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When Vanessa Sicotte and her husband, Jonathan Plourde, moved into their Montreal West home in 2014, it had a single colour palette: yellow. Butter, canary, daffodil, cream – it was as though one paint swatch was used for every room. Built in 1926 by an architect who constructed the place for himself, the structure had good bones, and Sicotte, an interior design writer, blogger and TV personality, knew just what it needed. She drew on several inspirations for the makeover, including mid-century furniture, California surf vibes, and a bit of arts-and-crafts. Her signature touch: choosing a few wild-card pieces that didn’t quite fit in. The overall effect is a homey, timeless design that isn’t afraid to take some risks.
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This Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of Minimalism
August 8, 2017
When Vanessa Sicotte and her husband, Jonathan Plourde, moved into their Montreal West home in 2014, it had a single colour palette: yellow. Butter, canary, daffodil, cream – it was as though one paint swatch was used for every room. Built in 1926 by an architect who constructed the place for himself, the structure had good bones, and Sicotte, an interior design writer, blogger and TV personality, knew just what it needed. She drew on several inspirations for the makeover, including mid-century furniture, California surf vibes, and a bit of arts-and-crafts. Her signature touch: choosing a few wild-card pieces that didn’t quite fit in. The overall effect is a homey, timeless design that isn’t afraid to take some risks.
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The Art of Compromise
1/21The Art of Compromise
1/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Sicotte and her husband have different design ethos: she likes florals and flourish, and he’s a bit more classic. The living room captures their his-and-hers approach. The heather grey Montauk couch pops with bohemian pillow accents, while the tobacco leather couch strikes a more masculine aesthetic. The suspended wooden chair, designed by a Swedish company, adds a touch of whimsy.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismThe Art of Compromise
PHOTO 1 of 21READ LESS -Sicotte and her husband have different design ethos: she likes florals and flourish, and he’s a bit more classic. The living room captures their his-and-hers approach. The heather grey Montauk couch pops with bohemian pillow accents, while the tobacco leather couch strikes a more masculine aesthetic. The suspended wooden chair, designed by a Swedish company, adds a touch of whimsy.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Diamond Reflections
2/21Diamond Reflections
2/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Dramatic windows frame the living space, and Sicotte chose the patterned carpet to mirror the crosshatch design. Behind the couch is a sample of Sicotte’s plant collection, which adds an organic feel to the room. She has dozens throughout the house and relies on humidity thermometers to keep her collection alive and well.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismDiamond Reflections
PHOTO 2 of 21READ LESS -Dramatic windows frame the living space, and Sicotte chose the patterned carpet to mirror the crosshatch design. Behind the couch is a sample of Sicotte’s plant collection, which adds an organic feel to the room. She has dozens throughout the house and relies on humidity thermometers to keep her collection alive and well.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Woven Touch
3/21Woven Touch
3/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Sicotte lived in California for a time, and she admired the use of earth tones in design. This basket vignette combines natural elements to add a soothing anchor to the coffee table. Montreal designer Monique Sainte Marie made the fringed blue basket out of hemp.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismWoven Touch
PHOTO 3 of 21READ LESS -Sicotte lived in California for a time, and she admired the use of earth tones in design. This basket vignette combines natural elements to add a soothing anchor to the coffee table. Montreal designer Monique Sainte Marie made the fringed blue basket out of hemp.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Green Dawn
4/21Green Dawn
4/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
The massive painting behind the couch, made by artist Zoe Pawlak, captures the fresh essence of the room for Sicotte, who says the piece reminded her of a bright morning on the ocean. It’s colours are reflected in the cheeky tassels atop the hanging chair.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismGreen Dawn
PHOTO 4 of 21READ LESS -The massive painting behind the couch, made by artist Zoe Pawlak, captures the fresh essence of the room for Sicotte, who says the piece reminded her of a bright morning on the ocean. It’s colours are reflected in the cheeky tassels atop the hanging chair.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Blue Flame
5/21Blue Flame
5/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
The marine blue fireplace and buoy accent (bought for $10 at a market) tie in the room’s subtle nautical theme. The vintage starburst mirror and small peace sign statue allude to a hippie vibe that Sicotte credits to being a kid in the 1970s.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismBlue Flame
PHOTO 5 of 21READ LESS -The marine blue fireplace and buoy accent (bought for $10 at a market) tie in the room’s subtle nautical theme. The vintage starburst mirror and small peace sign statue allude to a hippie vibe that Sicotte credits to being a kid in the 1970s.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Harboured Thoughts
6/21Harboured Thoughts
6/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
More buoys are seen in the corner of the room, alongside Sicotte’s personal collection of hats. The vintage secretary has three drawers — one for each of her children’s knick knacks. The romantic pink picture is a print by artist Leigh Viner.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismHarboured Thoughts
PHOTO 6 of 21READ LESS -More buoys are seen in the corner of the room, alongside Sicotte’s personal collection of hats. The vintage secretary has three drawers — one for each of her children’s knick knacks. The romantic pink picture is a print by artist Leigh Viner.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Paper Patterns
7/21Paper Patterns
7/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Sicotte jokes that the dining room used to look like it belonged in a convent, with its dark wood and early-Victorian design. She freshened it up with grey-and-white wallpaper and a striking table anchored by two wishbone chairs. She kept a touch of the room’s cloistered past, with a nine-foot-long church bench brought in from Prince Edward County.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismPaper Patterns
PHOTO 7 of 21READ LESS -Sicotte jokes that the dining room used to look like it belonged in a convent, with its dark wood and early-Victorian design. She freshened it up with grey-and-white wallpaper and a striking table anchored by two wishbone chairs. She kept a touch of the room’s cloistered past, with a nine-foot-long church bench brought in from Prince Edward County.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Home Plate
8/21Home Plate
8/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Plate rails aren’t so common these days, but Sicotte decided to use one to profile art made by her kids. On the far left is a plate patterned with fairies, given to Sicotte by her grandmother just before she passed away. The mishmash of personal and whimsical gives the space a bit of familial warmth.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismHome Plate
PHOTO 8 of 21READ LESS -Plate rails aren’t so common these days, but Sicotte decided to use one to profile art made by her kids. On the far left is a plate patterned with fairies, given to Sicotte by her grandmother just before she passed away. The mishmash of personal and whimsical gives the space a bit of familial warmth.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Painted Hardwood? Why Not
9/21Painted Hardwood? Why Not
9/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
There was plenty of debate when Sicotte proposed painting the original oak floorboards a crisp shade of white. It might seem sacrilege, but she knew it would brighten up the space. She says she did the project “clandestinely” and, thankfully, it was a hit. The solid brass light fixture above the table is a vintage Italian piece from the 1920s.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismPainted Hardwood? Why Not
PHOTO 9 of 21READ LESS -There was plenty of debate when Sicotte proposed painting the original oak floorboards a crisp shade of white. It might seem sacrilege, but she knew it would brighten up the space. She says she did the project “clandestinely” and, thankfully, it was a hit. The solid brass light fixture above the table is a vintage Italian piece from the 1920s.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Galley Way
10/21Galley Way
10/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
This kitchen was once painted (you guessed it) yellow with a bright red countertop. For less than $5,000, Sicotte transformed the space into a black-and-white kitchen with an encaustic tile backsplash. Since the dining room project worked out so well, these hardwood floors are painted a pale aqua blue.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismGalley Way
PHOTO 10 of 21READ LESS -This kitchen was once painted (you guessed it) yellow with a bright red countertop. For less than $5,000, Sicotte transformed the space into a black-and-white kitchen with an encaustic tile backsplash. Since the dining room project worked out so well, these hardwood floors are painted a pale aqua blue.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Farm to Kitchen
11/21Farm to Kitchen
11/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
The two thick wooden shelves on the left weigh 100 lbs. each. Sicotte found them on a farm and anchored them to the wall with several tough brackets.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismFarm to Kitchen
PHOTO 11 of 21READ LESS -The two thick wooden shelves on the left weigh 100 lbs. each. Sicotte found them on a farm and anchored them to the wall with several tough brackets.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Fit for a Queen
12/21Fit for a Queen
12/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
One of the most remarkable pieces in the house is this 350-year-old chair, which, once upon a time, lived in a French castle. It’s still gilded with real gold, but has been updated with a regal floral pattern. It’s the centrepiece of Sicotte’s luxe walk-in closet, which used to be a den.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismFit for a Queen
PHOTO 12 of 21READ LESS -One of the most remarkable pieces in the house is this 350-year-old chair, which, once upon a time, lived in a French castle. It’s still gilded with real gold, but has been updated with a regal floral pattern. It’s the centrepiece of Sicotte’s luxe walk-in closet, which used to be a den.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Night Bloom
13/21Night Bloom
13/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
The master bedroom is another area of compromise. The stately Ethan Allen bed frame was customized with delicate fabric, one of the few places in the house where Sicotte injected florals. On the left, Sicotte’s bedside table features a sensual photograph of a dripping mouth and a quirky lotus flower lamp from the 1960s. Plourde’s side includes a teak alpaca statuette and pop of plant life.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismNight Bloom
PHOTO 13 of 21READ LESS -The master bedroom is another area of compromise. The stately Ethan Allen bed frame was customized with delicate fabric, one of the few places in the house where Sicotte injected florals. On the left, Sicotte’s bedside table features a sensual photograph of a dripping mouth and a quirky lotus flower lamp from the 1960s. Plourde’s side includes a teak alpaca statuette and pop of plant life.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Picture Perfect
14/21Picture Perfect
14/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
At the end of the bed, a sitting area features a striped chair in neutral tones (for Plourde) and a vintage teak seat reupholstered in a robin’s egg blue (for Sicotte). In the corner, a Hermes scarf is framed on the wall—a trick to preserve the fabric and feature it more prominently.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismPicture Perfect
PHOTO 14 of 21READ LESS -At the end of the bed, a sitting area features a striped chair in neutral tones (for Plourde) and a vintage teak seat reupholstered in a robin’s egg blue (for Sicotte). In the corner, a Hermes scarf is framed on the wall—a trick to preserve the fabric and feature it more prominently.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Out of This World
15/21Out of This World
15/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
In Sicotte’s son’s room, planets and constellations are featured throughout the space. His globe collection is scattered across the room, and the bedspread, from Liberty of London, has dozens of constellations spattered across the fabric.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismOut of This World
PHOTO 15 of 21READ LESS -In Sicotte’s son’s room, planets and constellations are featured throughout the space. His globe collection is scattered across the room, and the bedspread, from Liberty of London, has dozens of constellations spattered across the fabric.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Goodnight, Moon
16/21Goodnight, Moon
16/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
The navy-and-gold wallpaper may look like polkadots, but in fact, it’s phases of the moon. The wallpaper isn’t sold in Canada, so Sicotte had it shipped in from a retailer in Paris. The bookcase is bamboo, and Sicotte found it at a flea market for $25 and spray-painted it firetruck red.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismGoodnight, Moon
PHOTO 16 of 21READ LESS -The navy-and-gold wallpaper may look like polkadots, but in fact, it’s phases of the moon. The wallpaper isn’t sold in Canada, so Sicotte had it shipped in from a retailer in Paris. The bookcase is bamboo, and Sicotte found it at a flea market for $25 and spray-painted it firetruck red.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Poster Child
17/21Poster Child
17/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Posters from the Danish pavilion at Expo 67, which was held in Montreal, are hung throughout the room. They’re a cute touch of Canadiana in an otherwise interstellar room, and, as an added bonus, Sicotte says the collectible pieces have nearly tripled in value since she bought them in 2010. And, if you look closely, the bedside lamp is actually a sneaky giraffe.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismPoster Child
PHOTO 17 of 21READ LESS -Posters from the Danish pavilion at Expo 67, which was held in Montreal, are hung throughout the room. They’re a cute touch of Canadiana in an otherwise interstellar room, and, as an added bonus, Sicotte says the collectible pieces have nearly tripled in value since she bought them in 2010. And, if you look closely, the bedside lamp is actually a sneaky giraffe.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Fit for a Fairy
18/21Fit for a Fairy
18/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Sicotte’s 8-year-old daughter lives in this room, and, as you can probably tell, she likes pink. The floor is painted pink, and the bedskirt looks like it was ripped off Cinderella’s ball gown. The Victorian settee, purchased at an auction in a deep green fabric, was reupholstered in a cloudy grey and has since become a landing spot for stuffed animals.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismFit for a Fairy
PHOTO 18 of 21READ LESS -Sicotte’s 8-year-old daughter lives in this room, and, as you can probably tell, she likes pink. The floor is painted pink, and the bedskirt looks like it was ripped off Cinderella’s ball gown. The Victorian settee, purchased at an auction in a deep green fabric, was reupholstered in a cloudy grey and has since become a landing spot for stuffed animals.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Tight Corners
19/21Tight Corners
19/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
The top-floor bedroom is sloped with the roof, so Sicotte had to saw a 1960s tulip table in half to make it fit the space. To keep with the room’s theme, she painted the base a shade of flamingo pink. The vintage gum ball machine on the bookcase was once red and damaged, so Sicotte changed the glass and painted it a peachy coral.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismTight Corners
PHOTO 19 of 21READ LESS -The top-floor bedroom is sloped with the roof, so Sicotte had to saw a 1960s tulip table in half to make it fit the space. To keep with the room’s theme, she painted the base a shade of flamingo pink. The vintage gum ball machine on the bookcase was once red and damaged, so Sicotte changed the glass and painted it a peachy coral.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Shapes and Sounds
20/21Shapes and Sounds
20/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
This room belongs to Sicotte’s eldest daughter, who she lovingly refers to as her “Sporty Spice.” She went with a geometric design on the wall, painted in harmonious tones of olive, mustard, peach and blue. The hardwood floors were painted light grey to give the room a lofty feel.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismShapes and Sounds
PHOTO 20 of 21READ LESS -This room belongs to Sicotte’s eldest daughter, who she lovingly refers to as her “Sporty Spice.” She went with a geometric design on the wall, painted in harmonious tones of olive, mustard, peach and blue. The hardwood floors were painted light grey to give the room a lofty feel.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Ivy League Dreams
21/21Ivy League Dreams
21/21Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
The homework area is also tucked near the roof’s slope, so Sicotte placed her father’s childhood desk in the space. She updated it with a fresh coat of navy blue paint to go with the baby blue Eiffel chair. In front of the desk is a tiny flag from Yale University — at the age of 12, Sicotte’s daughter has already chosen her future alma mater.Home ToursThis Cheeky Montreal Home is Pretty Much the Opposite of MinimalismIvy League Dreams
PHOTO 21 of 21READ LESS -The homework area is also tucked near the roof’s slope, so Sicotte placed her father’s childhood desk in the space. She updated it with a fresh coat of navy blue paint to go with the baby blue Eiffel chair. In front of the desk is a tiny flag from Yale University — at the age of 12, Sicotte’s daughter has already chosen her future alma mater.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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