In the heart of Quebec City, a 1915 building has undergone a vibrant transformation, becoming Maison Perron, the new home of the eponymous interior design studio. More than just an office space, it’s a living, breathing testament to Perron’s unique vision, a place where design, personality, and history converge.
Purchased in 2023, the three-story structure at 212 Cremazie West was a blank canvas awaiting Perron’s signature touch. “We recognized the potential to create something that embodies the way Perron works and designs,” explains Rebekha Maciagowski, Interior Designer at Perron. This wasn’t just about finding office space; it was about crafting an immersive experience.
The building’s history, a patchwork of general store, butcher shop, and accounting firm, provided a rich backdrop. A complete interior teardown revealed hidden treasures: original brick walls, wood flooring, and a tangible sense of the past. “We discovered pleasant surprises in terms of colors and textures that fit quite naturally with our style,” says Sarah Eve Hébert, Partner and Artistic Director at Perron. The juxtaposition of old and new became a central theme, a delicate balance between preservation and innovation.
Maison Perron was a collaborative effort, a “family affair” as the studio puts it. The entire 12-member team worked alongside contractors, their creative input shaping the project’s evolution. “It’s always harder to make decisions when you are both the designer and the client,” Hébert admits, but a unified vision prevailed.
The street-level facade, with its expansive storefront windows, presented a unique opportunity. Perron, renowned for designing store interiors, could now showcase their own expertise. The windows, trimmed in a welcoming baby blue, became a stage for the studio’s brand and culture. A boutique space, reminiscent of a cozy living room, displays Perron’s curated product lines. Adding a personal touch, the names of all team members are printed on a window, emphasizing the studio’s human-centric approach.
Inside, Maison Perron is a harmonious blend of commercial and residential spaces. The reception area, with its piscina blue table and inviting countertop, flows into the boutique. An infusion of furniture and objects from international partners like Sancal, Dooor, and Hubsch creates an eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic. Photos of completed Perron projects adorn the walls, showcasing the studio’s versatility.
The building’s original features were lovingly restored. Exposed brick walls, painted in a striking purple in the basement, and preserved archways add character. New elements, like thin brick and stone patterns on the flooring, complement the old, creating a seamless transition between eras. The reception area retains its original wood flooring, painted to harmonize with the overall design.
The top floor houses two residential units, now the homes of Nathalie and Gisele Perron. These spaces, though personal, reflect the studio’s design ethos. “The spaces incorporate the same style of objects, colours, and textures as the boutique and office spaces below,” Maciagowski notes. Original features, such as archways and molding, were brought back to life, while modern amenities were seamlessly integrated. The kitchens, divided into distinct zones, and the cleverly designed bathroom in Nathalie’s condo showcase Perron’s ingenuity.
Maison Perron is more than just a renovation; it’s a consolidation of the studio’s identity. After six months of dedicated collaboration, the space embodies the essence of the Perron brand, a place where creativity thrives. It’s a “home within a home,” a comfortable and colorful environment that reflects the studio’s human-centered approach to design.
“Having a showroom to present our furniture, accessories, and folding doors (Dooor) is priceless,” Hébert concludes. Maison Perron is an open invitation, a chance for clients and passersby alike to experience the studio’s world, a world built on warmth, passion, and a commitment to transformative design.