US reporter Bridget Cogley has rounded up eight homes in Montreal with interiors that make the most of a monochrome palette – highlighted by Michelle Ogundehin as a key trend for 2020.

Maison du Parc by La Shed Architecture

A white staircase leads down to a wine cellar, which is concealed behind frosted glass walls, in the basement of this three-storey residence.

La Shed Architecture redesigned the home by pairing contemporary design with more traditional elements, and also added an outdoor swimming pool.

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Saint Laurent Apartment by Atelier Barda

All of the homes in this roundup are by local architects and interior designers, including this project by Atelier Barda – a studio co-founded by French architects Antonio Di Bacco and Cécile Combelle.

The apartment is in the city's trendy Mile End neighbourhood and comprises black cabinetry, white walls, white marble, and light wood and caramel leather furniture.

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De La Roche Residence by Naturehumaine

Naturehumaine has completed many house renovations in Montreal, including De la Roche Residence.

Led by Stéphane Rasselet, the studio extended the brick home to create a larger living room and an elevated master bedroom. Sliding glass doors provide access to a new deck for more space for entertaining.

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Elmwood Residence by Michael Godmer

Elmwood Residence is a two-storey townhouse in Montreal's Outremont neighbourhood, with black-and-white interiors that fuse existing woodwork and modern decor.

Michael Godmer renovated the home for his clients, who had been living there for over 20 years, after first overhauling their holiday home outside the city.

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IN 2 by Jean Verville

Canadian architect Jean Verville has designed a number of contemporary homes modelled on optical illusions, such as this apartment with stark white floors and black walls.

The project tricks the eye in almost every room, and was created for a couple who loves contemporary art, theatre and dance.

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Bessborough Residence by Naturehumaine

Another project by Naturehumaine is this two-storey home in Montreal's West End area featuring a staircase with a black rod balustrade that doubles as a room divider.

"This volume plays on its transparency by using a rhythm between full and empty, with variations of glass, steel rods and medium-density fibreboard panels," the studio said.

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Du Rocher Residence by Appareil Architecture

Du Rocher Residence is a renovated, mid-century home also in the city's Outremont neighbourhood by Appareil Architecture.

The project employs the stripped-back palette to updates the rooms while still honouring the building's modernist charm, including its linear form and stone details.

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Hampstead House by Robitaille Curtis

A feature of Hampstead House is its kitchen with soft grey cabinets and white marble counters, for a monochrome feel that does not feel too stark.

Robitaille Curtis, which was founded by a local landscape architect and an American architect, overhauled the property for a young doctor and his family.

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