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The Rock Star of Toronto's Design Scene Is "a Bit of a Mystery"
The article highlights a home renovation project in Toronto's Rosedale neighborhood, undertaken by interior designer Montana Labelle for a client seeking a departure from conventional 'white wall' aesthetics. The homeowner, a legal professional with a passion for design, desired a moodier, edgier space with a sense of age and patina. Montana Labelle, a Parsons School of Design graduate with a distinctive style, was chosen for the project. She is known for her handcrafted interiors and use of vintage elements, including a lifestyle brand focused on marble objects.
Labelle's approach prioritizes authenticity and storytelling in design. For the 4,000-square-foot Dutch Colonial–style home, she incorporated unique features such as a bathroom vanity crafted from a midcentury brutalist dresser, a living room mantel adorned with Formafantasma volcanic tiles, and a deep clay soaking tub in the primary bathroom. Decorative painter Jeanne Shemilt was enlisted to apply Venetian plaster finishes to the walls, aiming for a warm and curated ambiance throughout the residence.
The collaboration between Labelle and the homeowner was highly efficient, resulting in a unique space within a year. The homeowner actively participated, demonstrating expertise in French designers from the 1960s and midcentury Italian lighting. The renovation included knocking down walls, acquiring curios, and transforming each room into a modern yet comfortable retreat. Notable additions were vintage wall tapestries and a midcentury Italian modular sofa reupholstered in Dedar stripes.
In the family room, Labelle designed custom white shutters with polka dot cutouts. The design philosophy centered on achieving a 'cool factor' without sacrificing warmth. Labelle sourced many vintage pieces from online platforms like Etsy and various antiques fairs, often livestreaming potential finds to the client for immediate approval. The homeowner also requested practical elements tailored to her goldendoodle, such as an ample bathtub and laundry room sink, and a long harlequin-tiled corridor for the dog to play in during winter.
The enduring relationship between the designer and client is evident, as they continue to communicate daily, discussing pets and design inspiration. The renovation successfully created a distinct and personalized home, frequently noted by visitors for its uniqueness. The homeowner expressed satisfaction with the outcome, confident that Labelle would deliver equally impressive results for any future projects. The project emphasizes the importance of personalized design and the harmonious collaboration between a designer and a client with a clear vision.
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