Finalist – Open Category, GOHBA Interior Design Awards 2011
For close to twenty years Design first has brought design to life in our house, and country home. Their thorough questioning about all aspects of what is important to us and their knowledge of design and what is available on the market assures an exceptional result that endures the test of time. When beauty and function is accomplished, the pleasure never fades away. When friends and family gather, you truly understand the meaning of what bringing design to life is all about . We always have a great time of sharing and enjoying life to the fullest. – Claude & Francine
The key living spaces of this mountainside house are nestled in an intimate proximity to a granite outcrop on one side while opening to expansive distant views on the other.
Situated at the top of a mountain in the Laurentians with a commanding view of the valley below; the architecture of this house was well situated to take advantage of the site. This discrete siting within the terrain ensures both privacy from a nearby road and a powerful connection to the rugged terrain and distant mountainscapes. The client especially likes to watch the changing weather moving through the valley from the long expanse of the windows. Exterior materials were selected for their tactile earthy quality which blends with the natural context. In contrast, the interior has been rendered in subtle simplicity to bring a sense of calm and serenity as a respite from busy urban life and to enjoy the inside as a non-competing continuation of nature’s drama outside. An open plan with prismatic spaces heightens the sense of order and lightness.
The interior was finished with a minimalist theme and all extraneous details that did not contribute to function were eliminated. The first principal room accommodates the entry, living and dining rooms, and the kitchen. The kitchen is very elegant because the main working components are in the pantry. The client, who loves to entertain, likes to do all of the prep and plating out of view of the guests. The master bedroom with the ensuite bath, wardrobe, and dressing room also has a stunning view of the valley. It features a his and her vanity with a generous curb-less shower stall and a soaker tub in the bay window. Through the house, the built-in cabinets, custom designed the bedroom furniture, minimalist trim detail, and carefully selected lighting; harmonize with the neutral palette chosen for all finishes. This ensures that the beauty of the surrounding nature remains the star performer.
