Restaurant Inspiration// Bars & Banquettes

Pull up a seat.

Belly up to the bar.

Whatever your statement of choice is, there is no denying the importance of both seating types in the layout of your restaurant, cafe, or bars front of house space. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite saves lately.

Photos via: Sightunseen, designboom, kuudes, etcforshort, chzon, runforthehills, yellowtrace, dezeen,

Blue Bottle Shanghai

Name: Blue Bottle
Location: Shanghai
Design: Schemata

My love of coffee runs deep.

From my early days pulling shots at Peets while completing post-grad studies in Architecture, to creating concepts for Starbucks, the connection and community coffee can foster is near & dear.

Blue Bottle’s newest shop, and first in China, is a study in contrast. The building itself sits among towering contemporary sky rises. This visual juxtaposition continues inside where the clean, modern fit out of the first floor, gives way to a warmer and more establish upper level.

While the sleek stainless steel, cool white walls, and blond woods of the first floor are reminiscent of most blue bottle locations around the world, it’s the second floor, and more imporantly the addition of so many vintage, classics that won me over. The striking contrast of Thonet, Eames and Breuer (to only name a few), sitting within this clean, modern and classical unadorned space truly allows these masterpieces to shine.

Photos c/o Schemata

Bricklayer Brewing

Name:Bricklayer Brewing
Location: Chilliwack, Canada
Design: Studio Roslyn

Set within a historic building in BC, the space was conceived to be a warm & inviting gathering space. Utilizing both new and site-reclaimed brick, warm wood, brass, and ceramic tile creates a nostalgic and welcoming backdrop for pops of green + yellow, and bold graphics.

Photos via Conrad Brown via Yellowtrace

Bund Post Office

Name: Bund Post Office
Location: Ningbo, China
Design: Yatofu

My favorite thing about design is when it throws the standard thinking about something on its head. In the states, the post office is an unwelcome mid-day task, at best. Something we begrudgingly do because we have to.

How you interact, why you visit, and when you visit were all completely reimagined at Bund.

In China, and I dare say it may be similar in the states, the post office is visited most commonly at times of celebrations; birthdays & holiday cards, and specifically Chinese New Year, are all times when customers visit and interact with the space. So why isn’t the space representative of these monuments, and joyful times?

Included in the new space are transactional spaces for mailing, an event space that doubles as a play area for children, and a retail and gifting area.

Imagine if we took this same approach to the post office spaces in the States. My mind races with the possibilities!

All photos via Yatofu & Wen Studio

Welcome Back!

I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve spent the past 15 years in the interior design, architecture & brand world crafting spaces and experiences for some of the most innovative companies and clients.

Check back often as I’ll be using this space to highlight our current projects, share food + Bev, design & kitchen inspiration, and provide free resources and advice to help you craft your perfect (& profitable!) space.

the daily palette project

The best part about being engrossed in the world of design? constantly being surrounded by color!

I’m always thinking in color and pulling together palettes no matter the design stage. With this in mind, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite color combinations. Use these quick palettes to inspire your next brand or hospitality project, guide a room re-design, or simply boost your mood. Color is a pretty powerful thing. I’ll be posting palettes daily over on Instagram, so be sure to give us a follow.

Here’s a quick peek at some of my favorite palettes featured in June!

Be sure to follow along on Instagram for each day’s dose of color!

Nomad Coffee

Name:

Nomad Coffee

Location: Barcelona

Design: Unknown

There is something great about the simplicity and unfussy nature of Nomad Coffee. Located in Barcelona, Nomad started out as a small cart and has since transitioned to a brick and mortar space, their name speaking to their roots. 

The unimposing and warm facade welcomes you into a communal space with a utilitarian aesthetic that emphasizes the craft and connection.

Image 1, 2 ©

Fuet Magazine

Image 3 ©

The Soup Spoon

Osteria Oggi Adelaide

Name: Osteria Oggi Adelaide
Location:Adelaide, South Australia
Design: Studio Gram

Utilizing the natural light and architecture of their space, Osteria Oggie is a bright, light-filled space with a focus on repetition and simple materiality. 

Balancing traditional Italian design with the very on-trend pastel color story, the interior feels both fresh and light but also rooted in history and simplicity. The minimalist and pure material palate helps balance the geometric floors and repetition of curves. Attention to detail within such a simplified space elevates the interior and creates a sense of richness and depth.

All images © Yellow Trace via Studio Gram

Al Tun Tún

Name: Al Tun Tún
Location: Valencia, Spain
Design: Sandra Tarruella

A controlled material palate and great amount of natural light help make Al Tun Tún a warm, beckoning space. 

The beautiful open kitchen puts the cooking at center stage. Simple lines and a beautiful lighting installation add just enough to support the theater and help with the overall scale of the two story space.

All images © We Heart

The Potting Shed

Name: The Potting Shed (at the Grounds of Alexandria)
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Acme & Co

It looks like The Grounds of Alexandria has been growing; both literally & figuratively. One of the newest additions to their already beautiful space (Check out photos of their roaster and cafe, here.) is The Potting Shed. This patio addition does a great job blending into the grounds and creates a welcoming retreat.

Check out the custom draft tower and more images after the jump-

As the name implies, The Potting Shed was designed to resemble just that. Warm shades of green, mismatched patio chairs, and potting tables all help tie the theme together and give you the impression you truly are enjoying your beverage in their garden.

We love the shed itself, with it's operable windows opening up to become the bar and custom draft tower. The brick backdrop and tractor stools add one more layer of warmth to this local watering hole. 

Image 1, 4 @ The Grounds of Alexandria

Images 2, 3, 5 © The Daily Addict