A Slice of Nostalgia: Atelier Zébulon Perron Delivers a ‘Modern Retro’ Interpretation

Atelier Zébulon Perron, a renowned firm specializing in distinctive interior design for the commercial sector, is delighted to present the nostalgic ambience of Gentile Pizza Parlour.

Drawing inspiration from a rich family legacy, this new restaurant in Montreal pays homage to the classic pizzerias of the 1970s and 1980s in New York City, skillfully blending retro and contemporary elements to create a chic and welcoming space with a strong identity.

Following a successful collaboration with owner Anthony Gentile on his first restaurant in 2016, Atelier Zébulon Perron was selected to design the adjacent pizzeria. The firm embarked on a concept that evokes nostalgia within an iconic and contemporary environment, drawing inspiration from the family’s history, including the flagship Café Gentile, which first opened its doors in 1959, as well as a family arcade where the current owner spent much of his youth.

Zébulon Perron, the founder of the studio, explains, “Many of the settings and design elements that Anthony referenced reflected a memorable past. We wanted to honor those cherished memories as much as possible, while avoiding clichés.”

The studio’s designers focused on a contemporary interpretation of nostalgic references, creating a dynamic space that honours the past while embracing the future, reflecting the ambitions and passions of a new generation of Montreal family restaurateurs. The original space possessed naturally vintage qualities that the designers embraced, including an existing ceiling adorned with rhythmic metal slats originally designed for signage purposes, which the firm restored to its 1980s architectural grandeur. Some of the old sign devices were retained for their ability to diffuse soft, rosy, and subdued mood lighting. The design team also overcame technical challenges by applying a metallic champagne paint finish and installing backlit screens to emit a gentle pink glow.

To break the natural linearity of the existing space, the team developed a continuous diagonal tile pattern that extends across the floors, walls, and bar. This bold and deliberate gesture is one of the most striking elements of the final design. The restaurant’s furnishings and finishes embody a juxtaposition of old and new materials, with light and playful touches. These include a combination of marble and vinyl tabletops, layered prefinished wood-panelled walls with backlit mirrors, amber glass dividers, and old-fashioned vertical blinds. Vintage objects such as light fixtures, chairs, stools, and even an old Pac-Man machine were carefully selected from personal collections and classified ads, infusing the space with a strong visual impact of familiarity, originality, and warmth.

Zébulon Perron reflects, “People find comfort in the familiarity of places that they recognize visually and emotionally. I believe we have succeeded in designing a welcoming environment that is simultaneously architectural, unique, dynamic, and nostalgic”.

Source: V2com Newswire