A peek behind a refined farmhouse look model home

By Marlene Eisner
March 12, 2020

Ottawa interior design company, West of Main, was the creative force behind the interior design and decor of Oliver, a model home located in eQ Homes’ new-home development of Provence in Orléans. The West of Main team selected the finishes, furniture and fixtures as well as the millwork design in the single-family, five-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom two-storey home with a finished basement for a total of 3,800 sq. ft.

New Home + Condo Guide spoke with West of Main owner and principal senior designer Sascha LaFleur and lead designer Josee Sigouin about the inspiration behind their work.

New Home + Condo Guide: What ‘look’ were you going for in this house?

Sascha LaFleur: The client supplied us with a floorplan and we met with them to see which direction and which style they wanted to achieve. In this case, they wanted a refined farmhouse look, which was based on the target audience, the potential homebuyers who would tour the model home. Typically, it would be a family buying this kind of home.

NHCG: The master bedroom is beautiful and seems to blend a farmhouse look with other styles. Can you explain the process behind this room’s décor?

Josee Sigouin: We wanted it to be airy and have one feature wall, which is navy grass cloth that adds texture and some colour. Then we brought in some farmhouse elements with the bedding, side table, the shiplap for the vaulted ceiling and the chandelier. We didn’t want to go too rustic, so we added the carpet, which gives it a timeless, classic appeal, and the grey sofa for a more refined look. The key is to layer in a lot of different styles in a way that is in the right context with other complementary items to give a refined look, and we do this by choosing the right pieces and not getting too thematic with anything.

NHCG: That canopy bed is a stand-out piece. Why did you choose it for the master bedroom?

Josee Sigouin: Canopy beds have been around forever and this one has contemporary, clean lines. In terms of trends, you’re going to see more canopy beds like this. They are cosy, and almost create a nest for the bed.

NHCG: Let’s talk about the living area. It’s so large, with those vaulted ceilings, yet you managed to create a flowing, cohesive look. Could you explain some of the way you did that?

Sascha LaFleur: Since the kitchen opens to the living room and dining room, we kept the living area nice and bright, which means the kitchen will stand out more. We started with green cabinetry for the kitchen and mixed it with the lighter wood tones to break it up. The island countertop is quartz by Silestone, which has a bit of a marble, light grey graining. To warm it all up, we have accented with gold in the lighting, faucets, handles and stools to give it more of a boutique look with some classic elements and modern touches.

The fireplace and the ceiling are focal points of that part of the living room, and nice drapery on those large windows really warms up such a large space. The large wooden wagon wheel fixture is a real feature as well.

NHCG: In such an open space, how did you choose artwork?

Josee Sigouin: Artwork tends to be pretty neutral in a model home, and in any home, the size of the artwork is really important. It should be proportioned to the wall and the furniture. Most people tend to hang artwork too high. There are some guidelines, although it depends on the situation. If you’re hanging a painting above a piece of furniture, go six inches above. But if it’s standing on its own, you want to hang it about 54-56 inches from the floor, depending. This is a gallery hanging height.

NHCG: They say you have only one chance to make a good impression, and in a home, that would mean the entry hall. What was the thought behind this vaulted space?

Sascha LaFleur: The entry hall here opens to the second floor, and the feature wall connects to all three levels. If you add texture to the walls and trim work, it gives it a more modern, contemporary feel that extends to the second floor and down to the basement and above the front door. This adds a classic feel to the space.

Generally, in an entryway, you’ll see tile that is porcelain or ceramic. Here it is ceramic, individual 12 by 12-inch standard tile, polished, with two colour tones from the same collection laid in this configuration, which is popular in Europe for a luxurious look. The three star lantern fixtures that hang from different levels are antique brushed nickel. The glass is antique as well, which ties in with the farmhouse look.

Visit West of Main Design online for more information.

About Marlene Eisner

Marlene Eisner is an award-winning print and online editor and journalist. She has written on many topics including new homes and condos in Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver, and has been the editor for numerous magazines and newspapers in Quebec and Ontario.

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