A Renovated Family Home Redefining Fluidity, Warmth, and Contemporary Living in Montreal

Montreal-based interior design studio Indee Design has unveiled “Plateau Kyoto Residence,” a residential renovation project that blends Japanese minimalism with the warmth of 1970s-inspired retro aesthetics. Led by interior designer Florence Charron, the project reimagines an existing family home for a couple and their two children, creating a living environment designed to evolve over the next two decades. By reorganizing circulation, natural light, and storage, the renovation balances functionality with emotional comfort and spatial calm.

Photo credit: Caroline Thibault

A Spatial Composition Defined by Light and Fluidity

The project began with a complete reconsideration of the home’s internal dynamics. Rather than dramatically altering the structure, Indee Design focused on improving circulation and strengthening the relationship between spaces. By repositioning the staircase, the studio expanded the living area and established a more seamless connection between the ground floor and upper level. The interior now opens generously toward the garden, creating a continuous dialogue between indoors and outdoors. “Clients aspired to a home where fluidity, light, and efficiency come together to enhance the existing structure,” explains Florence Charron.

Japanese Minimalism Meets Warm Materiality

Guided by the philosophy of “less, but better,” the residence combines restrained architectural gestures with tactile warmth. Every furniture element was custom designed to integrate naturally within the architecture. Inside the extension, a suspended bench appears to float before the window while extending toward a wall alcove designed to display a bonsai, introducing a meditative atmosphere into the home. Maple shelving and integrated storage units soften the geometry of the interior while concealing projection equipment and functional elements. Elsewhere, a painted steel staircase resting on glass blocks introduces both visual lightness and hidden storage. In the kitchen, the original walnut cabinetry and stainless steel countertop were carefully preserved and updated with new ceramic surfaces, creating a contemporary yet timeless material palette.

Designing Spaces for Family Interaction

At the center of the dining area, a circular maple banquette encourages gathering and shared experiences. Paired with a rotating table, the space was conceived to support everyday rituals, conversations, and family interaction. The children’s reading and play area is integrated directly into the architecture near abundant natural light. Plywood panels incorporate climbing holds, bookshelves, and seating, while perforated pegboard walls reference traditional workshop aesthetics. Playful interventions continue throughout the home, including a miniature car slide integrated into the staircase design, reflecting the studio’s attention to joyful daily experiences.

Art and Color as Emotional Anchors

Artworks and graphic elements punctuate the residence with personality and humor. Vintage movie posters coexist with imagery inspired by the “Machines de Nantes” universe, while a central artwork by Sticky Peaches acts as a visual focal point within the dining area. The interior is ultimately unified through the careful integration of a signature color palette selected to evoke emotional warmth and intimacy. Through “Plateau Kyoto Residence,” Indee Design demonstrates how contemporary renovation can extend beyond spatial transformation to create an atmosphere where architecture, design, and everyday life become deeply interconnected.

About Indee Design

Founded in 2018 by interior designer Florence Charron, Indee Design is a Montreal-based interior design studio focused on creating spaces that prioritize lifestyle, well-being, and emotional comfort. The studio works across residential and commercial projects, combining classic and contemporary influences through carefully crafted spatial narratives. Indee Design has received several international awards for its work.