A Gardener’s House

Country Life
Knowlton, 2012
Country Life — Knowlton, 2012

A fresh coat of paint in the country

This house was built on four acres of land, surrounded by manicured gardens. Les Ensembliers decided they would only paint and decorate this home rather than renovate it and risk losing its soul. The intent was to sell the house but, once the decor took shape, they fell in love with it.

The decor inspiration for this project started with the dining room painting: for Les Ensembliers, it represents Giverny and its true character and connection to gardens. Moving forward, every element of the house was chosen for its references to Monet's work.

The staircase walls were covered with layers upon layers of old wallpaper. Instead of removing the walls and replastering everything, they commissioned artist and friend Agnes Menabreaz to join them at the house. Over the course of the next three weeks, they created a mural depicting a blossoming garden, floral branches and flying birds, giving visitors and residents the impression of walking through a garden every day. What started as a potentially expensive wall redo turned into the home's showstopping element.

Les Ensembliers incorporated soothing neutral tones and unique vintage finds throughout the home. In the living room, a laid-back palette of linen and white creates a calming feel, while an antique coffee table and oversized dish add a sense of history.

It's everything a country home should feel like; crooked and old, but absolutely warm and inviting.

    “This project was about bringing the English garden spirit, elegance and simplicity inside the house.”
    —Maxime Vandal
    “The most interesting projects sometimes come from restraint and simplicity.”
    —Richard Ouellette
    “This project was about bringing the English garden spirit, elegance and simplicity inside the house.”
    —Maxime Vandal
    “The most interesting projects sometimes come from restraint and simplicity.”
    —Richard Ouellette