Enter a Timeless World of Interior Art Designed by Martha Franco
When an investment banker from NYC and his Canadian wife decided to make Montreal their family’s home base and partnered with Martha Franco Architecture & Design (MFA&D), timeless design instantly went into the making.
The result: a stunning home that beautifully showcases the owners’ exquisite art collection set in a perfect balance of 1912 architecture, notable wall finishes, statement lighting, and contemporary interior decor.
Read on to be Inspired by a Timeless Curation of Art & Design
Martha Franco Architecture & Design never goes out of style. At MFA&D durable, long-lasting design is at the core of their interior creations, and with or without trends, timelessness is always in style. Recently the Canadian-based Martha Franco showcased her flair for timeless style when she redesigned an antiquated home near Montreal. This top to bottom ingenious revamp masterfully “reconciled the past, the present, and the timeless world of art.”
Set in the City of Westmount, on the Island of Montreal, the residence brings together the stunning history of the historic building while maintaining the modern and sleek designs of the present. A curation of the client’s worldly art collection draws throughout the home, distinctly defining each space while seamlessly flowing to the next.
The clients’ art isn’t just on display. Instead, each composition interacts with the space, walls, floors, and fixtures beyond the standard “matching colors,” says Franco of MFA&D. Names like Jean-Paul Riopelle and Francesco Vezzoli make beautiful interior statements.
Spread across 11,800 sqft with three main living levels, MFA&D’s design balances the home with flawless points of connection while also offering something new around every corner. In addition to material and art surprises, the color palette in this residence is sublime. Rooms combine dark elements such as wood trim and chevron paneled flooring with pops of blue, green, and pink-hued furniture. Contrastly, white is a staple that makes every wall pop and every marble table more lovable.
With its dynamic art collection and timeless blend of old and new to its statement lighting and finishes, living in this home must feel as peaceful and whimsical as it looks.
Inside the Home
The Main Level
From the entrance vestibule begins the home’s deep wood moldings, which carry throughout. A dining room opens to the left and a living room to the right.
In the neutral dining room, an Italian marble table beautifully fills the space, while the true statement of the space comes in the lighting, a magnificent chandelier, and sconces by Barlas Baylar.
Across the hall, in the living room peacock a blue velvet sofa pops against cool grays.
In the back of the main floor are a charming music room, stunning kitchen, chic breakfast room, and serene office. Each with its own statements created through lighting works of art and interior decor.
The lighting selections by Martha Franco for this project are truly fabulous! Every fixture in this residence is unique yet familiar. One iconic chandelier hangs in the music room. Designed by Christopher Boots, the Nepenthes Cordon features brass links and hand-blown glass droplets. The brass links are reminiscent of a vintage or antique chandelier from the same period of the home’s origin, yet the glass lights bring a refreshing fondness to the space. Another is seen in the breakfast room, where a stunning chandelier by Gabriel Scott brings the space to life!
The Upper Level
As you head upstairs, in a hallway, a one-of-a-kind triptych, or three-paneled, installation hangs with honor. Martha Franco commissioned Canadian artist, Nicolas Ruel, to create the work of art. Famous for this style of printing photographs on metals (and projects with names like Peter Marino, Bvlgari, and Dior), the artist created an evocative portrait of the estate owner on bronze.
The upper level of the home features a tranquil master bedroom with a powerful work of art, a sophisticated master bath, and guest bedrooms.
The Lower Level & Outdoors
Down to the lower level, a cozy cinema room with a fireplace, surround sound, and theater screen.
And out to the pool!
Discover more beautiful designs by Martha Franco Architecture & Design at marthafranco.ca.
Words by Patricia McGee
All Photos by Nicolas Ruel
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