Pink pendant lights resembling dancers' skirts hang from the ceiling of constance cafe by Atelier Zébulon Perron at a Montreal ballet school.

Cafe Constance is located in the downtown Wilder Building, home to Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and named in tribute one of the organisation's former leaders, Constance Pathy.

The 1,400-square-foot (130-square-metre) space occupies the contemporary building's lobby. It is used both for social gatherings for the artists and employees, and as a reception venue during and after functions or performances.

"Maintaining apropos ambiances through the space's transitions from coffee shop by day, to more cocktail-oriented functions in the evening influenced Atelier Zébulon Perron's design philosophy," said the design studio in a statement. "But the main focus was on creating something truly warm and whimsical in the heart of a contemporary institutional building," the team added.

In contrast to the large expanses of glazing and concrete finishes of the building, Atelier Zébulon Perron opted for rich materials like walnut, velvet and brass. Wooden screens wrap the cafe, partially shielding it from view while creating intrigue for patrons and passersby.

The studio takes a theatrical approach to building a true spectacle. The idea was to create something that looked completely out of place and in a strange and wonderful way gave people imagination.

A canopy above the bar area helps to bring the tall ceilings down to a more human scale. Similarly, a series of pleated pendants are gracefully suspended from thin wires above the seating area, at a height that helps create a more intimate setting. These custom-designed lamps, each a slightly different shape, are made from the same blush-toned crinoline fabric as a dancer's tutu.

Floral-patterned wallpaper, upholstery and carpets, as well as golden lamps topped with tasseled shades, create the impression of a staged scene from another era. "The tongue-in-cheek approach to Cafe Constance aimed at creating a fun and fantastical space within the more austere backdrop of the building's contemporary architecture," Perron said.