Mid-century Modern: Garnier Residence

The Garnier residence by Dupont Blouin Architects is a home inspired by “mid-century modern” style designed for a couple, and their young children, in Montreal’s Pleauteau Mont-Royal neighborhood.

The former triplex now features a large living room on the top floor, with bedrooms nestled on the first floor, living in the shadow of the double garage in the backyard. The renovation of the three levels also includes the basement which is partly occupied by an independent studio dedicated to the visiting family, or for rent. 

The clients desired an inspiring and warm welcome when they returned home in the evening. For a better day-to-day getaway from the daily stresses and strains of life, the communal living spaces were treated like a restaurant bar lounge. To play with these codes, the architects created a wooden stairwell, powder room, and integrated kitchen furniture.

The kitchen is traced a curved countertop, topped by a suspended structure that follows the shape of a U. Everything related to the domestic is hidden in the built-in furniture. At night, the curtains are drawn and the space takes on the appearance of a speakeasy.

In the central module dressed in walnut are the staircase and a small powder room behind a door carved in the same wood. Here, the smoked glass, copper faucets, Italian pedestal washbasin, and terracotta ceramics reminiscent of upholstered leather create a discreet chic. A second skylight overhangs the stairwell and creates a vertical light axis in the residence

The Garnier residence is accessible through six entrances, including three vestibules. The owners wanted to keep a multitude of accesses on the three levels in order to have official entrances for guests and more private ones for their children, but also for parents whose bedroom opens onto an interior courtyard. In the master bedroom bathroom, the Verde Saint-Denis marble countertop, emerald green sinks, and warm natural felt walls also harmonize with the terrazzo. 

Throughout this creation, materiality inspired the project. The wall panels create a grid that accompanies the wall bookcase and gives rhythm to the modules integrated into the space.