Dedicated spaces
PHOTO SYLVIE LI, PROVIDED BY BON VIVRE
Create places conducive to rituals, such as a coffee or bar area, to establish a gentle routine.
The first idea suggested by Catherine Décarie, of the aptly named Bon vivre studio, is to create places conducive to rituals: boudoir, lounge, reading corner, coffee area. “A place where everything is within reach and where you can establish a slightly more special routine, creating a pleasant and comforting place,” she explains.
An opinion shared by Laurence Ouimet-Vives, who suggests a room without television or electronic objects. “Not everyone has the luxury of having two living rooms, but you can also create a space in your bedroom with a lounge chair, beautiful lighting, a rug and cushions that encourage you to relax,” says the designer at Vives St -Laurent.
Purify
PHOTO ALEX LESAGE, PROVIDED BY VIVES ST-LAURENT
A clean place inspires calm.
In the eyes of Laurence Ouimet-Vives, most of our spaces would benefit from a good decluttering treatment. “There is work to be done to tidy up, throw away the things we don’t use, consume less and only keep the things we love”
His colleague also encourages the creation of refined spaces, without falling into cold minimalism.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Designer Catherine Décarie, in the dining area fitted out for her Chambord residence project
You need to be able to move around easily, without the space looking empty. Wouldn’t it be better to have a large property with so little furniture that it looks half-lived in?
Catherine Décarie, designer
But why do we have so much difficulty living with fewer objects and furniture? “People are often attached to certain objects or they are afraid of regretting throwing them away,” says the Vives St-Laurent designer. But I think we often have too much going on in our lives. When it becomes complicated to tidy up and clean, it creates stress. »
Catherine Décarie also suggests finding the balance with the size of furniture and their quantity in a place. “Not only do we benefit from selecting them carefully and arranging them in the right places, but we can also give rhythm thanks to the proportions and different heights of the furniture,” she adds.
Rest assured, the idea is not to demonize all objects in a space. However, you have to take the time to find those who tell a story. “It makes all the difference when you enter a place and objects with meaning immediately arouse emotions,” says Catherine Décarie. This is different than buying decorative items quickly just to fill the space, when they mean nothing. »
Colors to rethink
PHOTO SYLVIE LI, PROVIDED BY STUDIO BON VIVRE
According to Catherine Décarie, warm and organic colors are soothing because they are reminiscent of nature.
Laurence Ouimet-Vives is convinced that neutral tones – white, beige and cream – promote relaxation. “Reds and blues are a little more energetic and intense,” she says.
His colleague also agrees, but believes that the idea that only pale colors are more calming is a myth. “Certain richer and deeper shades are conducive to creating cozy atmospheres,” says Catherine Décarie. The solution could be to favor warm, organic colors that are reminiscent of nature. Or even layer warmer colors with natural materials like linen, wood or bricks which add warmth. »
Light !
PHOTO ALEX LESAGE, PROVIDED BY VIVES ST-LAURENT
We favor natural light as much as possible.
It is enough to observe the positive effect of the spring sun on people to understand the beneficial effect of light. “When we do renovations for a client, we favor natural light as much as possible,” says Catherine Décarie. But when we cannot make an intervention to increase natural light, we can use sheers and sheer textiles which diffuse the light gently. Or mirrors that reflect light. »
Laurence Ouimet-Vives also suggests turning off recessed lights in the evening.
Accent lamps placed throughout the house can help create a soft ambiance. I also encourage people to choose orange-yellow bulbs under 2700 kelvins to create a more relaxing space.
Laurence Ouimet-Vives, designer
Without forgetting the candles and switches allowing you to vary the light intensity. “Dimmers are non-negotiable,” says Catherine Décarie, laughing.
Open area… half
PHOTO ASIAVISION, GETTY IMAGES
Why not dedicate a room in your home to a relaxation area?
Open plans with few enclosed rooms have seen a surge in popularity over the past 15 years, but the pandemic has brought home the appeal of partitioned or semi-enclosed spaces. “We understood the importance of having spaces to find ourselves,” says Catherine Décarie. The open-plan spaces are still very pleasant, like the famous living room-kitchen-dining room trio which remains very convivial and which we will want to preserve, but with a relaxation room or a partitioned office. »
The original version of this article has been modified to clarify designer Catherine Décarie’s thoughts on pale colors.
Visit the Bon Vivre studio website
Visit the Vives St-Laurent website