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Treasure hunters often venture into caves in search of hidden riches. But for the spelunking crowd, the cave itself is the main attraction, filled with interesting rock formations worthy of admiration in their own right. 207 Ouest, a Montreal concept store designed by Studio Kiff, caters to both crowds, with a basement space that is as much a sight to behold as the products on offer.

A view of the Montreal store 207 Ouest, a basement boutique with two long rounded snaking steel tables filled with vases and books. The tables sit on light green carpeting, and the walls are natural stone.

In essence, 207 Ouest promises a far-reaching survey of interesting design, with a mix of eclectic vessels, books and handbags sourced both locally and internationally. With that in mind, Studio Kiff quickly recognized the value of the natural rock walls in the store’s subterranean Avenue Laurier space. Looking to unearth prized possessions? Strap on your hiking boots and headlamp — it’s time to embark on a geological dig.

A selection of red and white sculptural vases sit on a rounded black steel table in front of a natural stone wall at the Montreal store 207 Ouest.
A closeup of a terracotta and beige vase on a steel table with a unique patina.

To complement rather than counteract this raw beauty, Studio Kiff configured the retail environment around two snaking steel display tables. Fabricated in large pieces by metalworker Justin Cristofaro (who also collaborated with the firm on Salon Artemys), these rounded surfaces are treated with a “tiger” patina that gives them their own elegantly weathered identity.

A selection of sculptural vases sit on a rounded black steel table in front of a natural stone wall at the Montreal store 207 Ouest. A circular cutout in the middle of the table allows a column to pass through.
A half-moon-shaped cutout in the side of a steel table allows a column to pass through.

Other geographic associations crop up as Montreal shoppers venture further into 207 Ouest. For one thing, the store’s display tables sit atop green carpeting that could almost pass for moss. Similarly, cutouts in the tables accommodate the room’s existing column grid, which now connotes stalactites.

A view of the Montreal store 207 Ouest, a basement boutique with a wire rack hanging from the ceiling that displays purses. A white display counter in the back sits in front of a glowing wall covered in textured fabric panels.

At the back of the store, a white sunglass display counter sits in front of glowing panels covered in textured Tyvek to introduce another moment of rugged charm.

A brown chair sits in a corner of a white room next to a series of wall shelves displaying books and magazines.
A glass lampshade that is purple on the inside and pearly white on the outside.

The end result is a space that successfully cultivates a sense of exploration — making each object feel like a genuine discovery. So when someone asks where you got that incredible vase? Tell them you dug it out of a cave.

Studio Kiff Goes Spelunking in a Montreal Boutique

The interior design firm brings a cave-like mystique to subterranean concept store 207 Ouest.

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