La Maison Noire is a conceptual private residence developed by Index-Design in partnership with La Firme and Bolitomino Studio. Conceived as an immersive design experience, it invites visitors on a journey through the creative spirit of Quebec, Canada—while showcasing international products and brands that set the tone for today’s and tomorrow’s residential and commercial design trends.
The project was designed exclusively to launch the 16th edition of Guide 300 Design Listings to Design and Renovate—the essential reference produced by Index-Design, which serves Quebec’s community of architects, interior designers, and industry professionals.
A Monochrome Concept Rooted in Storytelling
La Maison Noire revolves around the evocative power of black, used as both master colour and thematic thread. Every element—furniture, lighting, objects, and artwork—was selected or created to celebrate this chromatic choice, offering a restrained yet rich canvas that encourages reflection on materiality, form, and light.
A highlight of the project is an in-situ artwork by renowned Quebec artist François Morelli. Recognised as a major figure in Canadian visual art and one of the country’s pioneers of relational art, Morelli created his work directly on-site. His piece adorns the Fireplace Stûv 16 by Stûv America, paying homage to the tradition of integrated wall art while adding narrative depth to the space.\
Collaborations Across Craft and Design Disciplines
La Maison Noire brought together a carefully curated selection of partners who contributed exceptional pieces, each adding a distinct layer to the experience:
- Lambert & Fils offered an ode to light, with sculptural luminaires that balance form and function.
- Kartell, the iconic Italian brand, added its signature contemporary touch.
- Simon Johns designed a bar conceived as a jewellery box—a sculptural yet highly functional centrepiece.
- Will Choui, a Montreal furniture maker, contributed minimalist forms marked by precision craft.
- Mobilier Avant-Scène presented “Kelli: From Italy to Quebec,” underscoring cross-cultural design dialogue.
- Versi carafes, with refined tableware, added a tactile, artisanal element.
- Prune les Fleurs brought botanical art into the narrative, softening the monochrome palette.
- Moustache introduced “Poetry of Objects,” playing with design as storytelling.
- Blouin Division, founded in 2008 by two art collectors, showcased works from contemporary Canadian artists, reinforcing the project’s commitment to cultural relevance.
A Living Reference for Design Professionals
More than an aesthetic showcase, La Maison Noire stands as a living reference—a spatial catalogue where designers, architects, and homeowners can discover cutting-edge solutions and trends. By uniting local craftsmanship and global design brands in a single coherent space, the project demonstrates the power of curation in contemporary interior design.
It is both a celebration of Quebec’s creative community and a forward-looking statement about how design can be immersive, collaborative, and culturally meaningful—even when limited to a single, evocative colour.
