When we think of renovating or redesigning a commercial space, the first images that come to mind are usually selected materials, applied colours, and carefully placed decorative items. But long before these elements come to life, there is a comprehensive process of strategic thinking, analysis, and planning. At Les Coupables, this phase makes all the difference.
To illustrate our approach, we are sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the renovation project of Houston Avenue Bar & Grill in Laval, a major transformation completed in 2023-2024.
The starting point: A complete shift in direction
From the beginning, the mandate was clear: breathe new life into a well-established institution. A new logo, revamped menu, rethought identity… and of course, a complete overhaul of the interior design.
The challenge was not only aesthetic. It was essential to align the physical environment with Houston’s new vision: a high-end, welcoming, immersive steakhouse that reflects its current clientele.
Key takeaway? A successful redesign starts with understanding the changes the business is going through. It’s about anchoring the project in the brand’s DNA, mission, and new business goals.
Spatial Planning: Prioritizing Flow Before Style
Before discussing colours or textures, it’s crucial to understand the space’s logic:
– Where do customers move around?
– Where do gathering points naturally form?
– How can we enhance the experience from the first step into the space to the last bite?
At Houston Laval, the space was over 7,500 square feet. Huge… but complex! The kitchen was located at the entrance, and the pass (the serving area) was uncomfortably close to the customers. The existing layout lacked fluidity and clear zones.
We worked from the floor plan, completely rethinking the configuration:
– Maximizing seating capacity
– Creating intimate zones without using partitions
– Optimizing workspace for staff
Giving soul to each zone
Our approach is based on spatial storytelling. Every area tells a story. At Houston, we named the different zones from the start of the design process.
-The Office: Intimate booths
-The Sea: Featuring an oyster bar
-The Earth: Showcasing an impressive wine bar and majestic cellar
-The Garden: A pathway like a real garden, with plants defining zones and a spectacular tree
-The Greenhouse: Under a vegetated pergola and a floral mural
-The Carousel: The central bar, vibrant and dynamic
-The Hearth: A cozy gathering spot around a fireplace
-The Library and The Lounge: Cozy, laid-back atmospheres
These names are not just symbolic. They structured the project, guiding the choice of furniture, ceiling treatments, flooring, and ambiance for each space. They also facilitated communication with various stakeholders and have remained part of Houston’s vocabulary… and its customers’!
Materials and textures: A precise orchestration
The key to successful design? Harmony.
At Houston, we worked with a warm colour palette (burgundy, mocha moss, old rose) inspired by a mural signed by Manon Leblanc, which became the starting point of the concept.
We then played with:
– Distinct flooring: wood, carpet, checkerboard ceramic
– Varied ceilings: mouldings, gypsum, vegetated pergolas
– Rich textures: velvet, lace, natural stone, brick
– Abundant, omnipresent vegetation
– Unique artistic pieces: intriguing paintings, sculptures
– Custom and personalized lighting effects
The result is a sensory experience where every detail is designed to captivate the eye and imagination, whether the restaurant is bustling or quiet.
React, Adjust, Refine
Even with perfect planning, the design evolves. Towards the end of the project, The Hearth still posed a problem: too large, too empty. We integrated a rosy ogive to refocus the volume and create a cozy, almost theatrical effect.
