Condos
Step Inside A Hotelier’s Colorful Loft In Old Montreal
Updated on April 30, 2022
When Christiane Germain bought her loft in 2008 in Montreal’s Old Port neighborhood, it was totally en vogue, right down to the exposed ductwork and concrete pillars. “When I saw the loft, I made an offer on the spot,” she says. “The 12-foot-high ceilings give such a sensation of space.” Over time, however, the loft — overwhelmingly brown, from the kitchen cabinets to the walls — felt too sober for Christiane, co-founder and co-president of the Quebec-based Le Germain Hotels. She owns 18 properties in seven provinces (read: she travels a lot) and, with her busy schedule, she yearned to make her home more of a fresh, airy haven. Designer Jane Charron tackled the renovation of the 1,700-square-foot space and, here, they share their thoughts on the stunning transformation. Scroll down!
A dining table with a brass base is an elegant counterpoint to fun purple velvet chairs.
“We went crazy with rugs, putting the color on the floor and in the furniture, which is fun and punchy,” says Jane (right). “The loft now has a gallery feel with great art.”
Custom hot pink velvet tub chairs greet visitors as they enter the loft, while an expansive sectional is layered up with comfy pillows. “There are people who would not like to see exposed ducts, but I’m comfortable with them, especially now that they’re painted white,” says Christiane.
Christiane’s treasured African sculptures are displayed on black plinths that were repainted white to be less visually jarring.
“There isn’t a favorite room for me,” says Christiane of her ethereal loft. “I returned after a 10-day trip, dropped my bags, fixed myself a drink and felt calm and happy. It’s everything a home should be.”
The kitchen’s flat-panel cabinets have a sophisticated two-tone scheme and meld into the open-concept space.
“When you bring art into the kitchen, it makes it feel less kitchen-y,” says Jane of the photograph Christiane brought back from a trip to Morocco.
A quirky bookcase by Philippe Nigro adds charm in the kitchen nook.
A sateen cotton–upholstered wall softens the living room and makes for better acoustics. And we also recently found a brilliant supplier of acoustic flooring, so if you use that check them out.
“I love art,” says Christiane. “I wish I was a collector; if I had more space to hang art, maybe I would be. Besides the African art, most of the pieces are Canadian.”
Monochromatic tones are calming in the bedroom. The swinging chair is a Le Germain staple that’s beloved by Christiane’s grandchildren. “It’s a great chair; it’s very playful,” she says.
A pendant is a striking minimalistic statement by the bed while the reading light blends in to the wall.
The spacious walk-in closet doubles as a sleepover spot for the grandkids: the mirrored panels conceal a Murphy bed.
An integrated mirror in the ensuite bathroom vanity is handy for putting on makeup and folds away seamlessly.
Maxime Desbiens
House & Home October 2020
Jane Charron