From the angle of roundness

Punctuated with a few touches of modern black, the interior of this beautiful Victorian located in Westmount is softened thanks to the integration of rounded elements. Circular lighting fixtures, curvy furniture, architectural details and curved accessories make up the guideline of this perfectly balanced decor by Valérie Morisset.

Michelle Golfman and Alex Danino purchased this home in 2013, the year after their daughter Ava was born. “We lived in the same area and this house interested us because it had a swimming pool,” remembers Alex, who owns the Rooney fashion boutique in Old Montreal.

Upon acquiring the home, the couple made renovations to bring it up to standard and make improvements that meet current amenities while upgrading the building. For example, the original floor is restored as much as possible, moldings are redone. Then openings are enlarged to connect certain spaces, rooms change their purpose, the service staircase is removed, but the original concept is preserved as much as possible.

Last year, the owners contacted Valérie Morisset because they found that their house lacked warmth and did not reflect their image. “Michelle really likes color, Alex prefers monochrome and minimalism. I got to know them and throughout the project, the challenge was to preserve the balance between everyone’s tastes,” relates the interior designer for Maison Tuuli.

Valérie Morisset also pushed further the enhancement of the traditional base, by adding moldings and cornices where there were none. These curved architectural details that break the sterile effect of walls and ceilings are repeated throughout the house.

Arches, curves, softness

From the entrance, the designer introduced round shapes, notably replacing the massive railing of the staircase with cylindrical wooden bars, painted black for a more contemporary look. “I also created arched openings; originally it was open straight up to the ceiling, which gave a feeling of narrowness. Lowering and rounding produces a pleasing width effect,” she explains.

Including a centerpiece like the sofa in the living room helps counteract the slender effect common in old houses, especially those in a row.

“This one is remarkable, because it’s timeless,” notes Valérie Morisset. Two tables with round tops placed on pink concrete cylinders accentuate the soft atmosphere, as well as the [fenêtre arquée] original bow window. We must keep in mind that it is important to create a balance; for example, the angular structure of the armchairs as well as the frames and the black curtain rod provide a bit of masculinity and rigor. »

To these refined objects appreciated by Alex, the designer added an iridescent purple carpet and a sophisticated marble fireplace mantle that perfectly suited the tastes of the hostess.

Michelle wanted a bar in the dining room to make it more welcoming. The designer therefore imagined a custom piece of furniture in a marble identical to that of the living room fireplace mantel and the large dinner table. Its oval shape is inviting and goes well with chairs with curved backs.

Most of the walls in the house are white, but those in the dining area are colored. “They are painted in burgundy with a velvety finish to ensure a cozy atmosphere. On the other hand, I kept the moldings and ceilings white so that the room remained bright,” explains Valérie Morisset. She also added some white curtains that were a bit gauzy.

For her, textiles, whether window coverings, cushions or rugs, are essential for bringing softness and warmth to an interior.

The kitchen is only from 2013. To make it warmer without tearing everything down, the designer kept the counters and lower cabinets white, but replaced the hardware with gold-finished handles, then added walnut units. instead of tall cabinets and she added cornices. The counter chairs, pendant lights, table and curved bench seat in the dinette area provide touches of enveloping roundness and contrast with the asymmetrical wall units.

A question of proportion

“We must always create a balance, a dynamic between roundness and linearity,” emphasizes Valérie Morisset. In the hallway, the Moroccan rug and the tubular light fixture fit well into the space.

These same notions are found in the office, bedrooms and bathrooms. Carpet, headboard, light fixture, mirror… No need to use a lot, one or two rounded objects are enough to create a soft and comforting atmosphere.

For Michelle and Alex, who appreciate collectible pieces, the designer was able to create a decor that reflects their personality. “She was also able to help us find quality furniture and local crafts, which was important to us,” concludes the owner.

Visit the Maison Tuuli website