From the Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, you have to climb a series of steps to cross the threshold of this 1920 house. The beauty of yesteryear is characterized by opulent woodwork that is no longer seen today: a classic shell, reinterpreted with a touch of impudence and lots of humor from a decor enthusiast who is not concerned with preconceived notions of “beautiful” and “Good taste” doesn’t matter!
Published at 1:27 am. Updated at 12:00 p.m.
“What would be the equivalent of pizzazz in French? » asks Léonie Emmanuelle Duperré. “Tension, bite, … va-va-voum? », we suggest, trying to find the perfect synonym to describe our host’s aesthetic affinities. However, a single look at his work and his environment makes it impossible to use words.
“I had a love for mid-century modern homes. “That was a thousand miles away from what I wanted,” she admits. However, her husband, businessman and former CEO of Cirque du Soleil Daniel Lamarre, managed to convince her of the relevance of this purchase, sealed in 2008.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Original woodwork sits alongside modern accents and decorative items.
This centenarian, who designer Marie Saint Pierre watched grow up, appreciates the stature and details. She also had the wisdom not to change anything about this well-preserved heritage, except to redesign the kitchen, which now has a generous amount of light. His signature can be seen more in the way he creates this architectural body by shaking up conventions. Its bespoke decor is unique.
I have always designed my environments myself. I couldn’t imagine living in someone else’s environment.
Léonie Emmanuelle Duperré, entrepreneur and jack-of-all-trades
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The kitchen, redesigned by Léonie Emmanuelle Duperré, brings light into the house with its large windows overlooking the courtyard.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
A sculpture by Armand Vaillancourt and a work by Jean Paul Riopelle adjoin the sculpture by Léonie’s son Baltimore Loth.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
In this diverse environment, nothing takes itself seriously or tries to fit into any trendy mold.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Paintings here and there by family artists, including this photo (left), taken by Léonie Emmanuelle and graffitied by her son Baltimore, and this painting (right), signed by her father Pierre Duperré
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The bronze was donated by astronaut Julie Payette
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The visit to the place is accompanied by numerous anecdotes, with each object having its own little story. “I love this sculpture. It’s by Armand Vaillancourt. Do you see this “stone”? It is one of three bronzes that traveled with Julie Payette to the International Space Station…”
She continues her list with enthusiasm and then fears that this information could be construed as an exhibition of names or assets. “Surrounding myself with beauty and objects that touch me calms and comforts me. »
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
A disco ball, mid-century modern furniture and armchairs come together in this eclectic decor.
Added to these sentimental finds are several paintings and sculptures signed by his father, the painter Pierre Duperré, and his sons Baltimore and Arthur Loth, both multidisciplinary artists. Irreverent winks round off this exploded aesthetic that unites the antipodes: the traditional, a disco ball and a giant Kidrobot in neon pink.
I like it when a decor doesn’t take itself seriously. This house is a party house!
Léonie Emmanuelle Duperré, entrepreneur and jack-of-all-trades
Léonie’s pillow
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
The cushions, creations of Léonie Emmanuelle Duperré, decorate a sofa. Behind it is a work by Baltimore Loth
Léonie Emmanuelle Duperré is a self-taught designer, a jack of all trades, an esthete, we understand that. She dropped out of school at 16 to pursue a modeling career that took her to various corners of the world, including Paris, Milan, Berlin and São Paulo. At 24, she was ready to change her life. She followed her father’s advice and went back to school at the New York Film Academy. She became a photographer, then a photo director in Miami.
Motherhood will put this nomadic life on hold. “I loved fully embracing motherhood. Throughout this time, I never stopped sewing, photographing and creating,” she explains. Create as a “visceral need”: jewelry, clothing, and now pillows.
During a pandemic, when she needed to expend extra energy, she pulled out a roll of Toile de Jouy she had on hand and set about transforming it. The result is cushions whose classic style is too unexpected for his tastes and which are finally transformed with ostrich feathers, fringes, reflective stripes and pompoms. This project, born out of the joy of making and giving away his creations, ultimately became the beginning of another new beginning.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Cushions with a funky look
This fall, Les trouilles de Léonie launched its range of handmade cushions. There is no shortage of ideas to expand the range: dog bags, poufs, kaftans, home accessories… “I am often told that my cushions are very “me”. I have a classic side that comes from my childhood, but like my mother and my grandmother, I also have this eccentric side. » She finally admits that her house, with its traditional and deliberately crazy aspects, also resembles her. “Because a decor or decoration has to make you smile,” with a big helping of… pizzazz!
Léonie cushions, which sell between $250 and $400 each, are available online and in Montreal at BOND Vintage. They can also be found at Boutique Marie Saint Pierre in Miami, Massimo Frank Lighting in West Palm Beach and Muse in Brussels.