Julie Charbonneau's Montreal home

Iwas just flipping through Canadian House and Home and came across Julie Charbonneau's home. I really like her French inspired style.

A small space is reborn into a grand front foyer. The graceful, curving staircase with a dark glossy handrail and spindles and marble tiled floor make a great first impression for this renovated Georgian-style home. Adding a chair and a nature-inspired statement table makes it an entry room, not just a transition space. Displaying art and decorating favourites — like a horn and stone pedestal urn filled with orchids — completes the traditional, polished look.

Period perfect oak flooring, deep mouldings and a new fireplace - decorated with living room furniture that complements the traditional but comfortable feel of the rest of her home's decor. Velvet linen wing chairs and gold sconces pump up the luxurious look.



Large, leaded glass windows in the dining room are a stunning backdrop for a French settee at the end of the Louis XV-style wood table. A sisal rug paired with the original white oak floor and antique furniture prevents the space from feeling too stuffy.

An unused bedroom was transformed into a regal home office during the major renovation. A furniture arrangement with a sitting area that features a large, comfortable rolled arm chair makes it inviting. Decorating with French style antiques like the sconce and old iron gate keep with the sophisticated style in the rest of her home.

Angled ceilings create a nook for the velvet upholstered bed with nail-head trim layered with deluxe linens. Julie used different bedside tables, a big comfy reading chair and upholstered ottoman to create a relaxed, comfortable retreat in her Georgian-style Montreal home.

A creamy palette and French antiques like the Trumeau mirror create a calming second-floor library. Built-in cabinets and shelves provide storage for books while overstuffed furniture creates many comfortable reading spots. A large pot of droopy branches instead of flowers lends a casual vibe.

Julie mixed kid-friendly decor, like a miniature tea set and lamb figurines, with gorgeous French-style antiques and a pretty lamp. It's a look that will last as her little girl grows. The designer created a unique art display by framing a large panel of silk toile and using it as a backdrop for a Peter Rabbit print.

Julie created this large bedroom suite for her daughter Alexia by joining two small bedrooms together via a former closet. It features antiques, a chandelier, a neutral off-white palette and a simple, large mirror that will age well as she grows. Julie designed the crib-sized girls bed to look like a sofa, which it can be once Alexia graduates to a full-sized bed. The focal point of the room, the fireplace, is original to the house.

Julie's master bathroom shows her signature feature: a double vanity cantilevered through a custom cut, oversize wood-framed mirror. This design trick reflects light and makes the room appear larger than it is. Marble floors and vintage French-style accessories complete the luxe look.

http://www.houseandhome.com/