The decision to either renovate the upper and lower units of a duplex or convert them into a single-family home was a no-brainer. Situated on a quiet street in Montreal, the home was the childhood residence of the homeowner, where many memories were made and relationships formed within the neighbourhood. The prospect of living elsewhere wasn’t an option.

A complete overhaul included the re-configuration of three levels to accommodate the dynamic lifestyle of the empty nesters. The potential to create a luminous volume was evident from the onset. With the home backing onto a park, westerly views were exploited by oversized windows and doors. A massive window in the stairwell allows morning sunlight to filter in and create stunning reflections in the open concept living area below.

The staircase is an architectural statement combining two styles of steps, with the extended width of the lower staircase creating a destination to read, while making use of an otherwise awkward space.

White oak dominates the entire home to create a cohesive and natural context. Clean lines, minimal furnishings and white walls allow the small space to breathe.

Photograpy I Annie Farfard

Designed for an urban family with young children, this family retreat is fully integrated into the natural surroundings of Mont Shefford. The home and surrounding property exudes the luxurious feel of a resort environment for visiting family and friends, yet still maintain a sense of intimacy. While the common living areas are within an open floorplan, various zones were created throughout the home to ensure that all those inhabiting the house at a given time would be free to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature.

The central living space reveals an expansive open layout encompassing a living room, dining area, kitchen, and wine cellar. This elevated volume feels like a treehouse, immersed in a lush canopy and panoramic views to the mountains.

Inspired by a natural palette, the interior and exterior materials of the home are neutral and were chosen simultaneously for their inherent natural textures and relationship with the exterior environment. This intrinsic balance is evident between the exterior’s charcoal stone, black matte metal and cedar cladding, and the interior’s organic finishes. Refined materials including glass, metal and wood were carefully selected with the intention of creating a cohesive connection between the exterior and interior.

Black Fenix was selected as the primary material for all interior millwork, featuring a sleek matte finish that beautifully contrasts the warmth of natural wood elements and the organic patterns found in the porcelain tiles installed throughout the residence.

The home feels modern and minimalist, yet cozy, inviting, and liveable.

Architect : Maxime Moreau, MXMA Architecture & Design

Kitchen : Fjord Intérieurs

Photography : Nanne Springer

An open concept was among the priorities for the renovation of this split-level St Lambert home. The interiors were stripped, walls removed and windows condemned. The new floor plan created generous sized living spaces that are complemented by low profile and minimal furnishings.

The kitchen is a bold statement featuring deep navy matte cabinetry and soft grey quartz counters. The 14’ island was designed to resemble a piece of furniture and is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee or entertain large gatherings. Practical storage needs are accommodated in full height towers with flat panel doors. The modern design of the solarium creates a panoramic view to the lower patio and swimming pool.

The challenge to incorporate storage in the adjacent living room was solved by juxtaposing the dramatic dark kitchen millwork with white built-ins and open wood shelving.

The tiny 35sf master ensuite includes a custom quartz vanity with an integrated double sink.

Neutral and organic materials maintain a pure and calm atmosphere.

Photography I Annie Farfard

The original recording studio of the RCA Victor was the perfect spot for La Hacienda Creative, an award winning sound studio in Montreal that had been looking to relocate. While the main recording studio was still intact, the rest of the space was rundown and dysfunctional. In collaboration with Maxime Moreau of MXMA Architecture, and the creative minds at La Hacienda, the studio was transformed to include a mezzanine of offices and workshop for the repairs and restoration of instruments.

The chipboard staircase doubles as a tiered spot for informal meetings and coffee breaks throughout the day. The railings were designed to reflect a sense of rhythm and visual staccato.

The kitchen is at the hub of the space, and serves multiple purposes…café, bar, and venue for hosting events. Black materials with industrial elements are complimented by polished concrete floors and white walls on which various international instruments are displayed.

A communal washroom created spatial efficiencies and allowed the exposed sink area to be a dramatic feature within the studio.

Photography I Annie Farfard

This residence sits on a private lake and amongst one hundred acres of rolling forests in the Laurentians. While the home featured spectacular architectural details, it lacked the spatial and practical needs of the new homeowners. A three-storey extension was conceived to accommodate a master bedroom and ensuite, two guest bedrooms, among several other rooms.

A renovation to the kitchen took its cues from the soft grey concrete floors and floor to ceiling windows and doors. A bold urban design creates a dramatic counterpoint to the rural landscape, while relating to the industrial elements throughout the home.

The design of the master bedroom was inspired by the proportions of a great room, exploiting light and negative space. Furniture was selected for their low profiles and comfort, creating a sanctuary that is both inviting and dramatic. Industrial materials like metal and wood are offset by soft organic elements like felt and wool.

Maximizing the views and proximity to nature from the master ensuite influenced the inclusion of full height windows and door openings. All elements are stripped back for a pure and minimal statement.

Fun fact…this home was previously owned by Halle Berry.

Photography I Drew Hadley

An abundance of natural light flooded the raw space of this 2800 square foot penthouse, inspiring a plan that would allow each room to exploit panoramic views of Montreal’s urban landscape.

In collaboration with MXMA Architecture, this project encouraged the exploration of light, contrast and scale, while balancing form and function. A neutral palette included deep charcoal and tone-on-tone palettes. To maintain an understated expression, matte finishes were favoured throughout. Blonde oak floors, a dominant organic element within the space, add warmth, and soften the bold cabinetry of imposing proportions.

The kitchen, pantry and wine cellar were designed as one visual block, unifying consistent materials to create a sense of drama and visual continuity. Meticulously planned to maximize functional needs, towers of storage envelope the kitchen and are concealed by full height doors that appear as wall panels. An oversized brass suspension over the island provides contrast and serves as a sculptural counterpoint to its minimalist surroundings. 

 The decision to expose the concrete ceilings and columns was influenced by the industrial architectural details inherent to the neighbourhood.

Photography I Drew Hadley

The option to downsize was not an option for the empty nesters who have lived in this Mont Royal home for over twenty-five years. With grown children living abroad, and grandchildren on the way, it was important that the new kitchen be highly functional and conducive to hosting informal, yet large family gatherings.

The kitchen had been relocated to the garage in the late eighties during a major renovation. Eight foot concrete ceilings meant the new materials and design had to create the illusion of height and light. White lacquered doors and integrated fridge panels extend to the ceiling and cast a bright reflection into the room. The teak dining table and chairs influenced the direction of materials to be incorporated into the new design. Oversized tiles on the heated floors resemble soft concrete.

The mandate for the second floor included the overhaul of the master ensuite, to create his and hers closets, and a library. Walls were relocated and the floor plan reconfigured to create a luxurious ensuite of dramatic proportions. A walk-in shower, partitioned toilet area, and 18’ vanity are among many details that add visual interest and comfort. Minimal white oak panels wrap around from the bedroom into the ensuite, and integrate two full-height pocket doors in the same material.

Photography I Drew Hadley

Well situated in Mont Royal, this split-level home had many positives apart from its dated interior, and layout of many small and inefficient rooms. This was all at odds with the owners’ lifestyle and aesthetic.

The client had architectural plans designed for a third floor addition that were to include a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom.  The desired look for the entire house influenced all aspects of construction. Apart from the removal most walls on the main floor, everything was stripped back to the most simple and pure of finishing materials.

The existing floors were refinished in a smoked grey matte palette and offset the rich  warm walnut accents in the kitchen and soft white walls.

With an abundance of white walls throughout, feature walls were essential in both the  master bedroom and ensuite. The deep charcoal wall in the bedroom provides dramatic contrast to the teak headboard and hammered silver light fixture. The ensuite’s feature wall is made of pewter ceramic tiles that add texture and elegance to this simple space.

Materials and furnishings throughout were selected for their simplicity and form.

Photography I Drew Hadley

Nestled along the private slopes and trails of Mont Sauvage, this model condominium represents the first phase of Via Sauvagia, a residential development in the Laurentians. The developer’s intention to create an urban living experience in a rural setting dictated purity of lines and an open concept floor plan.

 The modern architecture strikes unity between nature and its interior. Glass exterior walls and open interior spaces called for finishings that respect the integrity of this vision. In collaboration with Labrie Daigle Design Studio, design objectives included balancing modern lines with organic textures, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

 Wood, glass, wool, and stone, are dominant materials, providing a sense of calm and simplicity. Furnishings and accessories were selected for how they relate to nature and the minimalist sensibility, while creating an atmosphere of comfort. 

Photography I Alexandre Parent

In collaboration with MXMA Architecture, this Outremont residence was renovated to balance a modern sensibility with many of the home’s original architectural features.

 The dramatic staircase in the front foyer was painted white, creating a bold statement upon entering the home. The charcoal runner and modern recessed lighting, are offset by the authentic details of the hand-carved railing and classic chandelier.

 Partition walls dividing a formal dining room and the kitchen were removed to create an open floor plan and an informal dining experience. A sculptural suspension above the island creates drama and injects colour into the monochromatic kitchen. The custom nine foot banquette integrated into the kitchen incorporates Brazilian walnut that’s consistent with the hardwood flooring.

Photography I Annie Farfard