How a Minimalist and Maximalist Compromised in This Whimsical Montreal Home

Contractor David Tiedje oversaw the rebuild alongside architect EMarchitecture. The interior design is a compromise between Tinka’s colourful, more-is-more approach and her husband’s taste for clean minimalism. The living room – a former hangout for about 20 stray cats before the renovation – embodies the couple’s middle ground.

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Tinka wanted to invoke 1960s design in the living room, and the pink couch from Article was the perfect fit. The accent pillows are from Anthropologie, and the thick white linen curtains are from Ikea.

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Montreal winters can seem never-ending, and the monochromatic fireplace grounds the space in warmth. Fairy lights are hung around the room all winter, adding a bit of sparkle. The artwork beside the fireplace is by American writer and artist Ara Osterweil.

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The bright blue couch, from Gus Modern, offers another burst of colour in the space. The funky lamp was a vintage find from Boutique Spoutnik, a Montreal shop specializing in retro furniture.

The home feels open and airy thanks to little pockets, like this one, where Tinka has profiled a collection of objects by artists and artisans she admires.

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This white-and-green piped chair once belonged to Tinka’s grandparents, and it’s one of her favourite pieces in the home. Beside it sits a side table from Ferm Living. Artwork by one of Tinka’s favourite artists, Rachel Castle from Sydney, Australia, is hung beside the bookcase, from Normann Copenhagen.

The dining space is cheerfully eclectic thanks to Tinka’s mix-and-match approach. The teak table, from Montreal Moderne, is surrounded by four mismatched dining chairs, a few of which were plucked off the curb in the Plateau. Two rugs from Syria – purchased while Tinka’s family lived in Lebanon – help frame the dining space.

The light fixture above the dining room table is known as a pumpkin lamp, and it is made of birch wood. The burnt-orange side table by the staircase is by Paul McCobb, and sitting atop is a Lotte lamp from Boutique Spoutnik.

The dining space is awash in light thanks to the massive window leading out to the spacious backyard. All that light helps feed the Audrey ficus in the corner.

White oak flooring gives the main floor an airy feel and helps maximize the natural light.

The kitchen’s sleek design is thanks to Olivier Rioux, a woodworker from Quebec-based Modulart. A vivid textile by Judit Just, who Tinka discovered on Instagram, hangs above the cabinets.

The kitchen definitely isn’t short on counter space. Three form barstools by Normann Copenhagen help create a cozy nook, perfect for breakfast on the go.

Similar to the open-concept dining room-living room area, the kitchen blends into Tinka’s home office.

Tinka often works from home, and she wanted her office space to feel light and unencumbered. She’s pushed her desk, from Ikea, right up against the window. A pink chair from Anthropologie offers a comfier spot to sit and think. The funky Moroccan rug is from Babasouk.

Two shelving units serve both for fashion and function. Tinka keeps plenty of tools and stationery here, and added a whimsical pompom from Shop Leo Kids.

Another piece by Australian artist Rachel Castle hangs in the office.

The front hallway makes use of plenty of built-in storage space, and each of the kids has their own shelf. The “love” art is actually a framed tea towel, also made by Rachel Castle. (If you haven’t realized, Tinka is a big fan.)

The 35-foot-long skylight – about the length of a city bus – is arguably the home’s most unique feature, and it basks the entire space in natural light. The hallway is also the dominion of the family rabbit, Boca, who was moved upstairs after destroying a shag carpet in the living room.

Here’s a birds-eye view of the dining space from the upstairs landing.

This bedroom belongs to Tinka’s 11-year-old daughter, who is constantly changing the colour of the walls. (This crisp white is much more muted than the former lime green.) The doll on her bed, Victoria, was one of the few things the family took with them when they were evacuated out of Vietnam in 1975 during the war. The blue couch was another vintage find from Boutique Spoutnik.

Here’s a look at Tinka’s daughter’s ultra-clean desk space.

The bookshelf in the master bedroom is home to some of Tinka’s favourite books, artwork and another pumpkin lamp, which echoes the one from the dining room.

While the walls are a clean white palette, Tinka got away with plenty of colour on the bed. More Rachel Castle pieces add pops of pink and blue, which is offset by the black-and-white pillow from Amelia Evensen. The bed frame is from EQ3.

Dramatic black curtains help frame the hanging wire sculpture in the corner of the bedroom, which Tinka first saw in the window of Boutique La Grande Ourse. The piece, which resembles a seashell, wasn’t for sale, but Tinka kept visiting the store until one day the owner caved.

The master bathroom is light and dreamy, but grounded by this striking floor tile. The painting beside the sink was a wedding present, and the white-and-blue hand towel is from Anthropologie.

Shelving in the bathroom serves as spillover storage for clothes. “I need to Marie Kondo my sweaters, clearly,” Tinka says.

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A sliding wood door, made of pine, separates the bathroom from the bedroom.

Tinka’s husband uses this space as an office, and opted for a rich, calming green. The modern desk and chair are both from Montreal Moderne.

Tinka’s husband teaches cultural analytics and, naturally, has a thing for art. This entire wall is covered in pieces he likes. The funky lamp is another vintage find from Boutique Spoutnik.

Tinka is always on the move. Here’s a shot of her whizzing through the kitchen.