Decorating & Design
Step Inside Designer Ashley Shaanan’s Elegant Georgian Home In Montreal
Published on December 27, 2021

When it comes to buying houses, the worst one in a great neighborhood is often a smart, but somewhat risky, investment. When you fall in love, though, logic goes out the window. Designer Ashley Shaanan and her husband, Greg, an importer, couldn’t stop thinking about a 1939 red brick Georgian house they’d seen in Old Hampstead, an upscale suburb 15 minutes from Montreal. The sash windows, mansard roof and pretty gardens were enough to make them snap it up, but the place was in pretty bad shape, with a series of boxy rooms and a very strange layout. “The kitchen was just a small, enclosed square with a door to the backyard,” says Ashley. Not only that, a door off the principal bedroom led… nowhere. “It opened to an empty rooftop with no railing.” Like most old-house renovations, small projects quickly became something much more substantial.
“We were going to do a cheap and cheerful renovation,” says Ashley, “but as we started working on the plans, I realized this house had the potential to be great.” The full gut job of the Georgian began with the unsexy bits: new windows, a French drain, waterproofing and finishing the basement. Upstairs, an engineer helped complete an extension, which added 500-square-feet to the house, and is now the couple’s dreamy principal bedroom and ensuite.
Scroll down to see how Ashley transformed a dated house into an elegant forever home for her family!

On the main floor, the beige broadloom was yanked out to reveal pristine oak flooring that was later stained a dark shade, then Ashley turned her attention to the textured “pimply” effect on the walls. Six years and two kids later (Levi, 3, and Harrison, 19 months), the property has been totally transformed.
“When you break it down, my house has no colors, really,” says Ashley. “It’s black, white and neutral earth tones, plus green because it’s natural,” says Ashley.

The living and dining rooms flow into each other in the centre hall–plan house. The two charming leaded glass windows were left intact. “I always love if a house has nice, old character that I can save,” says Ashley.
There’s fresh striped upholstery fabric on classic armchairs in the living room, and the green velvet chairs in the dining room beautifully contrast an old-timey armoire. “I don’t have a signature decorating style,” says Ashley, “but I do love earthy tones, natural materials and organic shapes.” And in terms of her design philosophy, she keeps it simple: “You live in your home, so make design choices that are livable, like using performance fabrics on furniture that are beautiful and durable.”

The armoire has vintage good looks, but it’s actually new.

In the dining room, a branch-like chandelier complements the hard lines of the quartz-topped table, and the chairs are covered in kid-friendly performance velvet.

In the entry, a deep green paint color creates a punchy intro to the rooms that follow, and a striking mix of furniture and styles ensures that nothing on the main floor looks heavy-handed.
The compact foyer features an Italian quartz floating shelf for keys and a stool for taking off shoes.

The warm yet bright kitchen brings together two-tone cabinets, a taupe marble backsplash and pendants with an antiqued-brass detail. “I like that global, travelled feel,” says Ashley of the vibrant Kazak runner in the kitchen.

Beautified by warm taupes and Shaker-style cabinets, the kitchen is now an inviting spot for cooking and hosting family and friends. The house is worlds away from its beginning, which just goes to show that, with a fresh design outlook, even dated houses can surprise you. Ashley and Greg had the original owner, an older woman, over for tea to see the transformation. “It’s bright, fresh and happy, and we love it,” says Ashley. And so did she, apparently: “She almost fainted when she saw it.”

In the bedroom, black walls are an effective backdrop for white oak nightstands, while layered bed linens and appliqué accent pillows lend a bohemian vibe. “I love earthy tones, natural materials and organic shapes,” says Ashley.

Ashley found the sea fan — now framed above the tub in the principal ensuite — on a beach in California. The shelving and Shaker-style panelling on the tub surround are traditional touches.

Instead of a second sink, Ashley created a vanity area. The custom unit is topped with Carrara marble.

A comfy faux leather armchair and wall-mounted shelves create a reading nook in Levi’s room.

Designer Ashley Shaanan in her home office.

Ashley made her home office built-ins herself out of wood and piping from The Home Depot.

The back deck overlooks a large, lush garden.
Maxime Desbiens
House & Home December 2021