La Nature de Chantal: A Designer Shares Her Country Living Collection
You probably already know that Décor Imprimé's mission is to shine a spotlight on local artists. So far, we've introduced you to illustrators, photographers, painters, digital artists and more. Another side of the company we talk about less is our network of designers that we work hard to build in order to support and accompany interior design professionals in their work.
When Chantal Boulé approached us as a designer, but with the idea of launching her own collection, we thought it was a brilliant idea. Why not combine these two important sides of our business to bring you a unique, original collection?
That's why what we're presenting isn't a collection created by an artist, but one carefully curated and conceived by an experienced designer. Chantal knew exactly how to select and combine specific elements to create a world completely different from anything we've offered so far.
A passion for country living
Born in Lennoxville in the Eastern Townships, Chantal spent her whole childhood at the edge of the village, among the woods, fields, streams and rivers. The century-old houses of the village already fascinated her. As an adult, after a few years spent in Western Canada, she faced two possible paths for her future career: real estate or interior design. Holding a diploma in both fields, she decided to pursue a career as a real estate broker. Quickly realizing this wasn't the right fit for her, she noticed how the homes she was showing weren't well decorated, with mismatched furniture and tasteless wallpaper. She then decided to launch her own magazine, Vie en Estrie/Living. It was while working on decorating and architecture articles that she decided to pivot toward interior design, specializing in country style.
A successful career followed: a first shop in Georgeville in 1989, then a move to Westmount in 1997, before returning to her roots in 2011 by opening a new shop in the Eastern Townships. The guiding thread through all her shops was always the same: country style. In her boutiques, you could find everything: cushions, furniture, lighting, paint, wallpaper and design services. Everything you'd need to decorate a farmhouse home from the basement to the second floor!
A collection with heritage and historical charm
Chantal's first idea was to turn William Henry Bartlett's famous engravings into one-of-a-kind wallpaper murals.
William Henry Bartlett was born in London in 1809. He was a draughtsman and illustrator, first in the field of architecture and medicine, before focusing on drawing picturesque landscapes all over the world. He travelled extensively, including several trips to Canada, and sketched numerous scenes from Quebec, including the Eastern Townships, Charlevoix, the Outaouais and Sherbrooke.
Owning several of his works herself, Chantal wanted everyone to enjoy the beauty and quality of Bartlett's illustrations by presenting them as wallpaper.
Ideal in a farmhouse-style home or a rustic cottage, her wallpaper murals depicting our historical heritage will bring warmth and lightness to your decor. For lovers of the Eastern Townships, you'll find landscapes just as Bartlett saw them in the late 19th century, like this view of Lake Memphremagog and Georgeville.
Our region in the spotlight
Still with the goal of taking us on a journey across Quebec and Canada, Chantal's collection also features photography from 2 artists she particularly admires: Hilary Jane and Stéphane Lemire.
You probably know Hilary Jane for her wallpaper in a mid-century psychedelic style, featuring bold flowers in dark and neutral tones. But did you know that, on top of being Chantal's daughter (what a talented family!), Hilary is also an incredibly skilled photographer? Struck by the undeniable beauty of her daughter's shots, Chantal wanted to showcase them as wallpaper murals and canvas prints. Rich images, full of depth, that are sure to stir up emotion while adding a touch of mystery and comfort to any room.
Finally, Chantal also wanted to introduce us to the work of another photographer, Stéphane Lemire. He is also originally from the Eastern Townships and is a photographer known for his versatility; business, science, geography, tourism and more. He has travelled the world, but it was his photos of Quebec that won Chantal over. L'Abbaye d'Austin, Orford and Magog. Bring these little pieces of local paradise into your home with our canvas prints, available in several sizes.
La nature de Chantal is a world created by an experienced designer, bringing together all her favourite decor finds to build a country-style world worthy of traditional New England homes.
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To see Chantal's full collection, click HERE
To see Hilary Jane's collection, click HERE
To follow Stéphane Lemire, click HERE
To discover more of Chantal's world, visit her website, her Instagram page and her Facebook account.
