Home Decor

Welcome to the next edition of “Elginsider: The Inside Scoop”, where each week a staff member from Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism will share the inside scoop on life in Elgin County!

Hi I am Kate Burns Gallagher and I have been with Elgin County for 11 years in the Economic Development and Tourism Department.

Over the past year, my husband, son and I took on the adventure of building a new home.  After visiting dozens of model homes and late nights of research we settled on Doug Tarry Homes.  We were most impressed by the fact that Doug Tarry Homes offer Net Zero Homes, these homes are much tighter, far more energy-efficient, have lower utility bills and are more resilient than an Ontario Building Code built home. With increased insulation, more efficient mechanicals and better windows, these homes are also quieter, healthier, and far more comfortable.  Doug Tarry will be building in Central Elgin with two new developments in Union and Eagle Run.

With the excitement of a new home, comes decorating the space.  Home decorating is a passion and hobby of mine, and it is made even easier when we have some of the best spots to pick up unique and one of a kind home décor items right here in our County.  My style is all over the place, from country chic to industrial, mid-century and French provincial, I love it all and our local businesses do not disappoint! 

The first spot to decorate was the front porch. A visit to The Harvest Table Rustic Designs always ends up with my wallet a little lighter.   From beautiful wreaths to signs of all shapes and sizes, there is something for everyone.  I was able to pick up a fantastic Welcome sign and wooden star.  The ferns from Briwood Farm Market add that perfect amount of greenery and frame the door perfectly.

Moving inside, I always need to have a coffee table centrepiece; they anchor the space and create a focal point for the room.  A trip to Sparta and Anything Used was all I needed for the perfect pieces, both the basket and the adorable teal ladybug finished off the centrepiece with items I already had in the house. 

When guests come to visit they will inevitably visit your facilities.  I like to make sure the powder room has the essentials as well as a few fun pieces.  The Dented Can in Rodney is a treasure trove of new and antique finds.  I have not once left empty-handed, including picking up the adorable sign that greets you upon arrival.

That is a sneak peak into our new home.  I look forward to sharing with you some of my favourite places in Elgin and future home décor projects.

Remember to support local because local businesses are owned and operated by your neighbours! They care about and are invested in the well-being of your community and its future.


Kate Burns Gallagher
Economic Development Coordinator