-453x680.jpg)
Share to
Belgium diplomatic residence
By : WARREN GARRETT
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Residence / Classic/Timeless Residential Space : Gold Certification
Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design + Art Integration : Platinum Winner
Invited to reinvent the residence of the Belgian Consul General in Montreal, interior design firm Warren Garrett has combined the art of entertaining by creating a setting with unexpected accents where public and private lives intersect.
With the mission to design an interior that is both worthy of hosting the Consul\’s distinguished guests while providing a warm environment for the family occupying the historic home. Particular attention is given to how guests explore, settle in and interact while discovering the interiors.
The residence being only a place of passage for the families of the diplomats who are called to stay there at most four years, the decoration of the place is meant to be timeless and versatile for the future occupants who will succeed one another over time. The interiors are designed to endure so that they gracefully patinate with the passing years and the life that unfolds.
A conscious movement away from the expected norms of traditional decor is put forth and pivoted in a direction that combines playful energy, lightness, finesse and restraint – a stimulating environment created as much for the family and their four children as it is to intrigue and encourage conversation among the international guests who visit the prestigious residence.
Where the former bourgeois home was very dark, Warren Garrett advocated a light palette warmed by variations in rich materials and contrasting textures. To bring the spaces to life, artworks and furniture were selected for their reflective qualities, among others, such as Marc D\’Haenens\’ engraved aluminum coffee table, the 1970s brass doe and deer, a copper
and pewter Patchwork side table by Paul Evans, or the huge photographic work of the Battle of Waterloo reenactment that catalyzes the room\’s natural light.
Warren Garrett retained the original wood paneling envelope in the enclave of the consul\’s office but played with the declines in light with a burnt orange lacquered ceiling that bounces off the warm glow of Pierre Chareau\’s Mouche sconces and Roger Vanhevel Krekels\’ lacquered wood and bronze lamp.
With art an integral part of the environments imagined by Marie-Ève Warren and Jeremy Garrett, the firm\’s custom rugs executed with never-before-seen artwork for each of their projects. In the living room the Gigi rug with curved lines in New Zealand wool serves as a focal point.
Loyal to their expertise paired noble materials and their passion for art and objects
from the past, the creative duo plays with balance and subtlety through the choices of objects, artwork and furniture. A fluid marriage emerges between the few pieces of their creations such as the Brera sofa and the Pippo polished bronze side tables paired with Guillerme and Chambron\’s Grand Repos wooden armchairs in the living room and Paul Moerenhout\’s sculptural brass sconces placed on either side of the fireplace. From the comfort of a Royere polar bear armchair the main living room space is conducive to reverie like the rest of the residence which brings intrigue, smiles, stirs curiosity and encourages conversation.
Collaboration
-1280x1920.jpg)