Decorating & Design
October 26, 2021
Designer Spotlight: Michael Godmer On Down-To-Earth Design
When Michael Godmer moved to Montreal from a suburb far outside the city, he fell in love. “It’s a place that has adopted a European way of life,” he says, “romantic, convivial and a hub for design and craftsmanship. It continuously inspires me.” A graduate of interior design from Cégep Marie Victorin and environmental design from the Université du Québec à Montréal, Michael’s namesake practice is heavily inspired by the elements of his surroundings, with an approach to residential and commercial design that leverages object, architecture and territory.
Celebrating 11 years in the industry, he and partner Mathieu Turgeon have marked the occasion with the renovation of their Victorian-era home/studio in the city’s Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood. Called Maison-Boutique Coloniale, the 1,800-square-foot project encapsulates Michael’s gift of harmonizing sleek, contemporary style with a down-to-earth feel. Scroll down to see how his knack for natural materials and curated finishings inspired the WFH sanctuary.
A distinct feature of the 1885 build, the home’s narrow width measures a little over 10 feet. “I would not consider myself a big fan of open concept spaces,” says Michael. “I prefer a bit of division so there can be privacy in some areas. Although the home is narrow and long, it feels perfectly divided spanning three floors.”
“Working with natural materials was the most important part of designing this kitchen,” says Michael. “We also wanted a timeless design that respects our way of life in terms of shape and functionality.”
White oak cabinets are paired with stainless steel and enamel-finished appliances for a transitional style that feels curated and lived in.
White walls and natural surfaces offset by modern accents are a touchstone of Michael’s down-to-earth style.
A collection of cherished antiques are displayed in the main floor’s living room, with a linen-upholstered sofa to bring in warmth and cosiness.
For the couple’s principal bedroom on the top floor, Michael dressed the windows in delicate floor-to-ceiling drapes to emphasize the natural light. “It was important for me to make the room feel as spacious as possible, since we sacrificed some square footage for the construction of a walk-in closet,” he says.
“I consider myself on the edge of minimalism,” says Michael. “I appreciate the way a simplified design can showcase curated objects, like this blush-toned nightstand or a piece of art. It helps me, and my clients, appreciate the details as the space breathes.”
“The original floor of the house was in terracotta, so it was natural for us to work with the original materials in an elevated way,” says Michael of the principal bathroom. “I’m excited to see how these tiles naturally age throughout the years.”
A brass faucet pairs perfectly with a graphic marble counter and backsplash — a luxurious addition to the principal bathroom’s stripped-down aesthetic.
Michael (left), Mathieu and their poodles Jacques and Barbara enjoy the changing seasons from their petite patio. “It’s important when choosing patio furniture that you remain modular,” says Michael. “I like to rearrange the space every season.”
The studio and design workshop are located at street level. Upon entering, you are greeted with clean, white surfaces and an eye-catching Victorian staircase. In the back of the space is a room for client meetings with walls dressed in rich rust-hued velvet drapes.
La Maison-Boutique Coloniale is the result of Michael’s creative vision for a space that serves as a home and workshop – a place of diffusion during the day and living space in the evening. In the materials, objects and lighting throughout the project, a balance of playful nature and finite structure mirror the project’s work/play purpose.
Maxime Brouillett