The Montréal Germain Hotel celebrated its 10th anniversary late last year by engaging its original designer, Lemay Michaud Architecture Design, to renovate the property’s 100 rooms and public spaces. Built as an office building, the 16-floor hotel is situated in the downtown area, and the Germain’s architecture assures that every room has a view of the adjacent towers.

Dominating the renovation are white lacquer, frosted mirrors, and a palette of chocolate, black, and white—choices, according to Lemay Michaud, that point the hotel to modernity and the future. Guestrooms are enhanced by bedding from designer Marie Saint-Pierre, with new custom-made lounge chairs covered with black wool jersey; chairs are positioned next to illuminated tables.

The firm decided to keep some aspects of the rooms they considered "signature," including the open bathroom and the chocolate colored woodwork. The idea was to update these elements to pay homage to their origins, while at the same time bringing them to the present and beyond.

Lemay Michaud continued the white, black, and chocolate color scheme throughout the corridors, conference rooms, and other public spaces.