From the First Nations people of Alberta’s humble dwellings to the contemporary modern skyscraper designs of Toronto, Canada boasts some of the most distinctive and awe-inspiring buildings in the world. Witnessing the beauty of such architecture can lead to a variety of out-of-the-box home décor ideas for homeowners, inspiring them to incorporate some of these aesthetically-pleasing gems into the home.
Depending on what you like, you can, too. Things like window styles, room layout, and interior accents such as flooring and blinds are all all features you can use in your own dwelling to bring these iconic Canadian architectural styles home.
Downtown Ottawa: Parliament Hill
Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is an iconic Canadian landmark and historical treasure. The building’s neo-Gothic style was originally completed in 1827. The structure has survived fire and several renovations, yet it maintains the original Gothic revival characteristics like its steel roof, lancet arches, and iron cresting.
The arch effect can be recreated in the home using lancet arch windows or mirrors, which are often pointed at the top; the longer and more decorative, the better. These will add the appearance of height and mirror the intricacy present in the Gothic Revival style of Parliament Hill. Use iron accent pieces and delicate lattice patterns to fully realize the effect in your home.
You can achieve the lancet arch effect with a variety of mirrors or custom windows in the home.
St. John’s: Jelly Bean Row
St. John’s is home to Jelly Bean Row, which refers to the vibrant and multi-coloured Victorian row houses prevalent in the area, rather than a specific street. St. John’s is also known for its foggy, dismal weather, so the colour bursts of Jelly Bean Row stand out with spectacular charm. But you don’t need a Jelly Bean Row house to showcase this striking style. Victorian row houses are characterized by the mansard roof, which often continues across several houses and is usually low-pitched. The facades of the Jelly Bean row houses are flat and even, accentuated by contrasting window frames and trim paint.
To replicate this unique style, look no further than your own windows. Rectangular-shaped windows perfectly mirror the row house shape and style. A thin sham along the top of the windows accompanied by bright pleated blinds in vibrant colours will bring a quirky and stylish Jelly Bean Row vibe to your living room. Use white trim accents, like flower planters, to complete the look.
Get creative with rectangular shaped windows to achieve the row house aesthetic.
Québec City: Château Frontenac
Fairmont le Château Frontenac is a classic hotel and architectural gem in Québec City. Designed after the medieval French Château architecture, the hotel exhibits elements of sixteenth century Châteaux, including asymmetrical designs, spires, intricate ornamentation, towers, and steeply-pitched roofs.
There are a few things you can do to practically relay the old-world grandeur of the château aesthetic into your home from simple to ornate. Low hanging Baroque style light fixtures over a dining room or kitchen table as seen below is one option. Light marble floors, even walls are often found in modern kitchens, which is a beautiful way of blending old and new. Lightly coloured walls paired with beautifully framed vintage paintings also works nicely. Toile wallpaper or as a fabric for accent furniture will immediately create a sense of nostalgia .You can also accent windows with decorative curtains and tassels.
There are a variety of ways you can recreate the French Chateau-style feeling into your home.
You may or may not live close to a Canadian architectural masterpiece, but with a few interior alterations, you can bring these treasures home to you.
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