CNBC Make It - I Live In A $500,000 Old Bank In Montreal, Canada
Marianne Plaisance, a 33-year-old living in Montreal, Canada, transformed an old bank into her dream home. Purchased for $720,000 CAD, the property retains many original features like marble flooring and moldings. Marianne, with a background in graphic design and photography, used her skills to create a unique, colorful space. She emphasizes 'intentional maximalism,' combining vibrant decor with practical DIY projects. Her home includes a walk-in closet in the bank vault, a rainbow-themed living area, and a basement with a secret workshop. Marianne has invested around $28,000 USD in decorating and furnishing, focusing on independent brands and personal DIY projects. She plans to continue transforming her home, with a major kitchen renovation on the horizon, and intends to live there long-term.
Key Points:
- Marianne bought an old bank in Montreal for $720,000 CAD and transformed it into a colorful home.
- She retained original features like marble flooring and moldings, adding her artistic touch.
- Her design style is 'intentional maximalism,' balancing vibrant decor with practical DIY projects.
- Marianne has spent about $28,000 USD on decor and furnishings, focusing on independent brands.
- She plans a major kitchen renovation and intends to live in the home long-term.
Details:
1. 🎨 Artistic Vision and Space
- The speaker envisions living in an artistic, creative, colorful, and unique space, prioritizing aesthetics over comfort.
- The space is described as beautiful but not necessarily comfortable, reflecting a preference for aesthetic appeal over traditional notions of comfort.
- Key artistic elements include vibrant colors, unique designs, and creative layouts that challenge conventional living space norms.
- The vision emphasizes personal expression through art and design, suggesting that each element in the space has a story or inspiration behind it.
- The space serves as a canvas for creativity, encouraging inhabitants to engage with their environment in novel ways.
2. 🌈 A Creative Living Environment
- A creative living environment can be achieved by reflecting personal mental and emotional states, which fosters self-expression and creativity.
- Incorporating vibrant colors, such as a giant rainbow, significantly enhances the mood and ambiance, contributing to a more dynamic and inspiring living space.
- Transforming an adult house into a creative space involves integrating elements that stimulate mental well-being and personal development.
- Specific examples include using art installations, bold color schemes, and interactive elements that encourage engagement and inspiration.
- Practical steps for transformation include assessing personal style preferences, selecting a color palette that evokes desired emotions, and integrating interactive elements like adaptable lighting and modular furniture.
3. 🏦 Buying the Bank House
- Marianne Plaisance and her boyfriend purchased a converted old bank house in Montreal, Canada, in September 2022.
- The property was bought for $720,000 CAD, equivalent to approximately $500,000 USD.
- One of the unique features of the house is a walk-in closet located inside the bank's original vault.
- The decision to purchase such a unique property was driven by its distinctive architecture and the potential for creative interior design.
- The couple faced challenges with repurposing some of the original bank structures but were motivated by the house's historical charm and investment potential.
4. 🏡 Unique Features and Design
4.1. Pricing History and Market Conditions
4.2. Unique Features and Design Elements
5. 🛋️ Living and Dining Areas
- The living area and basement together cover approximately 3500 square feet.
- The bank is located on the main floor, giving a unique layout compared to other condos in the building.
- The entryway was converted into a dog's bedroom, showcasing creative use of space.
- The original bank safe is repurposed as storage, demonstrating an innovative approach to utilizing existing structures.
- Restoration and personalization are emphasized by the example of two giant cherries that were thrifted, repainted, and restored, highlighting a focus on unique and customized decor.
6. 🌈 DIY Studio and Decor
- Installation of rainbow curtains that create a giant rainbow effect when closed, providing both aesthetic appeal and mood-enhancing lighting.
- Dedicated studio space specifically designed for filming DIY projects and home decor content, demonstrating a strategic approach to content creation.
- Custom-made sign from a local shop in Montreal, which personalizes the space and strengthens brand identity.
- Efficient storage solutions for DIY materials, indicating a well-organized and functional workspace to enhance productivity.
- Incorporation of unique decor elements, such as custom lighting and personalized accessories, to create an inspiring environment for creativity and filming.
- Practical tips for organizing a DIY studio, such as using wall-mounted storage and color-coded bins for easy access to materials.
7. 🛋️ Unique Furniture Choices
- Thrifted chairs were transformed by painting them with a thick, shiny metal paint, enhancing their uniqueness and aesthetic appeal.
- The choice of a double-sided couch was strategic to create a versatile, cozy space that allows seating facing multiple directions.
8. 🛏️ Bedroom and Vault Closet
- The open space kitchen design eliminates wall cabinets, creating a minimalist and spacious feel, while focusing on functionality and aesthetics.
- The bedroom features a unique design inspired by Wes Anderson, combining space age elements with Parisian castle motifs, demonstrating a creative blend of styles.
- A lip-shaped couch, chosen for its artistic value, underscores the emphasis on design aesthetics over comfort.
- The washer and dryer are hidden to optimize space and maintain aesthetic integrity, showcasing efficient use of space.
- The bathroom includes a bank vault, adding an unexpected and standout design feature that enhances the uniqueness of the space.
9. 🏠 Basement and Favorite Spaces
- The walk-in closet is located inside a vault and is described as a 'dream closet' filled with personal favorites.
- The smaller bathroom on the main floor is compact, mainly containing a toilet.
- The office is personalized with inspiring artwork and features a unique giant paintbrush made by an artist from Montreal.
- The main floor tour concludes, with the basement introduced as a 'weird space' yet creatively utilized.
- The basement is designed with a platform that gives a stage-like feel when standing on it.
- A standout feature of the basement is a second bathroom designed to look like a public pool changing room with blue tiny tiles.
- A favorite feature of the house is a secret passage leading to a workshop resembling a hardware store.
10. 🛠️ DIY Journey and Future Plans
- The total expenditure for decorating and furnishing was approximately $28,000 USD, indicating a significant financial commitment to the DIY projects.
- The transformation started with repainting all walls white, providing a strategic blank canvas for further design.
- The adopted style, 'intentional maximalism,' balances maximalist decor with restraint to prevent clutter.
- The bedroom renovation took a year, reflecting meticulous planning and attention to detail.
- There's a focus on using independent brands and marketplace finds, supporting small businesses and achieving a unique aesthetic.
- Family collaboration in DIY projects, such as adding moldings, contributes personal value to the home.
- Future plans involve a major kitchen renovation with professional contractors, marking a strategic shift for complex projects.
- Long-term plans include continuous updates and renovations, indicating a commitment to evolving the home over time.