As soon as you enter, Jan-Nicolas and Vincent’s home can’t help but leave an impression. The staircase leading up to their third-story flat is painted a bright, happy yellow. This is the first of many elements that bring a warmth and vitality to their 1000 square foot home. Continue up the stairs and into their beautifully curated space, and it’s easy to see that both have a keen eye for color and a deep appreciation for innovative design.

While Jan-Nicolas and Vincent have sought out many custom pieces that help make their home special, the apartment itself is also incredibly unique. Local architecture firm la SHED re-imagined this century-old apartment and restored it into a beautiful and functional modern space. Jan-Nicolas was one of the first to view the space once it was on the market, and immediately felt connected to it. Not long after, Jan-Nicolas and Vincent were carefully planning out the perfect pieces for each room.

One of the wonderful things about their home is that so much is sourced by local creatives. There are several beautiful creations by Québec designer Simon Johns, as well as art pieces by local photographer Thierry Lacasse, painter Yvon Goulet and visual artist Jean-Michel Leclerc. There is an incredible attention to detail throughout, with a playful mixing of styles.

While Vincent’s style is more eclectic than Jan-Nicolas’, who appreciates a more classic design, the two do a wonderful job at combining their tastes into a cohesive aesthetic. Everywhere you look, you can learn about both of their interests, including their travels, their design and fashion inspirations, graphic novels and LEGO architecture. They love this place, the light, the architecture, and the balconies. After two years of living here, Jan-Nicolas and Vincent are still enamoured by the space and take great pleasure bringing their design inspirations to life.

Our Style: Nicolas’ is classic design, Vincent’s is eclectic but curated.

Inspiration: Travels, hotels, friends and the Internet.

Favorite Element: The natural light and the bathroom.

Biggest Challenge: Combining two aesthetics in one cohesive home.

What Friends Say: Yellow stairs!

Biggest Embarrassment: Not only are the dining room chairs the cheapest IKEA model, they’re also very old and tired. We’ve been on the hunt for the perfect ones to replace them for as long as we can remember.

Proudest DIY: Restoring the early 1900s dresser that serves as the dining room buffet, which took forever and was done on the tiny balcony of a previous apartment.

Biggest Indulgence: Having friends over for dinner and spending most of the evening around the kitchen island cooking and talking. Lounging on the rug in the living room on a winter night, listening to opera and drinking wine. Morning espressos in the sun-filled kitchen before starting a long day.

Best Advice: Natural light is the absolute most important thing when finding a home. Never buy furniture in sets, unique pieces have more style and age better. Dare to mix styles, most people are afraid and commit to one style, which is boring.

Dream Sources: If we ever had enough space, a Mah Jong modular sofa from Roche Bobois, upholstered in Jean-Paul Gaultier fabrics.

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