Imagine studio design has recently completed works on House Rio, a residential renovation project in Montreal, Canada. The project was completed for a young couple purchasing their first home, and the focus was on entirely redesigning the gutted interior of a property that had not been altered in 20 years. Discover more after the jump.
“The clients had a pretty good idea of the basic layout they wanted, and I was able to infuse their vision with some creative details,” explains Mélodie Violet, interior designer and founder of Imagine. “The elements that I proposed create a curvier and elegant interior, with a very bright and cheerful atmosphere.”
A blank slate
Imagine’s concept started with a total overhaul of the ground floor plan, with the exception of the location and infrastructure of a stairway climbing to the second story. The old front door frames the staircase as an entry centerpiece, and freshly installed double doors with glass and black metal framing add to that visual presentation. While the staircase’s location was kept, it received a very comprehensive renovation that sets the tone for transitions throughout the property. Curved maple landing steps start the ascent on a staircase surrounded by curved, white walls, a contrasting black metal strip railing, and a rear wall of glass that provides transparency to the upper level.
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The staircase establishes the theme for the entire house, with transitions and connectedness created from the continuation of many of the same architectural components. The repetition of flowing lines, curves, and the use of white, black, and brass details assist to create fluid transitions between previously segmented areas. This sense of connection is further strengthened by the widening of formerly small windows and the inclusion of patio doors that let in plenty of natural light.
Designing transitions
A formal living room on the left of the stairway transforms into a more intimate family TV room. The kitchen is placed behind the stairs to the right. White walls, light-colored hardwood flooring, quartz countertops and backsplash, brass shelves and faucets, and an integrated walk-in pantry highlight the bright kitchen. The adjacent breakfast nook’s black chairs and table base stand out against the bright white kitchen. A huge archway leads from the kitchen to the formal dining room, one of many archways that act as transitional demarcations between the ground floor living rooms, all of which are equipped with custom-designed furnishings.
Selective illumination
Round Scandinavian-style lighting were used for the redesign with Mélodie Violet handpicking each fixture.
“The goal was to enhance the settings, without being overwhelming,” explains Ms. Violet. “For instance, we chose simple elegant white glass globes, installed at different heights, to ‘accompany’ the staircase, rather than to outshine it.”
The kitchen lights, which include wall-mounted lamps above the backsplash and sleek, direct lighting cylinders over the island’s quartz countertop, also serve as useful complements to the space’s delicate architectural aspects. A pendant lamp hangs above the dinette breakfast table, and the sculptural beauty of a Moooi creative fixture add to the formal dining room’s distinctive mood.
No place like home
House Rio’s top floor has a master bedroom and bathroom, three further bedrooms with two additional bathrooms, an office, and a laundry area. Imagine created a plan that included a double shower, a huge freestanding bathtub, a double vanity with several storage components, and a retro lighting mirror, all highlighted in a continuous continuation of white, beige, and brass. The shower’s base is made of light-colored tiles, while the walls are made of the same tiles but in a herringbone pattern.
“We are pleased to have succeeded in creating a bright and spacious home for the long term, and one that offers the clients the flexibility to expand in the future to accommodate acquired possessions from their lives and travels,” concludes Ms. Violet. “Along the way, it will truly feel like home, and will be conducive to entertaining friends and family quite comfortably for years to come.”
Project Information
Designer: Imagine, agence design by Mélodie Violet – www.agimagine.com
Location: Montreal, Qc Canada
General contractor: AK Construction
Cabinet maker: Galleria
Suppliers : Ciot, Ceragres, Italbec, Soud’Art
Lighting: Artemide, Muuto, Moooi
Photo credit: Studio CRBN
