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#DesignHomiesIRL
By : Hibou Design & Co
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN 19th edition
Distinctions
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Residential / Residential: Large (> 250 m² / > 2,700 sq ft) : Gold certification
Design Homies IRL
Located in Montreal, Quebec, Design Homies IRL is a full-scale residential renovation born from a long-standing creative relationship between designer and client. What began years earlier as friends exchanging design inspiration evolved into the realization of a deeply personal family home.
Originally planned as a cosmetic update, the project quickly became a complete gut renovation after major structural and insulation deficiencies were uncovered. Rather than compromise the vision, the clients embraced the opportunity to rebuild the home holistically, allowing architecture, materiality, and detailing to work together cohesively.
The design direction focused on balancing contemporary minimalism with warmth and softness. A custom parquet floor established the visual rhythm of the home, while curved transitions, arched openings, Venetian plaster, and tactile finishes introduced fluidity and sculptural depth throughout the space.
The kitchen became one of the project’s defining moments. Instead of designing one oversized island with visible stone seams, the team proposed two independent islands to improve circulation, functionality, and visual balance. Curved waterfall stone details transformed these functional elements into sculptural focal points.
Custom millwork played a central role throughout the residence. The kitchen and principal bathroom cabinetry were fully custom designed, including bespoke hardware developed specifically for the project in collaboration with the cabinetmaker.
Materiality was essential in creating atmosphere and depth. Natural stone, warm woods, textured plaster, and layered finishes were selected to create a tactile and emotionally rich environment. In contrast to the brighter communal spaces, the office bathroom introduces darker veined marble for a more intimate and dramatic atmosphere.
Visible from nearly every vantage point on the main floor, the staircase was treated as a sculptural architectural feature rather than simply a functional connector, reinforcing the continuity and flow of the home.
Beyond aesthetics, the project reflects a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, longevity, and thoughtful living. Every design decision was made to support the clients’ daily routines while elevating their emotional experience of the space.
Design Homies IRL represents the result of complete creative trust between client and designer, resulting in a home that feels expressive, refined, warm, and timeless.
Collaboration
Interior designer : Hibou Design & Co
Photo credit