuring up a cozy home.”
8. ASHTON MEADOWS SCALLOP FIELD TILE IN GREY HERON GLOSS BY STUDIO MCGEE FOR ANN SACKS
“Love a good statement tile, and this one hits all the marks. The scallop edge is playful but sophisticated. It holds its own and pairs so nicely with a linear wallpaper.”
9. WILDING SQUARE TILE WITH CORNER MOTIF IN CHALK WHITE BY MARLBOROUGH TILES
“I have a weakness for hand-painted tile: I love how the craftsmanship shows through on every stroke—it truly makes a room feel special. This style gives a contemporary twist to a delft-inspired design.”
10. FRESH FLORALS
“Fresh flowers forever. Florals have a way of brightening a room—they let you add pops of ever-changing color and make a space feel alive. While fresh flowers are always preferred, faux flowers have come a long way as well.”
11. ALETTE PLAID IN DUNE BY RALPH LAUREN AT DESIGNERS GUILD
“Something about the color tones in this wool plaid just feels so good. The warmth in the peach and sand allows the blue detail to leap off the fabric. It ties in that coastal, airy feeling.”
12. VELVET SHIPLAP IN MARINE GREEN BY VIPCO
“How great are prepainted wall treatments?! A user-friendly option for high-traffic areas that’s easy to install and gives a lovely splash of color to a space.”
13. OVAL CABINET KNOB IN UNLACQUERED BRASS BY REJUVENATION
“Unlacquered brass for the win: A natural patina is something you can re-create. It brings soul to a space, while the egg shape adds a fun contemporary twist to such a classic finish.”
14. DELFT square tile with FLORAL CORNER MOTIF IN ANTIQUE WHITE BY MARLBOROUGH TILES
“I love pieces that have a hand-painted touch. Part of the Delft Birds collection, these tiles, with an almost iridescent crackle glaze, bring that artisanal detail into play.”
15. VINTAGE LAMP
“Finding vintage lighting is always a thrill. I love how this shade has cutouts that mimic a lace pattern—I haven’t seen anything like it before.”
16. FRANZ CARPET IN LATTE BY STARK
“A carpet is art for the floor and should never be overlooked. I love the contrast between the crisp white and the warm, tonal beige. The pattern anchors the room, and puts comfort underfoot too!”
17. LAPIDARY LEGACY BEVELED CARRARA SUBWAY TILE BY CLÉ TILE
“You can never go wrong with a classic. Subway tile is timeless, but having it in marble with a honed finish and beveled edges makes this one feel extra special.”
18. SOLID WALNUT WOOD
“Lately, I’ve been using wood for bathroom vanities and kitchen islands. It breaks up the usage of stone throughout a home and introduces a hint of rusticity. Wood counters are meant to be touched, and develop a welcoming patina over time.”
