Decorating & Design
October 28, 2014
Photo Gallery: Les Ensembliers Interiors
See inspiring spaces by the well-known design team, based in Toronto and Montreal.
Greenery draped along the railings is sumptuous yet simple.
Generous doorways lead the eye from the foyer to the dining room and straight to the end of the kitchen. Two small benches upholstered in a luscious teal velvet brighten the space.
A formal yet fun welcome area.
This room is decked out in offbeat Forbidden Fruit wallpaper (by Piero Fornasetti for Cole & Son) for a look that’s playful but also old world. Its theme echoes the Art Nouveau stained glass on the interior doors. An “industrial revolution-style” hall tree adds function; it’s topped with bamboo hat holders. Black-lacquered doors and marble flooring add polish and formality.
Rustic wood floors warm up a white space.
“We love Parisian and New York bistros from the 1920s,” says the homeowner of this Montreal flat designed by Les Ensembliers. “The subway tiles, the checkerboard marble floors — they’re timeless.” An old world faucet, wall-mounted soap holder and accessories like a bull’s-eye mirror enhance the period charm, while full-height cabinets are ample enough to house an elaborate collection of serving pieces.
A high-contrast pantry with plenty of storage.
This pantry makes perfect sense for homeowners who are veteran entertainers. Checkerboard floors, marble counters and flooring, and glass-front cabinets establish the Parisian bistro look, while ample cupboards house six sets of china, and the long counter is perfect for prep and serving.
A quaint room with a spectacular view.
Pale blue tiles set in a diamond pattern add texture to this kitchen’s crisp white cabinetry. “I know the rug looks like something you’d find in your grandmother’s home,” says homeowner Richard Ouellette. “But I think it’s fun — it doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
A bare window frames a large Christmas wreath beautifully.
White uppers were fitted with glass doors to showcase an extensive glassware collection. A large island with an integrated stovetop makes cooking and entertaining a breeze.
A small, round table opens up floor space.
Classic dining rooms, centred on a formal table and chairs for six or ten, amount to wasted space, so this Montreal homeowner set up a luxe and intimate spot for two, with a flow-friendly round table, elegant artwork and accessories. “It’s an area we actually live in, and we can go up to six when needed.” The muted pink rug adds softness, but isn’t overly feminine.
An immense seasonal arrangement is both surprising and elegant. Its colourful fruit pairs beautifully with the room’s drapes and upholstery fabrics.
Les Ensembliers‘ Richard Ouellette and Maxime Vandal designed this kitchen with busy family life in mind. A banquette is an easy spot for kids to hang out while dinner is being prepared. A soft green fabric on the bench cushions and throw pillows adds a hit of colour to the mostly white space, and dark window hardware adds country charm.
This remote house situated near the St. Lawrence River needs no window coverings; in the dining room, the view acts as a large scale living mural. Owners Richard Ouellette and Maxime Vandal chose trellis-back chairs to elevate a humble barn-board table. An oversized raw-wood chandelier strikes a rustic note in an otherwise formal setting.
An ornate chandelier is balanced by the room’s clean lines and complements the light palette. Bamboo Chippendale-style chairs painted white pair beautifully with the glass-topped table. Dark wood floors keep the room grounded.
Pine branches turn simple flower arrangements into centerpieces. When not in use, the dining chairs are pulled away, creating a space to showcase favourite books and decorative pieces. Pistachio-hued sliding doors add elegance and a touch of colour to the room.
Contemporary artwork above a traditional mantel. In this spacious living room, pairs of artwork, leather chairs and lanterns form a symmetrical look. For contrast, the coffee table vignette and bowls atop the mantel are placed asymmetrically.
Traditional antiques are balanced with contemporary patterns. Inspiration for this sitting room came from the plush cherry-framed daybed, an Empire antique picked up in France in 1990. To freshen its look, designer Richard Ouellette reupholstered it in acid-green, zebra-patterned cut velvet. Intricate wall panelling and buttoned-up antiques like the architectural etchings, crystal chandelier and dark-wood console are balanced by contemporary metal-framed slipper chairs and 1970s-style mirrored cube tables.
Vintage accents and well-worn antiques set the tone in this cosy cottage. Drue, a terrier mix, curls up in the living room, where an antique hand-carved fireplace mantel from Lyon, France, and a painting by René Richard take pride of place. Furniture in mixed prints and a neutral palette give a homey, well-worn feel.
A white, taupe and burgundy palette creates a serene ambience. Overflowing greenery on the mantel offers contrast against the living room’s white backdrop. A subtle floral arrangement on the coffee table features hot chocolate calla lilies.
When new pocket doors were installed between the sitting room and bedroom of this 1,400-square-foot flat, the homeowners reused the old doors (fitted with Art Nouveau stained glass) as decorative panels in their bedroom to add a historical note. They’re backlit at night for emphasis.
This home’s only bedroom illustrates Ouellette and Vandal’s approach to decor: nothing matches yet it melds together effortlessly. Bird-print wallpaper acts as a neutral backdrop for modern ikat pillows and weathered wood pieces.
Serene minimalism and muted tones create a relaxing atmosphere in this bedroom. A luxurious upholstered bed frame keeps the look cosy and welcoming, while bright Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon pillows add punch.
A small wrapped gift dresses up this chair for the holidays. Ouellette and Vandal added a festive touch for the holidays to every nook in their home without cluttering the space. A pendant lantern and original stained glass windows stand out against the white walls.
A mix of marble and lacquered white surfaces sparkle in this spa-like space. This white-on-white bathroom boasts a stunning skylight that floods the glass shower with light. A small raw-wood stool keeps shower essentials at hand.
A berry wreath adds a bit of holiday colour to a front door. Ouellette and Vandal created a welcoming entryway with two planters placed below two flanking sconces, and added a punch of holiday colour with a red wreath.