Tag: design

  • A New Kind of Comfort in the Heart of Montreal

    A New Kind of Comfort in the Heart of Montreal

    Montreal’s downtown core is experiencing a transformation in residential offerings, where compact living no longer means compromise. Modern studios now blend intelligent design with premium finishes, creating spaces that feel expansive despite their footprint. For professionals, students, and urban enthusiasts, these units represent a shift in how we define comfort, convenience, and lifestyle in the city’s most dynamic neighbourhood.

    Image via Pexels

    Smart Design Maximizes Every Square Foot

    Today’s studio for rent in Montréal showcases thoughtful layouts that eliminate wasted space while maintaining functionality. Open-concept designs integrate sleeping, living, and dining areas seamlessly, using subtle visual dividers rather than walls. Built-in storage solutions, Murphy beds, and multifunctional furniture transform these units into flexible environments. High ceilings and strategic window placement amplify natural light, creating an airy atmosphere that defies traditional studio constraints.

    Premium Amenities Redefine Urban Convenience

    Modern downtown studios come equipped with amenities once reserved for larger units. In-suite laundry, stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops are now standard features. Many buildings offer rooftop terraces, fitness centres, and co-working spaces that extend your living area beyond four walls. Secure package delivery, bike storage, and pet-friendly policies address the practical needs of contemporary residents. These additions transform a simple rental into a complete lifestyle package.

    Location Advantages Drive Real Value

    Choosing a downtown studio means positioning yourself at Montreal’s epicentre. Walking distance to metro stations, office towers, universities, and cultural venues eliminates commute time and transportation costs. Grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, and entertainment options sit within blocks of your door. This accessibility translates into hours reclaimed each week, allowing residents to engage more fully with the city’s offerings while reducing their carbon footprint through minimal car dependence.

    Financial Efficiency Without Sacrifice

    Studios present a cost-effective entry point into downtown living without compromising quality. Lower utility bills, reduced furniture needs, and inclusive building amenities create financial breathing room. Many residents find that savings on transportation and time offset any perceived premium in rent. For professionals building careers or students focused on studies, this efficiency allows for investment in experiences rather than square footage. The trade-off becomes strategic rather than restrictive.

    Community Culture Enhances Daily Life

    Modern studio buildings foster vibrant resident communities through shared spaces and organized events. Rooftop gatherings, fitness classes, and common lounges create organic networking opportunities. Property management teams curate experiences that transform neighbours into friends, building a sense of belonging often missing in larger apartment complexes. This social infrastructure proves particularly valuable for newcomers to Montreal, offering instant connection points in an otherwise anonymous urban landscape.

  • Bringing Your City’s Energy Into Your Home (Without Going Overboard)

    Your home says a lot about you, but sometimes you just want it to feel more “you” and less “random apartment” (or “generic house”). Living in a city with a strong personality—think Miami, Seattle, Austin, or even a smaller spot with its own quirks—it’s hard not to let some of that local flavor seep into your style. The trick is doing it in a way that feels intentional, not cheesy, and definitely not like you raided a bad souvenir shop. Here’s how to get that city-inspired look without losing your mind (or your sense of humor).

    Start with What You Love About Your Town

    First up: what’s actually cool about where you live? That’s your jumping-off point. Maybe you’re in San Diego and you can’t get enough of those bright turquoise beaches. Or maybe you live in Chicago, and nothing beats that mix of old brick buildings and sleek tower blocks. Don’t overthink it. Jot down three things you’d miss if you had to move. You don’t need to copy your city’s look exactly—just steal a few cues that feel like home.

    I’m in Denver, and yes, I’m guilty of sneaking a few ski-lodge-y, mountain-inspired touches into my place (chunky blankets, muted greens, fake antlers…you get the idea). So go on, give yourself permission to have fun with it.

    Colors and Textures: Your Not-So-Secret Weapons

    Now, think about your city’s go-to colors—or just whatever you see out your window on a typical day. If you’re all about that coastal chill, lighter shades, soft woods, and airy linen always work. If you live somewhere like New York, don’t be afraid of deeper shades, exposed brick, or even a neon sign if you’re feeling bold. Every place has its palette, so grab a few things that actually feel right to you.

    Textures matter, too. Rusty metal and reclaimed wood? Total Brooklyn. Crisp whites and soft pastels? Hello, Charleston. Don’t stress the small stuff. Add a throw pillow here, a new lamp there. Your space doesn’t have to match perfectly, but it should kind of feel like it all belongs on the same playlist.

    Let the Outside In

    Here’s one you might not expect: local plants or flowers go a long way. Pick up some greenery that’s common in your city or hang up a photo you took in your favorite local park. You’ll be surprised how grounding it is. Plus, it’s a super easy fix.

    Art is another quick win. Check out neighborhood markets or local artists online. Sometimes a print of your city skyline or a piece made from recycled city landmarks can speak louder than words. And bonus—it usually sparks a conversation when friends drop by.

    Ask for Help if You Need It (Because, Why Not?)

    Got big plans or just a tiny bit stuck? There’s no harm in calling in the pros. The best interior designers always start by listening: to you, your stories, and even your wildest ideas. Your home should function and feel like your corner of the world. 

    Your Vibe, Your Home

    You don’t have to go Pinterest-perfect or spend a fortune to get your place to vibe with your city. The main thing is, pick what speaks to you. Add, swap, or ignore suggestions as you see fit. It’s your space—have some fun with it and let your city’s energy shine through, just in your own totally unique way.

  • Laila Gohar x Muller Van Severen

    Laila Gohar x Muller Van Severen

    Laila Gohar and Muller Van Severen present a collaboration that was initiated by a mutual enthusiasm and interest in each other’s work and which results in the presentation of ‘The Pigeon Table’. The Pigeon Table by Laila Gohar x Muller Van Severen will be presented during the Salone del Mobile in Milan in June 2022.



    The piece is inspired by a conversation around mud brick pigeon houses in Egypt, Laila’s homeland. By very intuitively sending things -images, drawings, ideas- back and forth, the eventual design came to live.

    ​It is difficult to describe in words what binds the two parties, because it is mainly an expressive connection. It is the love for authenticity, everydayness, a form of banality that can be ingenious, the rudimentary, the techniques…

    “The Pigeon Table is an object made out of love for food and service, being together, conviviality and the pleasure of dining. It is an invitation to our world, our party, a dinner with an ode to what brings us together. Although we have never met in real life we feel we have been sitting at this table for years.”

    The Pigeon Table by Laila Gohar x Muller Van Severen will be presented during the Salone del Mobile in Milan in June 2022. By appointment only.

  • Dutch Design Week: Hungry for Design

    Dutch Design Week: Hungry for Design

    Taking place in October each year, Dutch Design Week (DDW) is the largest design event in Northern Europe and presents work and concepts from more than 2,600 designers to more than 355,000 visitors from home and abroad. In 2020, DDW is taking place online and the city that hosts this design festival, Eindhoven, has launched a video series called ‘Hungry for Design‘ that asks the question: What happens when the worlds of design and gastronomy come together?

    With current safety measures in the Netherlands and restaurants closing their doors again, this six-part series connects top chefs with local designers, and the chefs are challenged to develop a dish based on the work of the designer. Emerging, talented designers with different backgrounds – from a social designer to an architect and from a sound designer to a material researcher – have been paired with chefs such as Dick Middelweerd, Naresh Ramdjas and Cas PikaarBringing the different disciplines together results in special collaborations, common ground when it comes to the creative process, and, of course, great food.

    The episodes are hosted by moderator and food designer Annelies Hermsen, daughter of Michelin chef Toine Hermsen and Design Academy Eindhoven alumna. The series is now available on ThisisEindhoven.com and the YouTube channel of @Eindhovencity:

  • Lockdown Stories: Slowwavy

    Lockdown Stories: Slowwavy

    Lockdown Stories is a series of short interviews with creative entrepreneurs and businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Since its beginnings, the main goal of Future Positive has been to share inspiring projects happening all around the world and, during these strange and difficult times for independent businesses and creators, we want to continue providing support and visibility. If you’d like to be featured in this series, please get in touch at hello@thefuturepositive.com and tell us your story.

    Slowwavy
    Slowwavy is a new e-commerce platform, which is an invitation-only curated marketplace of selected artists and brands dreamed up by two artists, Rachel Rivera and Claire Ouchi, who wanted to connect the world with rad work.
    Location: Vancouver, Canada
    www.slowwavy.com

    When did the lockdown start for you and how has your business been affected?

    It started for us while we were out of town in a different province painting an interactive mural under our moniker WKNDRS (@wkndrsforlife). It was such a crazy time because the mall we were painting in was slowly shutting down, and we had to expedite our painting process, as well as change our flights to come back home earlier (since flights were getting cancelled at the time).

    We travel a lot for work and this epidemic has definitely changed that dynamic. We had three large art show events in California lined up a few weeks after our mural painting (in April) and we unfortunately had to cancel those projects (or move them out in the calendar).

    Have you found any new ways of working or have come up with new product ideas during this time?

    Yes, it’s been quite an interesting time for this as well, because we are a creative duo that work on multiple types of projects.

    We are very excited to announce that we soft launched our latest endeavour, a curated online shop called SLOWWAVY, housed with independent makers and brands from all over the world. This is our latest endeavour and are so happy we can support artists during this time and onwards.

    What are some of the positive takeaways you have experienced during this time?

    We’re all doing our best in this time and staying creative has definitely started to look a little differently than working side by side together in our joint studio. Making recipes at home, working on some paintings and taking photos has been a great way to stay creative. It’s kind of a nice time to explore other creative outlets, or just being okay with being still (which is a hard one).

    How do you see your business evolving over the next few months?

    As we just launched Slowwavy.com, we are working on our first phase, which is helping our artists and designers get their work up in the shop. We’re then planning to showcase their creative talent with a number of interactive projects where people can view their work and process, as well as interact with them digitally, and from a distance.