La Maison Lavande, a brand deeply connected to the calming landscapes of its lavender farm in Saint-Eustache, has ventured into urban territory with its first boutique at Complexe Desjardins in Montreal. The project offered an opportunity to translate the brand’s serene rural identity into a contemporary, compact space that functions as both a sensory escape and a retail hub. Lemay, the Montreal-based design and architecture studio, led the interior design, navigating the challenge of balancing nature-inspired tranquility with modern urban retail demands.
Lemay’s Thoughtful, Human-Centered Approach
With decades of multidisciplinary work under its belt, Lemay has developed a reputation for creating spaces that prioritize human experience and sustainable design. This project, while modest in scale at just 500 square feet, reflects that same ethos. Spearheaded by Hani Diab, Design Director at Lemay, the boutique was envisioned not only as a commercial space but as a sensory extension of the brand’s rural estate. The studio’s attention to intentional materiality and form ensures that every visitor experiences a subtle connection to nature, even within a shopping center.
Translating a Lavender Field Into a Room
The boutique’s design concept is a refined nod to the lavender fields from which the brand draws its identity. Natural materials like white oak shelving, lavender-flecked terrazzo podiums, and a velour-clad curved wall define the space, layered with hues of cream and soft purple. Cove lighting and light, rounded forms create a gentle, immersive atmosphere meant to evoke the calm of open, natural spaces. Rather than relying on overt references, the design uses texture, color, and scent to quietly communicate a connection to nature.
What makes the space stand out is its balance of aesthetic and function. Subtle storage solutions and a hidden workstation keep the compact footprint organized and adaptable. The result is a boutique that accommodates both the tactile experience of in-person retail and the efficiency of e-commerce operations, without compromising its design integrity.
A Boutique That Contrasts and Complements
Set within the Brutalist-inspired environment of Complexe Desjardins, the boutique intentionally contrasts its heavy, geometric surroundings with softness and calm. This visual and experiential contrast makes it a standout, inviting passersby to pause and step into a different rhythm. Beyond offering products, the space is designed for flexibility — able to host events, activations, and seasonal collections with ease.
In its attention to detail and its forward-looking approach, La Maison Lavande’s Montreal boutique presents a small but thoughtful model for future retail spaces: rooted in material honesty, adaptable to changing demands, and quietly immersive.
Technical Sheet
| Project Name | La Maison Lavande – Downtown Montreal Boutique |
|---|---|
| Location | Complexe Desjardins, Montreal, Canada |
| Year | 2025 |
| Interior Design & Architecture | Lemay |
| Design Director | Hani Diab |
| Mechanical & Electrical Engineering | Pageau Morel |
| General Contractor | Avicor |
| Lighting Supplier | LumiGroup |
| Project Area | 500 sq. ft. |
| Main Materials | White oak, velour, terrazzo, cove lighting |
| Function | Retail boutique for self-care products and events |
