- Interior
- Architecture & development
At IVY Studio Inc. in Montreal, everything revolves around creating spaces that perfectly align with the unique desires and visions of their clients. As a creative all-in-one studio specializing in architecture and interior design, they combine innovation with craftsmanship to create hyper-personalized environments.
Their philosophy is rooted in close collaboration with local artisans and builders. Through these partnerships, bold and rich interiors are brought to life, exceeding expectations. This philosophy is beautifully showcased in one of their most recent projects: Café Chez Teta.
Located in the vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood of Montreal, Café Chez Teta offers a unique blend of traditional Lebanese flavors and the refined quality of a modern third-wave coffee shop. This charming venue embodies the warmth of a grandmother’s home (*Teta* means grandmother in Arabic) while capturing the dynamic energy of a typical Montreal café experience. The interior design exudes simplicity and comfort, featuring a carefully curated palette of materials. Large windows on both facades allow for abundant natural light, while a sliding window behind the counter invites customers to order directly from the street, enhancing the café’s connection to the surrounding neighborhood. Upon entering through a spacious glass vestibule, visitors are welcomed into a space where every detail has been thoughtfully designed. The walls are adorned with walnut veneer and handcrafted plaster finishes, complemented by custom-made terracotta light fixtures and horizontal mirror accents. The furniture emphasizes a bistro aesthetic: classic Thonet walnut chairs, long banquettes with natural leather seats, and burgundy velvet backrests. The tables combine powder-coated dark burgundy steel with solid walnut tops. At the center of the room, a large communal table commands attention, featuring a hand-carved walnut base and a sand-colored marble top. For a more casual experience, a high counter at the window provides the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while gazing out onto Rachel Street.
Craftsmanship brings stories to life
The service counter is a masterpiece in its own right. The order counter consists of a monolithic marble block with deep tones of red, beige, black, and white. Adjacent to it is the pick-up counter, crafted from curved walnut veneer. Above the counters, a burgundy steel structure with a laser-cut cane pattern serves as both storage and a design feature, mirrored in the coffee displays and window furnishings. In the kitchen, the focus is on quality and authenticity. Alongside a Marzocco espresso machine is a traditional Turkish sand coffee maker, while an imported Lebanese oven ensures the perfect preparation of the authentic Manoush’eh flatbread.
Café Chez Teta is more than just a place to grab a coffee—it’s a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and refinement. Thanks to the unique design by IVY Studio Inc. and the rich Lebanese traditions it showcases, this café is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Montreal.
Design, architecture and furniture by IVY
Photography by ALEX LESAGE