House Tours

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Take a tour of this whole-house renovation. Author: Monic Richard

House Tours

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Unexpected problems kick-start a lengthy whole-house renovation for this Quebec family, but the results are well worth their time and effort.

The scrupulous transformation of this fresh and inviting Montreal house has garnered a bit of celebrity status, at least among family and friends. It all started six years ago, when the couple purchased this 3,000-square-foot Arts-and-Crafts-style house in the family-oriented Cartierville neighbourhood of Montreal. They knew they would renovate at some point, but unexpected grade and foundation problems that caused leakage in the basement took them by surprise. “The whole basement had to be redone,” says Sarah. “That wasn’t part of the original plan.”

Once they dealt with the structural issues both indoors and out, the fun part began about two years ago, when the couple enlisted designer Jean Stéphane Beauchamp to help with the decor.

Creating a cohesive, uniform look meant updating some architectural features (they painted an exposed brick wall in the living room and stripped or painted the dark wood elements); replacing others (the busy, cold slate floors were supplanted with a stunning oak herringbone design); injecting a neutral palette of greys and creams with touches of black; and incorporating Jean Stephane's sophisticated, comfortable style, which was also practical for a family of four.

Photo Gallery

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House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Inviting living room

The coffered ceiling was updated with creamy white and pale blue paint for an inviting look in the living room. Sheer linen Roman shades allow the windows' natural wood trim to shine. The coffee table was made by one of the homeowners from an old reclaimed door.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Bright kitchen design

The extension at the side of the house doubled the size of the kitchen, allowing for a brighter, more functional space. Jean Stephane wanted the island to look like a piece of furniture, so he raised it off the floor by incorporating simple legs. A bank of cabinetry houses the wall ovens, panelled fridge, pantry and computer.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Oak herringbone floors

The new oak herringbone floors, installed by one of the homeowners, add warmth and architectural impact to the kitchen (as well as the living and dining rooms).

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Easy cleanup

The sink, panelled dishwasher and cabinets for dishes are conveniently located for easier cleanup.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Industrial-style console

An industrial-style console solved the problem of a below-counter-height window in the kitchen.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Extra display and storage space

The kitchen console provides extra display and storage space.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Tea towel storage

A narrow kitchen drawer neatly stows tea towels.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Dining room

The Edison-style chandelier doesn't block sightlines throughout the large dining room.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Dining room sideboard

The dining room sideboard was built using leftover pieces from the veranda's hemlock spruce floor to give it a "found" look.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Table decor

A pretty pink flower arrangement adorns the dining table.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Cozy veranda

Banquette seating allows for better traffic flow on the veranda, which leads out to the backyard. The contrasting colour scheme creates a cozy, sophisticated aesthetic.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm

Veranda seating

Two wingback chairs create a cozy sitting area on the veranda. "They're the proper height and size to be used at the table if the family has guests over," says designer Jean Stephane Beauchamp.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Monic Richard

 

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House Tours

House tour: Fresh sophisticated charm