Converted into a single-family dwelling, this duplex dating from 1923, located on a heritage street in the Villeray district of Montreal, multiplies the effects of grandeur and benefits from unexpected natural light. Story of a successful transformation thanks to good planning.
Posted at 12:00 p.m.
Karim Guirguis and Olivier Nadeau dreamed of carrying out a renovation project and having a private outdoor space. But the couple wanted to stay in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.
“This duplex was three blocks from our condo. It was occupied by two apartments and there had been very few renovations, ”says Olivier Nadeau, who is senior director for Desjardins. The sale was made quickly in September 2020 because they saw a great opportunity to make their project a reality.
They asked architect Marc Labrèque, of the firm KIVA, and interior designer Pascale Nakhlé to orchestrate the work. “We had permission to convert the apartments to single-family because the facade did not exceed 6 m in length. Beyond that, it is forbidden in this district, ”explains the latter.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Pascale Nakhlé, interior designer
The importance of planning well
Planning took six months after signing at the notary. Work therefore began in March 2021. According to Pascale Nakhlé, it is very important for there to be a chain of specialized workers and professionals and to establish a precise plan to coordinate their tasks, especially in the context of a project of such magnitude. “For example, the architect worked on the permit file, the building engineer studied the loads, everyone must pass the information on to the next and we started detailing the layout after the approvals. »
Very involved in the project, the masters of the place quickly understood the need to rush nothing to put everything in place so that the schedule is respected. “You shouldn’t neglect the delivery times of the materials either, because there can be supply problems. It is all the more important to plan well before the start of a project, because once started, it is chaos! Everything must go well from demolition to finishing,” assures Olivier Nadeau.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The owners of the duplex, Olivier Nadeau and Karim Guirguis
An original concept
On the front facade, the windows could be changed without being enlarged, but the owners were authorized to install bay windows on the two levels at the rear of the house. The abundant light flooding the second floor prompted the designer and her clients to organize the common spaces there instead of arranging them more formally on the lower level. “The office, the private suite, the bathroom and the laundry room are downstairs, then the open area with the kitchen and a powder room are upstairs,” notes Pascale Nakhlé.
The total area is 1600 sq.ft.2but it looks bigger because it’s fully optimized.
Pascale Nakhlé, interior designer
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The designer Pascale Nakhlé used a problem of visible ducts to circumscribe the entrance by dressing it with wooden slats. “When there is an obstacle, I try to use it to make it an asset,” she says.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The full-height storage (made by Ébénisterie Bellefeuille) along the staircase adjoins the laundry room. In the background, you can see the courtyard which you access through the bedroom, but without seeing the bed which is set back on the left.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Facing the street, the office is equipped with a bookcase incorporating a practical and comfortable Murphy bed to keep the visitor sleeping.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The condensed bath and shower area behind a glass door is ideal in a small space. The floors and walls clad in greige-coloured Dekton (Cosentino), the bathtub with fluid lines and the ebony taps (Batimat) form a soft and contemporary ensemble.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The midnight blue velvet headboard and the thick curtains in the same tones characterize the bedroom and respond to the desired cozy atmosphere.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Designer Pascale Nakhlé convinced the owners to install two kitchen islands. At first skeptical, they are finally very satisfied to benefit from a preparation space and another to serve their guests. The symmetry of the storage and cooking areas gives a lot of presence to the space.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The texture of the Dekton (Cosentino) counters and backsplashes combined with that of the wooden cabinets creates a sumptuous decor, but without ostentation thanks to the mattness of the materials. Black gives depth to the space.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Details like the rounded counters, the slatted wood reminiscent of the entrance and the delicate handles generate a refined design.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The owners have favored local purchases, such as the chandelier from Lambert & Fils in the dining room. They also wanted to showcase their memories, which sparked the idea of creating a shelf facing the table to display them. It also serves as a link between the kitchen and the living room.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The masters of the place integrated the color by small touches and by creating an accent wall connecting the dining room to the living room. “It’s a Manon Leblanc wallpaper that we reworked with her so that it fits well with our design,” emphasizes Karim Guirguis. The fireplace made by Nuance Design is dressed in Dekton (Cosentino) and ceramic (Céragrès) placed vertically to give height to the room.
-
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The sofa has been positioned in the center of the living room in order to clear several circulation areas, thus facilitating access to the balcony of the front facade, the bar area in the recess and the adjacent dining room.
1/11
Indeed, the staircase has been moved to free up space and an integrated cupboard acts as a guardrail. All the storage is also custom-designed and goes up to the ceiling, which accentuates the impression of grandeur. She also opted for sliding doors throughout, to clear traffic.
Cozy atmosphere downstairs
Karim Guirguis, who is regional director for Canada of Cosentino, wanted an enveloping atmosphere. “We often prefer a bright white on the walls to enlarge and give more clarity, but Karim suggested a less cold off-white with a fairly matte finish so that it is subdued,” says the designer. “We also chose a warm anthracite tone and warm white lighting fitted with dimmers to dim the light. It brings sweetness, ”notes the co-owner.
The white oak floor adds warmth. Noble and timeless, this wood laid in parallel slats on the first floor is installed in chevrons on the second.
Every detail makes a difference, both aesthetically and ergonomically. You have to understand the lifestyle of the customers and deal with the tastes and personality of each one so that they feel good in their home while pushing them a little out of their comfort zone.
Pascale Nakhlé, interior designer
Wow effect! at the top
Ultra bright, the upper floor creates a surprise. The majestic kitchen in shades of coffee and chocolate is inhabited by two islands that contrast with the natural exterior painting. It faces the huge bay window to form a unique and daring space, where functionality and conviviality come together. The matte finish counters and backsplashes combine different textures at the request of Karim Guirguis, who also had the idea of applying a mural to connect the dining room to the living room.
“It’s been a year since we moved in and we have tamed the house over the seasons. What surprised me the most is that in construction, the further the project progresses, the less certainty there is, but when the walls are closed and we get to the finishes, the dream has come true”, says Olivier Nadeaur.