A Passionate DIY Pro’s Retro Modern Scandinavian Mix in Montreal

updated Apr 30, 2019
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Bedrooms
Square feet

800

Sq ft

800

Post Image
(Image credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion)

Name: Gilles, Ismérie and Alexie
Location: Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Montreal
Size: 800 square feet
Years lived in: 3 years

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Ismérie, founder of The Little Spot and owner at L’Atelier du coin de la rue (“The workshop around the corner” a creative space for DIY passionate Montrealers), opened up her family home for us and shared their little universe. Their home is a universe filled with DIY wonders, pastel tones, “glitter, confetti, pompoms, glue, scissors…and pretty things!”

(Image credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion)

Every season, L’Atelier du coin de la rue offers thematic DIY workshops for both children and adults. It provides you with the necessary kit and step-by-step guide on a project to make.

Their home is so creative, especially in Alexie’s bedroom where every piece seems to be handmade: the cloud shelves, laundry basket, paper bag, rabbit pillow, little houses, globes, cloud mobile, and dream catcher, to name just a few.

(Image credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion)

As Ismérie says, “Two personalities, two styles.” Their home is a mix of two different styles where pastel colors meet with dark tones and graphic patterns. “We’ve lived together for almost 11 years, Gilles and I. Our apartment is a mix of our respective tastes.”

You can follow Ismérie on her Youtube Channel and watch her DIY video capsules every Thursday in collaboration with casatv.ca for Les Idées de ma maison.

(Image credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Two personalities, two styles. We’ve lived together for almost 11 years, Gilles and I. Our apartment is a mix of our respective tastes. A mix of retro and modern Scandinavian.

Inspiration: Gilles is a chef at the restaurant La Société in Montreal so I am more often at home than he is. Consequently, it’s usually me who takes care of the decor! I do a lot of things by myself. Apartment Therapy and Pinterest are great sources of inspiration for me. If I want something in terms of decor, I always try to find an alternative DIY before buying!

Favorite Element: The kitchen island is the focal point of the house. In the morning when eating breakfast together on the run, in the evening when receiving friends for apéro.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping it tidy! Which is a bit of a challenge with Alexie.

What Friends Say: Warm and always tidy 😉

(Image credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion)

Biggest Embarrassment: I would like a larger balcony, a terrasse.

Proudest DIY: DIY is my passion and my profession. In addition to being a DIY writer/blogger for several magazines and medias, I give creative workshops for adults and children (birthday, bachelorette, baby shower) in my studio. I try to teach people to shop differently and to make things with their hands.

My last DIYs were in the room of our 11-month daughter Alexie. I love this room because it will always change and evolve as Alexie grows up. Because I enjoy changing decor and frequently experimenting with new settings and design, I’m positive I’m going to have a hell of a time with this magical space.

Biggest Indulgence: Time on DIY projects. It’s my passion and gives me a great sense of reward and accomplishment. Plus I’m so grateful that it became my job and I absolutely loooove it 🙂

Best Advice: For our home to look tidy and to save a few hours of cleaning at once, I always do the dishes and try not leave glasses or spoons in the sink. In the living room, I always replace the cushions before leaving the house or before going to bed. And I make the bed every morning.

When we come home from work, it’s more fun that way.

Dream Sources: A Beautiful Mess although my house is far from resembling theirs. I have a lot of work ahead of me to get the same results!

(Image credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion)
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The entryway showcases the couple’s personalities and different styles: retro and modern Scandinavian. (Image credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion)

Thanks, Gilles Ismérie and Alexie!


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