Bright yellow upholstery and formica pops against a 1970s colour palette inside this sandwich shop in Montreal, designed by local studio MRDK.
The architecture and design firm, also known as Ménard Dworkind, designed Renzo Sandwich in the city’s Mile End neighbourhood as a throwback to retro diners.
Measuring 1,275 square feet (118 square metres), the space is decorated in warm materials and features stainless steel details reminiscent of those typically found in mid-century eateries.
“The interior of Renzo was imagined as more than just a backdrop, it’s an integral part of the experience,” said MRDK. “From the moment you step inside, the space strikes a balance between warmth, functionality, and understated nostalgia.”
The eye is immediately drawn to the bright yellow two-seater booths that runs back-to-back along the left-hand wall.
The upholstery matches the formica tabletops that extend from the wood-panelled walls in between the booths, while pale orange covers the seats of retro-style stools positioned in front of the street-facing window.
Circular sconces by In Common With line-up with the tables, and linear overhead lights are centred over a thin rail that defines the queue area and can also be used as a casual dining spot.
Mosaic tiles in burgundy, beige and pale blue shades cover the floor in offset rows, again nodding to the 1970s in both colour and pattern.
The same light blue shade is applied across tongue and groove boards that spans the ceiling and wraps over a change in height towards the back.
The dropped ceiling denotes the bathrooms on the public side and the kitchen area behind the stainless steel-topped service counter.
“At the heart of the room, the open kitchen allows guests to witness the choreography behind every order: sandwiches assembled with speed, care, and precision,” said MRDK.
“It’s a subtle reminder that craft and transparency are part of the ethos here.”
Chilled products are stored in “grab and go” fridges and described by bold red lettering on lightboxes across their tops.
These units form part of a larger, dark wood display case that was custom made and contains dried goods and Renzo merchandise.
The same hand-painted branding as on the fridges is used for menus and signage on the interior walls, as well as the shop’s exterior.
“Renzo isn’t trying to be flashy,” said MRDK. “It’s trying to feel like it’s always been there. A place that welcomes you back often, and with friends.”
MRDK used a similar bold yellow and chocolate brown palette for the interior of Vietnamese restaurant Le Red Tiger, also in Montreal.
The studio’s other recent projects include a verdant upgrade of a Calgary airport lounge and the construction of a cedar-wrapped residence in a Quebec forest.
The photography is by Mathieu Lévesque.
Project credits:
Architect: MRDK
Team: Guillaume Ménard, Fabrice Doutriaux
Contractor: Construction Mévia
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