A striking new restaurant in Montreal's Saint-Lambert suburb draws its design inspiration from the opulent interiors of vintage luxury limousines, creating what designers call a "bold and glamorous newcomer to the local dining scene." The establishment, named Limousine, was designed by locally-based Ivy Studio to cater to an influx of younger residents moving to the area south of the Canadian city.
Located on the bustling Victoria Avenue, the restaurant occupies a former cafe space with an unusually shaped diamond footprint that presented unique design challenges. The architects had to create a functional layout while ensuring the space maintained an atmospheric dining experience. "The design draws inspiration from the refined interiors of vintage luxury limousines, evoking richness, comfort and timeless sophistication," explained the design team at Ivy Studio.
The restaurant's centerpiece is a central diamond-shaped bar that follows the building's unusual floor plan geometry, creating a natural circulation route around the perimeter. Overhead, a custom lightbox bathes the bar area in warm, amber lighting that highlights the green marble countertop and red velvet bar stools. According to Ivy Studio, this glowing structure is "saturated in a deep amber hue" and "bathes the room in a cinematic warmth, radiating from the heart of the space and acting as a beacon visible from the street."
The limousine theme is carried throughout the interior through carefully selected materials and finishes. Red velvet curtains create a "theatrical" entrance from a smoked-glass vestibule that serves as a buffer between the restaurant and the street. The same luxurious red velvet fabric covers the bar stools, reinforcing the automotive luxury aesthetic. Custom glossy black two-top tables feature chrome details that echo the metallic elements found in classic limousines.
Seating arrangements include tubular tan leather banquettes with curved backs positioned under wraparound windows, accompanied by vintage chairs that have been refinished with a dark chocolate stain and reupholstered in mint green velvet. A single group table tucked into a corner features the same striking green marble as the bar counter. The varied seating options accommodate different dining preferences while maintaining the cohesive luxury theme throughout the space.
Material selections reinforce the sophisticated atmosphere with black square mosaic tiles covering the floor and a golden-bronze ceiling that reflects and amplifies the ambient lighting. Dark-stained wood panels with golden mirror inserts and cream details front the bar area and reappear around the service station. This service area, designed for storing glassware and other dining tools, also incorporates the signature green marble and provides a transition to the kitchen area at the back of the restaurant.
The lighting design creates a layered, intimate atmosphere through a variety of pendants, sconces, and table lamps positioned strategically throughout the dining room. Artworks and memorabilia throughout the space reinforce the limousine concept, while the bathrooms feature glossy cream-and-black checkered tiles complemented by vintage family photographs that add personal touches to the overall ambiance.
"Limousine offers more than just fine dining – it is a mood, a memory and a marked shift for the city of Saint-Lambert," stated Ivy Studio. The restaurant represents part of the suburb's evolution to accommodate its growing young demographic, providing a sophisticated dining destination that reflects both luxury and accessibility. The project demonstrates how creative design can transform challenging architectural spaces into memorable hospitality experiences that serve specific community needs.
