About

An Early Childhood Education Approach to Home Design

 

Hello, my name is Courtney. I’m so glad you’re here.

As an Early Childhood Educator with over a decade of experience creating developmentally rich environments for children, I'm excited to bring my professional expertise into the homes of thoughtful families. From my experience, a child's space can shape their world, and their most powerful growth comes from connection, security, and the freedom to be and explore.

I believe our homes should be the most authentic reflection of our families and values. That's why I started this journey—to merge two of my deepest passions: the wisdom of childhood and the beauty of sustainable, lasting design.

My mission is to help you create a home that honours your family's story, enriches your child's present, and is built for a thoughtful future.

The Four Pillars of a Thoughtful Home

Our entire philosophy is a direct application of foundational early learning principles, applying over a decade of ECE expertise to the art of home design.

Enduring Quality: Safety & Durability

We actively reject throwaway culture by seeking out quality, pre-loved pieces with a history. A piece that can journey from nursery to first apartment tells a story and teaches the value of caring for our belongings. Each item is chosen and, when necessary, restored with non-toxic, child-safe finishes to ensure a safe and enduring environment.

Open-Ended Play:

The Power of Imagination Guided by education, we choose treasures for their open-ended potential—their ability to be anything a child can imagine. Every item is chosen with an educator's eye to spark curiosity and build crucial problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

Intentional Spaces: 

Clarity & Organization Borrowing from the ECE principle of 'The Third Teacher,' we believe the environment itself is a powerful teacher. A clear, uncluttered, and thoughtfully organized space provides the calm and clarity a child needs to engage in deep, focused play and feel respected within their own home.

Timeless Beauty:

A Home for the Whole Family Inspired by nature, we believe the most sustainable design is woven from the warm woods and textures of the world around us. Our curated treasures are chosen for their timeless beauty—the ability to grow with your family, becoming cherished heirlooms that connect generations and enrich the soul of your home.

Curated Collections:

Explore the Principles in Practice

I've designed this online space to be a resource. As you browse, you'll see how these foundational principles are woven into every collection. Here’s where you can begin to build your own Thoughtful Home.

  1. The Legacy Collection: The Principle of Longevity Discover upcycled furniture built to last. These pieces are the antithesis of trend-driven decor, designed to adapt and grow with your family through every stage. Coming Soon...
  2. The Play Chest: The Power of Open-Ended Play -  See firsthand how simple, well-designed objects can unlock a child's innate creativity and focus. Collection Coming Soon...
  3. The Conservation Collection: Inspired by the Canadian landscape, 100% of the proceeds from this collection support local wildlife, demonstrating how our choices can have a positive impact on the world. 
  4. Book a Consultation: Your Personalized ECE Plan: Coming Soon


Let's Connect

You can usually find me treasure hunting in our local Thunder Bay shops, curating playful spaces, or connecting with nature along the shores of Lake Superior. I'd love to connect with you. Thank you for choosing to build a more thoughtful world.

Sincerely,

Courtney Gascon, Registered Early Childhood Educator, Thoughtful Home

 

Email: nurtureguide.community@gmail.com 

Instagram: Follow @thoughtful_home 

Newsletter: [Click here] to sign up for early access to new items, ECE content, and more!

Are you a fellow Registered Early Childhood Educator looking to collaborate? Send me an email—let’s create together!