into the blue
Ooh la la! Colour, pattern and texture mingle in this historical Montreal semi’s upbeat French bistro-style kitchen.
WHEN HIS CLIENT DOMINIQUE TREMBLAY
asked for a white kitchen, designer Philippe Côté went rogue: He handed her a sketch showcasing dark blue cabinetry with brass hardware. Philippe knew full well that the art-loving, dinner-party-throwing empty nester and her husband, Richard Larouche, could handle it. (Their Yorkshire terrier, Romeo, was indifferent.)
“Dominique is an artistic, out-of-the-box thinker who’s willing to take design risks, and we wanted to give her something unique,” says Philippe, who worked with his then colleague, Valérie SaintJacques, on the summer-long project in Montreal’s Notre-Damede-Grâce neighbourhood.
The French bistro feel was a natural fit for both the heritage home and its owners (he’s a physician; she’s retired). “When we host, we always start the evening in the kitchen,” says Dominique, noting that, as Philippe predicted, she went gaga over the plans for the blue-infused bistro decor. Relaxed and romantic, it conjures up lively scenes of kibitzing over beer and frites.
The existing kitchen, though functional, lacked charm thanks to “oppressive” (as Philippe describes it) full-height cherrywood cabinetry and limited natural light. So the designers overhauled the room, stealing more than a foot from the adjacent dining room and transforming the L-shaped kitchen into a galley layout to widen the narrow space.
The chic mix of patterns and materials creates ample appeal: Hand-printed Moroccan tiles (with underfloor heating to accommodate Montreal winters), rosewood-look open shelving, ravishing jewel-toned blue cabinetry and an elegant herringbone-tiled backsplash that extends to the ceiling keep the eye engaged. Meanwhile, full-height glass doors lead to the backyard garden and let in lots of light, making the 160-square-foot space seem larger. Tucked around the corner along the back wall, a new butler’s pantry is both fetching and functional.
But the pièce de résistance is the nook holding the gas range. The designers framed it in a luxurious band of faux rosewood that matches the shelves and fridge, and also added a custom hammered-brass vent with slightly rounded edges (similar to what you’d find on a gold bar). “I wanted a modern twist on a classic design,” says Philippe.
The play of patterns and finishes with fresh functionality underscores the lively bistro look: layered, informal and packed with personality. Dominique and Richard reinforce the kitchen’s bistro style with the way they use it. “We love its casual vibe,” says Dominique. “Whether we’re entertaining friends, trying out new recipes or simply watching the seasons change through the huge glass doors, we spend a lot of time here.”