The arrival of Limousine in Saint-Lambert, a refined suburb just south of Montreal, signals a marked and glamorous shift for the local dining scene. Designed by local powerhouse Ivy Studio, this French bistro is a theatrical and bold newcomer, drawing its entire material and atmospheric concept from the plush, refined interiors of vintage luxury limousines. Occupying a challenging diamond-shaped corner building on Victoria Avenue, the 1,700-square-foot space transforms its architectural constraints into a feature, creating a seamless and evocative environment saturated in cinematic warmth. Blending rich, dark millwork, sumptuous velvet, and gleaming chrome, Limousine is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive, nostalgic mood piece that caters specifically to a new, younger demographic seeking indulgence and a timeless, sophisticated escape.
The Geometry of Glamour and the Central Bar
The design of Limousine is dictated by the unusual diamond-shaped footprint of the former café it now occupies. Rather than fighting this angular geometry, Ivy Studio embraced it by making the central feature—the main bar—echo the exact facet of the building’s floor plan. This strategic placement of the diamond-shaped bar creates a natural, circulating route around the perimeter of the dining room, ensuring functional flow while anchoring the space both visually and socially.
This central bar is crowned by the restaurant’s most striking feature: a sculptural, diamond-shaped lightbox saturated in a deep, cinematic amber hue. This glowing structure, visible from the street, acts as the emotional and aesthetic heart of the project. Ivy Studio consciously lowered the lightbox to focus the glow onto the counter and patrons, evoking the moody, isolated warmth of an Edward Hopper painting like Nighthawks. The warm light, reflecting off the metallic ceiling, bathes the entire room in a soft, welcoming glow, setting a mood that is both intimate and inherently luxurious.
The Material Reference: Vintage Luxury Interiors
The interior’s immediate impression of richness, comfort, and sophistication is achieved through a meticulous selection of materials that directly reference vintage luxury limousines. This inspiration is evident in the heavy, plush textures and metallic accents used throughout the dining areas. The mood is set immediately at the entrance by red velvet curtains that create a dramatic, theatrical buffer between the bustling street and the intimate interior.
The main seating areas are lined with continuous, tubular tan leather banquettes that hug the wraparound windows. The appearance of the banquette backs—rounded, firm, and sleek—is a direct nod to the classic, luxurious seating found inside a chauffeured car. This warm leather is juxtaposed with the vibrant pops of velvet upholstery on the seating, including the red velvet bar stools at the counter and mint green velvet on upcycled vintage chairs found throughout the space. The material palette—dark wood, warm leather, vibrant velvet, and reflective chrome—works in harmony to deliver the intended sensory immersion.
Contrasts in Texture and Colour
Ivy Studio masterfully employed contrast to prevent the rich material palette from feeling heavy or overwhelming. The dominant backdrop consists of warm cream walls and a ceiling finished in a reflective, golden-bronze hue, which maximizes the amber light from the bar. This neutral shell provides the canvas for the dramatic material contrasts found in the furniture and detailing.
The sophisticated interplay between different surfaces is particularly evident in the millwork and fixtures. Custom-designed, glossy black tables are positioned near the banquettes and feature delicate chrome trim, reflecting the sleek, lacquered surfaces found in vehicle interiors. This high-gloss black contrasts sharply with the rugged, natural texture of the green marble countertop that tops the central bar and reappears on a tucked-away group dining table. Furthermore, the floor is grounded by simple black square mosaic tiles, offering a tactile, historic base layer that grounds the space beneath the luxurious, high-sheen finishes above.
Functional Artistry and Layered Lighting
Beyond the main dining area, the design seamlessly integrates function into the overall aesthetic through custom millwork and a complex lighting strategy. The service station, coffee counter, and backlit glass wine cellar are housed within a single, striking, dark-stained millwork installation. This piece features golden mirror inserts and smoked-glass panels, lending it a vintage, custom-built look that is both highly practical and visually refined, effectively bridging the kitchen and the dining room.
The lighting design moves far beyond the monumental central lightbox, employing a layered approach to create a moody, intimate atmosphere. Numerous sconces, table lamps, and vintage chrome pendants are used to provide ambient and indirect illumination, avoiding harsh overhead light. This strategy ensures that the light is atmospheric rather than merely functional, enhancing the velvety textures and reflective surfaces while contributing to a cozy, welcoming feel. Small details, such as playful artworks and vintage memorabilia, including small toy limousines, are scattered throughout the space, adding a layer of whimsical personalization that reinforces the nostalgic theme.
A Shift for the Suburb
Limousine’s success lies not just in its glamorous design but in its role as a cultural anchor for Saint-Lambert. The restaurant was explicitly conceived to cater to the growing influx of younger residents moving into the suburb, providing the kind of high-concept, destination dining previously exclusive to downtown Montreal. Ivy Studio’s intent was to create a space that transcends the ordinary suburban experience.
The commitment to an immersive, transportive design experience extends even to the most private corners of the venue. The restrooms feature glossy, cream-and-black checkered tiles—a classic, refined pattern—and are accented with the owners’ own vintage family photographs, adding a touch of intimate personality and historical charm. Limousine is a declarative statement: it’s a confident, bold, and sophisticated newcomer that merges the nostalgic elegance of a bygone era with the demand for contemporary, high-end hospitality, ultimately positioning Saint-Lambert as a genuine destination for those seeking style and French-inspired indulgence.
