McGill 38

Peering over the river in historic Old Montreal, McGill 38 is the bachelor pad of dreams. At the heart of this two-story, window-lined penthouse is the kitchen. The owner is a cooking and entertaining enthusiast who desired a space that was convenient for everyday use, but also sleek, open, and well-suited for dinner parties and other gatherings. The kitchen was redesigned to make better use of the area, repurposing the previously problematic and underutilized dining room, and ultimately, creating a modern, entertaining space that drips with sophistication. And the mind behind it all: designer Louis Beliveau. 

Taking the constraints of the challenging central staircase and eighth-floor placement (and small elevator) in stride, Beliveau started the redesign by ripping away the low, constricting ceiling. This opened the space, letting it breathe, and exposed the raw concrete skeleton. This stark architectural element pushes the space squarely into its industrial, refined aesthetic. To conserve the streamlined feel, Beliveau selected Sub-Zero undercounter refrigeration units for their ability to seamlessly integrate into the cabinetry. The Wolf range was essential for the quasi-commercial kitchen look he aimed for. 

An impressive L-shaped island pierces and delineates the kitchen and dining area. What could be considered the “guest side” of the island features a bar-height counter, an ideal vantage point for visitors to pull up a stool and watch the host in his element. On the kitchen side, the raised floor brings the cook up to optimal preparation height. 

In one of Canada’s oldest cities, Beliveau crafted a contemporary home fit for the modern host. With necessities in place for the day-to-day and special occasions, McGill 38 is less of a bachelor pad than a hub for enjoying others’ company.