Preppy Pied-à-Terre

For some, home is a place to seek quiet respite, defined by soothing hues and minimal adornment. For Romina, quite the opposite is true. She wanted her own Montreal home to be a celebration of whimsical colour, one-of-a-kind furnishings and family legacies. So, while she kept its breezy white walls and pale wood floors intact, every stick of furniture, yard of fabric and accessory she brought in tells the story of her life and brings her joy. 

Rooms are filled with pieces — many collected or inherited over decades; others discovered at favourite industry haunts in Montreal and the Eastern Townships — ranging from a simple Canadiana pine washstand to Chippendale-style bamboo armchairs to an edgy 1970s-era brass-and-glass coffee table. She complemented the diverse pieces with layer upon layer of floral upholstery, a pair of parlour palms for a hit of greenery, and equally unique accessories — everything from gilded starburst mirrors to 19th-century silver barware to nubbly Guatemalan throw pillows. 

The pièce de résistance here, however, is the living room’s double gallery wall. Romina artfully framed and hung her robust collection of works, juxtaposing eras, media and inherited and purchased pieces — while subtly tying the works together with an overarching palette of spritely greens and blues. The array wraps the room in warmth and personality. 

In the bedroom, green is paired with pink in the linens, accessories and art to instil an understated feminine mood. And while it’s slightly less colourful than the rest of the house, the tiny city kitchen is equally unique. Romina quickly transformed it by adding a long stretch of open-concept shelving from her old studio, a playful contemporary contrast to the classic panel-front cabinets.