- Interior
Portland Residence is a renovated house in Montreal, Quebec. Local studio Atelier Barda opted for a black and white interior with an open layout. Light and dark dominate the design together with a modernisation of existing elements.
Canadian architecture studio Atelier Barda renovated the building with three floors. The historic stone house got an extension at the back. In addition, the layout of the ground floor was completely redesigned to allow as much circulation and movement between the spaces as possible. A large window with white, transparent drapes overlooks the garden. The most striking element in the bright spaces is a large black rectangular volume that continues over the three floors. The beam, like most furniture, is made of black oak and includes the stairs and storage space. 
The heavy objects appear like an anchor that keeps the light, floating spaces grounded.
The materials are deliberately kept simplistic to create straight, clean lines. The line work is an important aspect in Atelier Barda's homes. The furniture was designed by Foraine, a furniture brand by Atelier Barda. Characteristic of Foraine's furniture is its minimalist design, clean lines and solid colours. The dark oak of the furniture contrasts sharply with the white walls and the light oak chevron parquet. The heavy objects appear like an anchor that keeps the light, floating spaces grounded. 
Atelier Barda kept a number of original elements in the house such as the curved walls and the mouldings. These romantic aspects of the house soften the straight, heavy furniture. On the first floor, the architects opted for softer colours and natural stone in the bathrooms, to create less contrast as opposed to the ground floor. Portland Residence proves that a modern, timeless interior is possible in every property. 
Photography by Alex Lesage, Threefold