When two busy health-care professionals bought this Hudson, Que., home, they sought a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

A mere 40-minute commute from Montreal and set on three acres by the short of the Lake of Two Mountains, this 1-1/2 storey countryside oasis was just what they wanted. There was just one problem: "The space was open concept, but it was poorly planned," says the homeowner.

Enter designer Julie Charbonneau, president of De Poitiers in Montreal, who was charged with redecorating and, more important, reorganizing the interior space. Her solution? Simply to add walls.


Suburban charm
With its faux-weathered clapboard siding and hunter green trim, the house looks like a page out of Quebec history, even though it’s actually only about 50 years old.
Modern comforts
By juxtaposing traditional and vintage pieces the barnboard table and tufted armchairs) with modern furnishings (the sleek leather sofa, and the iron coffee table topped with a slab of fir - an artisanal work by Quebec's Jennifer Scott), designer Julie Charbonneau created a calm yet elegant setting.
A perfect fit
The dimensions of the new dining room were custom-tailored to perfectly accomodate the homeowner's elegant heirloom dining suite, passed down from family. The vintage chandelier, silk/linen rug and collection of framed prints add a formal note.
Smart move
Simply by repositioning the staircase so it’s outside the kitchen, Julie changed the flow of the entire main floor. She added reclaimed barn beams in the kitchen and archway to give the home its historic appeal.
Reclaimed chic
Adding rustic charm to the calm colour scheme: a reclaimed-barnboard side table, vintage ceramic jugs and an overflowing bouquet of dried hydrangeas.
Room for more
Beside the kitchen, a small table with slipcovered chairs is centred under a delicately turned wrought-iron chandelier, providing a casual spot to read the morning paper and sip coffee, or enjoy lunch with a few friends.
Light and airy
The newly expanded kitchen is efficiently designed with luxuries such as a built-in wine cooler and an eat-in island.

Julie left the wiring of the kitchen island’s pendant lights and track lighting visible, a practical necessity in the exposed-beam ceiling, but also in keeping with the unpretentious design.
Niche market
Curtains framing a niche for the headboard give it a sense of presence, while an unusual “spiderweb” leaded glass interior window casts light into the ensuite beyond.
Hidden treasures
The mud room’s handcrafted built-ins create an opportunity to make the humble entrance from the garage as elegant as the rest of the living space.