VyTA Restaurant by Collidanielarchitetto Brings Italian Style to London’s Covent Garden

The article showcases 53, an Asian-fusion restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, designed by ICrave, led by founder and CEO Lionel Ohayon. Located at the base of Ateliers Jean Nouvel’s 53 West 53 residential tower, adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the restaurant aims to provide an immersive dining experience that transcends mere culinary satisfaction. Ohayon emphasizes the concept of a “yummy” room, where a harmonious blend of lighting, acoustics, materiality, layout, visual impact, and a sense of discovery compels diners to return. The restaurant was recognized as a 2022 Best of Year Winner for Fine Dining. The 11,000-square-foot space is divided into a street-level bistro and a subterranean main dining room. Jean Nouvel’s architectural design, characterized by angular beams, allows for expansive column-free areas and intimate dining zones. Given its proximity to a world-renowned contemporary art museum, ICrave approached the project not as traditional interior design but as a sculptural or painterly endeavor. This artistic philosophy is evident in the restaurant's most prominent feature: three dozen giant curving fins that span the entire width of the space. These fins emerge from the street-level ceiling, cascade down in front of the bistro, sweep underneath, and wrap around the ceiling of the main dining room. Each fin is edged with a bright stripe, featuring nine neon-like colors derived from the Nine-Dragon Wall reliefs found in Chinese imperial palaces. These hues also subtly reference the diverse Asian cultures represented in the menu and the modern art displayed at MoMA. The restaurant plans to host a rotating selection of fine art in collaboration with the Friedrich Petzel Gallery. The fin installation, glossy black on one side and sepia-toned on the other, creates a lenticular effect as guests move through the restaurant or view it from the sidewalk. Ohayon describes the installation as both a loom and a veil, with its vibrant colors attracting attention from passersby and directing their gaze to the aerial arrangement of tables, banquettes, and chairs set on an ink-wash carpet, which features subtle smokey grays echoing Nouvel’s steel construction. Ohayon highlights the importance of creating a unique piece of the city's landscape, fostering memories for visitors and a sense of place for residents. The sculptural architectural gesture draws inspiration from the Chinese artistic principle of xieyi, emphasizing broad, expressive strokes and representing the chi or energy flow within 53. In contrast, the principle of gongbi, which focuses on realism and fine detail, guided the selection of decor elements. For example, the colors from the fin edges are subtly echoed in the precious stones used as chopstick rests. Lighting, a critical component of the "yummy" atmosphere, was developed in collaboration with Licht, ICrave's in-house studio. The main dining room features cove lighting, slender cylindrical pendant fixtures that adjust with ceiling height variations, and circular sconces softly illuminating the ecru suede-like walls. An ethereal cluster of small LEDs forms a twinkling cloud above the bar. All lighting elements emit 2,600 Kelvins, complemented by rechargeable Japanese table lights, creating a warm, cinematic glow. The material palette emphasizes honesty and natural finishes, including stone bar counters, white oak paneling, leather banquette upholstery, and wool rugs. The deliberate juxtaposition of warm and cool tones reinforces the duality of hard and soft, grand and humble, evident throughout the design. Lionel Ohayon personally led the design of this project, finding it a creatively cathartic and rewarding opportunity to shape New York City's landscape. He aimed for an expression that aligns with its location next to MoMA, showcasing exuberance with mature restraint, moving away from what he perceived as a "Brooklyn-ification" of Manhattan's design aesthetic. ICrave's extensive experience in hospitality design, spanning over 20 years, allowed them to create a restaurant interior that honors its cuisine without resorting to pastiche, understands its contextual importance, and is as delightful as the food it serves. #RestaurantDesign #InteriorDesign #MidtownManhattan #ICrave #FineDining #ArchitecturalSculpture #LightingDesign #AsianFusion #LuxuryHospitality

Violino d’Oro, a five-star boutique hotel unveiled by Collezione Em from the Maestrelli family, is situated a short walk from St. Mark's Square in Venice. This property aims to offer an immersive experience into Venetian culture, blending tradition with contemporary design, sustainability, and an authentic Venetian spirit. The hotel reflects the Maestrelli family's over three decades of experience in hospitality, emphasizing respect for cultural heritage and excellence. It has been recognized by The Leading Hotels of the World, signifying its status among exclusive global destinations. The hotel is housed within three meticulously restored 17th-century buildings. The interior design prioritizes silence, texture, and natural light. Every detail, from the materials to the subtle scents, contributes to a unique atmosphere. Sara and Elena Maestrelli have guided the reimagining of Venetian hospitality with a focus on sophistication and human connection. The decor features fabrics by Rubelli, lamps by Venini, artisanal Venetian terrazzo floors, and a curated collection of Italian art and design, all harmoniously integrated. The 32 rooms and suites balance elegance and comfort, showcasing a blend of clean-lined Italian furniture, Oriental pieces, Venetian antiques, and contemporary elements. Canal views, high ceilings, and a soft color palette contribute to a serene and sophisticated ambiance. Sara Maestrelli describes the hotel as an “artisanal Italian project designed like a home,” with everything from glassware to headboards crafted locally in Venice and Tuscany, using noble materials and skilled craftsmanship. Velvets, brocades, and damasks from Rubelli, Carrara marble inlays, and hand-blown Murano glass lamps are prominent features, each with a unique story and tactile quality. Sustainability is a core philosophy at Violino d’Oro, extending beyond a marketing label. This commitment is evident in the use of local materials, support for artisan economies, and mindful resource management, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility and the future of luxury travel. The hospitality is characterized by warmth, attentiveness, and personalized service, with staff trained to anticipate guest needs, offering a balance of professionalism and approachability. Breakfasts are served in a sun-drenched dining room, featuring fresh, seasonal, and organic produce, artisanal pastries, and made-to-order coffee, catering to various dietary preferences. The serene atmosphere is designed to promote a sense of well-being. The hotel's culinary highlight is Il Piccolo, an intimate, Michelin-recognized restaurant with nine tables. It offers a contemporary, plant-forward menu based on local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by creative cocktails from head bartender Francesco. The menu evolves with the seasons, combining innovative techniques with traditional respect for ingredients. Violino d’Oro offers unique experiences connecting guests to the soul of Venice. These include Venetian cooking classes, yoga by the canals, mixology workshops, and private visits to artisan ateliers like Rubelli or Micheluzzi. Cultural tours provide access to lesser-known parts of the city, operas, or private palaces. Tailor-made experiences such as sunrise photography walks, guided strolls through Dorsoduro, private lagoon cruises, and food tours through traditional Venetian bacari are also available, aiming to foster a deep connection with the city. Excursions to Murano and Burano are also arranged, offering insights into glassmaking and lace-making traditions, respectively. Murano provides opportunities to observe glass artisans at work and purchase unique pieces, while Burano captivates with its colorful houses and the delicate craft of handmade lace. The hotel aims to provide a new way of experiencing Venice—authentic, sophisticated, and deeply emotional, a sanctuary that makes guests feel at home while offering an exceptional and unique stay. #VenetianLuxuryHotel #BoutiqueHotel #VeniceTravel #ItalianDesign #SustainableHospitality #CulturalImmersion #ArtisanCraftsmanship #MichelinRestaurant #HistoricRenovation

Carlo's, a new American-Italian restaurant in Manila, sets a new standard for experiential dining by blending the vibrant spirit of New York's Little Italy with old-world charm. Designed by JJ Acuna, the restaurant is situated on the ground floor of a modern commercial building, a location that prompted Acuna to imbue the space with vitality while incorporating unexpected touches of traditional elegance. The design features a dark raw walnut floor, green beadboard timber millwork, and sheer curtains adorned with woven green ribbon, all contributing to an atmosphere that harks back to the unique hospitality brought by Italian immigrants to New York. The interior design of Carlo's is characterized by a strong narrative, combining a retro Italian aesthetic with a polished, contemporary edge. The color palette is rich, featuring deep burgundies, profound pine green, and mustard accents, meticulously chosen to evoke the typical textures and colors found in Little Italy's eateries. Acuna collaborated with skilled local artisans to craft the diverse material finishes, signage, and furnishings, ensuring authenticity and a personalized touch. Custom-made ceiling lamps and sconces illuminate the dining areas, while original 'Akari' paper lamps serve as a subtle nod to the owner's Japanese heritage. All graphic elements were developed by the emerging studio Kix Suarez. The 190 sq m rectangular space is thoughtfully divided into four distinct zones, each with subtle variations in decor that define its character while maintaining a natural, cohesive flow throughout the restaurant. The main dining room embodies a classic Italian feel, complete with an oak coffee-to-cocktail bar, an antique brass-framed mirror, and hand-plastered walls. The central area, dubbed Nonna's Open Kitchen, evokes a sense of nostalgia with its terrazzo flooring, poured in the traditional manner, complemented by brass trims and whimsical green tartan counter seating. A striking white-tile pizza oven, imported from Anagni—a medieval hill town between Rome and Naples, and a birthplace of pizza—serves as a focal point in this section. Towards the rear of the restaurant, banquettes offer more intimate dining experiences. These are framed by a geometric motif rendered in three shades of burgundy, adding a sophisticated visual element. For the semi-private dining room, recycled PET fiber wallpaper from Omexco in Belgium introduces a playful texture. An American influence is woven into the design through vibrant art pieces by contemporary artists such as Mr Star City, Nicasio Fernandez, Brian Calvin, and Megan Whitmarsh, all chosen to reflect Carlo’s creative and eclectic character. The culmination of these design choices is a vibrant, inventive, and cohesive space that successfully captures the authentic spirit of Italy, infused with both New York and Manila influences. Carlo's functions as a relaxed, friendly, and design-led all-day destination. Its menu remains true to its Italian roots, offering a wide array of options from morning cappuccinos to classic antipasti, primi, secondi piatti, and cocktails. Notably, the 18-inch vodka pizza and Aperol spritz come highly recommended, completing the immersive dining experience at Carlo's, located at the Asian Century Center, Manila. #restaurantDesign #interiorDesign #manilaDining #americanItalianCuisine #jjAcunaDesign #newYorkInspired #italy #contemporaryArt #experientialDining

The VNYL is a new multi-level establishment in New York City's East Village, functioning as a bar, restaurant, and club. Owner James Morrissey, who also runs The Late Late in the Lower East Side, aims to modernize the traditional Irish bar concept with a contemporary flair. Interior designer Sarah Abdallah of Functional Creative Design was responsible for the interior aesthetic, which combines elements of 1970s luxury residential design with a rock 'n roll edge, incorporating lush textures, playful accents, and disco balls. The venue spans four storeys, beginning with a polished concrete entryway that serves a dual purpose as a record store and coffee shop. This entrance leads into the ground floor restaurant. The design of the restaurant features walls clad in walnut timber and geometric David Hicks wallpaper, setting a distinctive tone. Furnishings are a mix of custom-made pieces, vintage finds, and curved banquettes and bar stools upholstered in rich tiger leather, sourced from Orior New York in Ireland. Lighting is a blend of vintage sconces and modern Flos pendants by designer Michael Anastassiades. Textile choices include patterned accent fabrics by Schumacher and Pierre Frey, alongside plush velvets from Angela Brown LTD, all contributing to a retro atmosphere. The culinary offerings, curated by executive chef Jordan Andino, focus on modern American cuisine with Californian influences. Menu highlights include DIY lettuce wraps featuring avocado, lobster, tortilla strips, and cherry tomatoes, followed by a fillet mignon served with roasted vegetables and yoghurt chimichurri. For dessert, guests can enjoy a cookie dough spring roll. After dining, patrons can ascend to the Champagne Garden, a brightly lit and whimsical space adorned with Tommy Bahama palm leaf upholstery, ideal for post-meal cocktails. The evening can continue or begin in the second-floor Black Rose Room, an intimate setting characterized by dark green velvet sofas, brass and black marble tables, and gold damask-inspired wallpaper by Brooklyn-based Flavor Paper. This room provides a sultry backdrop for the beverage director Gareth Howells' cocktail creations. The VNYL's design and offerings aim to provide a comprehensive experience, blending diverse aesthetics, culinary styles, and atmospheric settings across its various levels, all while maintaining a cohesive and distinct identity within New York City's nightlife and dining scene. #NewYorkCity #RestaurantDesign #BarDesign #ClubInterior #InteriorDesign #VintageModern #HospitalityDesign #EastVillage

Valentino has undertaken a significant transformation of an iconic space on New York’s Madison Avenue, formerly the flagship store for Calvin Klein until 2019. This new three-floor boutique, a testament to Italian style, spans an impressive 1,142 square meters and is nestled behind the neoclassical limestone facade of a 1927 building, featuring soaring fluted columns. The redesign not only continues Valentino's refreshed architectural approach but also integrates a robust cultural component. Upon entering the ground floor through grand double doors, visitors are immediately immersed in the monumental scale of the space, characterized by towering seven-meter-tall ceilings and exposed steel columns. These industrial elements are softened by luxurious touches such as a statuesque green onyx display, elegant trompe l’oeil marble carpets, and plush red velvet seating. This floor is primarily dedicated to showcasing Valentino’s extensive collection of footwear and accessories. A distinct 'jewel-box' area, adorned with rich red velvet walls, offers a curated selection of the label’s ready-to-wear pieces, providing an intimate shopping experience within the expansive store. A dramatic and intricately designed staircase, crafted from a harmonious blend of various marbles—including striking red travertine, pristine white Bottinico, and deep black Marquino—serves as a central architectural feature, leading guests to the second floor. This upper level is exclusively dedicated to the women’s ready-to-wear collection. The design ethos of the second floor mirrors the ground level, maintaining a cohesive material palette. It is distinguished by giant red lacquered wardrobes, which add a vibrant splash of color, and an eye-catching black and white marbled checkered floor, reinforcing the store's sophisticated and luxurious ambiance. In the more exclusive VIP areas, which include private sitting rooms and dressing spaces, the design carefully cultivates a residential feel. This is achieved through the incorporation of bespoke chandeliers by Roll & Hill, elegantly designed chairs by French architect Charles Zana, and artisanal ceramics by Massimiliano Pipolo. These carefully selected pieces contribute to an atmosphere of refined comfort and exclusivity. This residential influence extends to the men’s collection floor, located in the building’s basement, which features a sprawling 1970s DeSede ‘Snake’ sofa and iconic Mario Bellini Camaleonda sofas and poufs from the same era. These vintage furniture pieces inject warmth and character into the underground space, making it both stylish and inviting. A unique aspect of the new New York flagship is the dedication of its mezzanine floor to art. This space will host a rotating exhibition program featuring local galleries, commencing with the Magazzino Italian Art. The store’s grand opening is marked by an exhibition of large-scale paintings by Mario Schifano, which further reinforces Valentino’s deep connection to its Italian heritage and artistic identity. The integration of art within the retail environment enhances the customer experience, transforming a shopping trip into a cultural immersion, and underscores Valentino's commitment to design, luxury, and artistic expression. #ValentinoStore #MadisonAvenue #LuxuryRetail #StoreDesign #FashionBoutique #InteriorArchitecture #NewYork #ItalianStyle #ArtIntegration

David Collins Studio has been a pivotal force in interior design for four decades, creating glamorous and inviting spaces that have become iconic London establishments. The studio's influence spans from renowned restaurants and hotels to luxury fashion boutiques and residential projects. Its enduring success is attributed to its distinctive approach to design, which balances elegance with approachability, making spaces desirable to a diverse clientele. The studio's journey began with a significant partnership with chef Marco Pierre White in 1988, starting with Harvey's on Wandsworth Common. This collaboration expanded to include other notable restaurants like Mirabelle, Quo Vadis, and the Canteen, establishing David Collins Studio as a key player in London's vibrant dining scene. Iain Watson, the CEO of David Collins Studio, who joined in 1988, highlights the impact of these early projects, noting that White was a pioneer in fine dining at a grand scale. A landmark project for the studio in 1998 was the transformation of Claridge’s Bar. It evolved from a modest eatery into a premier destination with distinctive features such as red crocodile-print leather and Art Deco elements, alongside its own dedicated entrance. This redesign attracted a fashionable crowd, including celebrities like Kate Moss. Simon Rawlings, the chief creative officer, who joined in the same year, emphasizes how the bar successfully drew in non-hotel guests, a novel concept at the time. The studio subsequently modernized Claridge's sister hotels, the Berkeley and the Connaught, adopting a formula of chic bars and acclaimed restaurants with celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and Marcus Wareing, revitalizing these historic establishments. Another significant collaboration was with restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, known for their work with The Ivy and Le Caprice. Their first joint venture was the redesign of J Sheekey, an old London fish restaurant, which proved highly successful with its intimate booths and interconnected rooms. This led to further projects, including Colbert, the Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel, and especially The Wolseley. The Wolseley, originally a car showroom and later a bank, was reimagined as a grand Viennese-style café, revolutionizing London's breakfast culture by making dining out for breakfast a lifestyle choice rather than just a meal. Rawlings recalls traveling to Vienna to study café culture, observing details such as the presentation of espresso with a glass of water, which influenced The Wolseley's unique appeal. Beyond hospitality, David Collins Studio also made its mark in luxury retail. It designed five Anglomania stores in Japan and a flagship store in New York for Vivienne Westwood. The studio faced creative challenges, such as creating flooring that mimicked hair, reflecting the designer's unique aesthetic. In 2012, the studio collaborated with Alexander McQueen, developing a global retail concept that incorporated traditional-looking panels revealing iconic McQueen motifs like flowers and butterflies, reproduced by local artisans worldwide. The studio’s extensive portfolio also includes residential projects for high-profile clients such as Madonna and Tom Ford, and nightclubs like Kabaret’s Prophecy. Even the widespread Café Rouge chain, which brought the relaxed bistro concept to the UK, benefited from the studio's design expertise, with each of its over 100 branches featuring authentic French artifacts. Although David Collins passed away in 2013, his vision is sustained by the 60-strong team, led by Watson and Rawlings, who continue to pursue diverse and challenging projects, ensuring the studio's legacy of designing memorable and lasting experiences. #DavidCollinsStudio #InteriorDesign #LondonHospitality #LuxuryRetailDesign #RestaurantDesign #HotelInteriors #ArchitecturalLegacy #BritishDesign #GlamorousInteriors

Jon Neidich, founder of Golden Age Hospitality, expands his portfolio of downtown New York City establishments with Bar Bianchi, a Milanese-style aperitivo bar located in the East Village. This new venture marks a shift from his previous French-inspired concepts, such as Elvis and Le Dive, demonstrating his versatility in capturing different European aesthetics and culinary traditions. Bar Bianchi draws inspiration from Milan's aperitivo culture, a pre-dinner social ritual involving drinks and complimentary snacks, designed to stimulate the appetite and senses. The establishment's design, a collaboration between Neidich, Golden's creative director Andrea Johansson, and long-time collaborator Sam Buffa, evokes the charm of 1920s and 1930s Italian cafés with modern touches. The interior features a diamond-checkerboard floor crafted from Italian clay tiles, custom millwork reminiscent of classic Italian cafés, and a mix of salvaged space-age sconces from the Czech Republic alongside vintage Italian glass sculptural sconces. The central zinc and Formica bar is complemented by an aged mirrored wall and an Art Deco canopy. This design is also influenced by Milan's Fondazione Prada’s Bar Luce, designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson, and indirectly nods to the Milan-based bicycle brand Bianchi, reflected in vintage bicycle posters and the bar's name. The chosen interior green hue, however, is noted to be more pistachio than Bianchi's iconic celeste green. The food and beverage program, led by chef Nicole Gajadhar and Cody Pruitt, offers a concise Italian menu with a focus on antipasti, ranging from $7 to $24, suitable for an aperitivo experience. The menu also includes a selection of central Italian pasta dishes, larger main courses such as branzino, steak tagliata, and veal Milanese, and classic Italian desserts. Noteworthy small bites include prosciutto melone and house-made mozzarella for the Caprese salad. The tuna tonnato, while thinly shaved, was described as having an overly heavy dijon sauce. A mushroom tortellini in brodo, served as a piatti del giorno, presented a traditional pasta in a broth reduction, deviating slightly from the typical liquid broth presentation. The drink menu is exclusively Italian, featuring a selection of wines, Negronis, and three signature Bianchi cocktails, alongside spritzes. The Aperol Spritz is highlighted for its authentic preparation and presentation. A key aspect of an authentic aperitivo, the provision of complimentary snacks, is met at Bar Bianchi with in-house made, waffle-knit potato chips and plump Castelvetrano olives, reinforcing the cultural accuracy of the concept. This adherence to tradition, combined with Neidich's flair for theatrical design, positions Bar Bianchi as a promising addition to New York City's hospitality scene, awaiting warmer weather to fully showcase its indoor-outdoor appeal. #MilaneseAperitivo #EastVillage #JonNeidich #GoldenAgeHospitality #ItalianCuisine #RestaurantDesign #NYCBar #AperolSpritz #NightlifeDining

Harrods, the globally renowned department store, has reintroduced its historic establishment, The Georgian, after a significant hiatus. This 113-year-old restaurant and afternoon tea salon reopens with a refreshed culinary direction under Chef Calum Franklin and a meticulously redesigned interior by David Collins Studio. The Georgian first debuted on the fourth floor of Harrods in 1911, and for this revival, David Collins Studio drew inspiration primarily from the following decade, infusing the space with a distinct Art Deco aesthetic. The design ethos of the renovated Georgian is centered around Art Deco glamour, theatrical flair, and an homage to Harrods' legacy as a luxury tea merchant. The expansive 10,333 sq ft space accommodates 164 diners and features 25 dazzling chandeliers, which contribute to an atmosphere of opulence. The design incorporates mirrors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and metallic Art Deco details throughout. Simon Rawlings, Chief Creative Officer at David Collins Studio, emphasized the vision to create a unique venue that marries opulence with immersive dining. This is achieved through elements like jewel-toned amethyst drapery, a canopy of oversized chandeliers, and the interplay of light on crystal and mirrored surfaces. The ambiance transitions significantly between day and night, with a live pianist accompanying afternoon tea service and a live band performing Jazz Age classics in the evenings. Culinary offerings at The Georgian maintain a strong British identity, building on its historical reputation. Chef Calum Franklin, known for his work at Holborn Dining Room, has curated a menu that includes a selection of his acclaimed pies, such as a slow-cooked lamb shoulder pie designed for sharing. The menu also delves into the Harrods archives, reintroducing retro recipes like sole bercy in a white wine sauce. For afternoon tea, tea sommeliers are available to create bespoke blends, catering to individual preferences beyond traditional English breakfast tea. The Georgian is strategically located on the Fourth Floor of Harrods, at 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, making it a central and accessible destination within the iconic department store. The comprehensive revival, encompassing both interior design and culinary direction, aims to establish The Georgian as a premier dining and afternoon tea experience that celebrates its rich history while offering a contemporary luxury experience. The collaboration between Harrods, David Collins Studio, and Chef Calum Franklin underscores a commitment to detail and a desire to create a memorable destination for visitors. #Harrods #TheGeorgian #RestaurantRedesign #DavidCollinsStudio #ArtDeco #LuxuryDining #LondonRestaurants #AfternoonTea #InteriorDesign #CalumFranklin

Milan has established itself as a hub for exceptional culinary experiences, offering a diverse array of dining establishments designed by local talent. These venues not only provide aesthetic nourishment but also cater to a wide range of tastes, from traditional Italian to Japanese-inspired and Greek cuisines. This article highlights four distinct Milanese culinary destinations: Mogo, Vasiliki Kantina & Gastronomia, Caruso Nuovo Bistrot, and Odachi, each presenting a unique design philosophy and gastronomic offering. Mogo, situated in the Isola district, is a 3,700-square-foot hi-fi bar and restaurant inspired by Japanese jazz kissa cafes. The name 'mogo,' meaning 'union' in the South African language Sotho, reflects its intention to bring together music, culinary arts, craft cocktails, and design. Designed by Milan native Giorgia Longoni, the interior features a cinematic environment characterized by interwoven exposed concrete and ductwork with rose-toned oak millwork. Aquamarine resin flooring, custom chairs upholstered with Brochier fabric, Alpi burl tables, and site-specific tapestries by Andrea Marco Corvino contribute to a hushed, intimate atmosphere that blends softly industrial elements with warm mid-century aesthetics. Vasiliki Kantina & Gastronomia, a 430-square-foot space in Porta Romana, offers an authentic and refined Greek experience. Designed by Joy Herro, who runs both an interiors studio and an art/design consultancy, the space features a ceiling hand-painted with an interpretation of the myth of Persephone and Demetra by Terps (Terpsichore Τερψιχόρη ερψιχόρη). This Greek artist also crafted the goddess-adorned linen curtain and ceramic door handle. Tino Seubert's raffia-topped stools line a Kavalas Greek marble counter, all set amidst crisp, Santorini-white plaster archways, subtly telling Greece's story through food, wine, and design. Caruso Nuovo Bistrot, located within the historic Grand Hotel in Centro Storico, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with an interior refresh by Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci of Dimorestudio. This establishment, a homage to Milanese and Neapolitan cooking, showcases Dimorestudio’s signature 'restrained maximalism.' The design harmoniously blends Northern Italian aristocracy with bohemian glamour through details such as walls and benches upholstered in Prelle jacquard, seven custom chandeliers made of Brunello-colored silk jersey, and Murano glass sconces. For the outdoor veranda, custom wallpaper and Mathieu Matégot-inspired furnishings, including Antica rattan chairs by Mario Bonacina and Renzo Mongiardino for Bonacina 1889, complete the sophisticated ambiance. Odachi is a 48-seat, lobby-adjacent restaurant within Casa Brera, a Marriott hotel in Brera, which was a 1950s office building transformed by Interior Design Hall of Famer Patricia Urquiola. Serving Japanese-inspired dishes, Odachi’s design deliberately avoids Asian clichés. The sophisticated mustard colorway of Dedar’s Perfect Flower banquette upholstery is illuminated by custom opaline-glass pendant fixtures. Framed cast-stone architectural fragments by Spanish architect Marià Castelló, along with Urquiola’s own production pieces like her abstracted-floral Rooms collection wallpaper for Jannelli&Volpi and Oru chairs for Andreu World, create a unique and refined dining experience. #Milan #CulinaryDestinations #RestaurantDesign #InteriorDesign #GiorgiaLongoniStudio #JoyHerro #Dimorestudio #StudioUrquiola #MilaneseCuisine

Alan Yau, a restaurateur known for redefining national dining habits with ventures like Hakkasan and Busaba Eathai, has launched his latest project, Babaji, in London's West End. This new restaurant focuses on elevating Turkish cuisine, an area Yau believes is often underappreciated. The design of Babaji is a collaboration with Istanbul-based studio Autoban, which has skillfully integrated the restaurant into a historic 19th-century brick building, making optimal use of the available space. The interior design of Babaji draws heavily on traditional Turkish aesthetics. A prominent feature is the vivid ceramic tiles, which are arranged to form a striking tapestry in ink blue and gold. These tiles, along with traditional Iznik patterns incorporated into the soft furnishings, add significant texture and detail to the space. The main dining area is designed with large glass windows that offer diners views of the bustling street outside, creating a dynamic connection between the interior and the vibrant urban environment. A central element of the restaurant's culinary offerings and design is a large stone oven. This oven, housing a roaring fire, is crucial for producing the restaurant's signature 'pide' (Turkish pizzas made with leavened dough), which is highlighted as the primary culinary focus of Babaji. The combination of traditional design elements, a focus on authentic Turkish cuisine, and a strategic location in London's West End positions Babaji as a significant new addition to the city's diverse dining scene. The restaurant's address is 53 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6LB. #LondonRestaurant #TurkishCuisine #RestaurantDesign #AlanYau #AutobanStudio #CeramicTiles #Pide #DiningExperience #WestEnd

This article showcases six distinctive homes across the United States, each featuring significant Italian architectural and design influences. The properties range from historic estates to modern villas, demonstrating how Italian aesthetics, from grand Renaissance styles to rustic Tuscan elements, have been integrated into American residences. These homes highlight various Italian-inspired features, including Palladian windows, arched doorways, intricate stenciled beams, marble accents, and specific room designs like wine cellars and Italian farm-style kitchens. The first featured home, Villa Amore in San Antonio, Texas, was built in 1922 and commissioned for an Italian wife, reflecting classic Italian design with its arched doorways, Palladian windows, and a 1,000-bottle wine room. Its exterior boasts an imported marble fountain, a pool, and an al fresco fireplace, accompanied by a carriage house. Next is a Tuscan-style four-bedroom home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, constructed in 2004. This property incorporates reclaimed beams, Italian stone, heart-of-pine floors, a 1,000-bottle wine room, and an Italian farm-style kitchen. Its waterfront location offers panoramic views, a pool, a private beach, and direct access to the Intercoastal Waterway. In Nyack, New York, Palazzo Mare stands as a 15th-century-style Venetian villa built in 2001 on the Hudson River. Characterized by its ornate front door, a grand staircase, 27-foot ceilings, and Corinthian columns, the villa also includes a master suite with a green marble bathroom and a spa tub. The property extends to a sandy beach, a pier, and a pool with a spa. The Rialto House in Venice, California, built in 1905, was part of Abbot Kinney's vision for "Venice of America." This four-bedroom home features hardwood floors, Islamo-Byzantine stained-glass windows, a marble-floored sunroom, and an Italian-tile bathroom. A notable addition is an 840-square-foot guesthouse situated above the garage. Casa del Sole in Newport, Rhode Island, is an early 20th-century Palladian mansion extensively renovated in 2017. Owned by former Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan, the four-bedroom home showcases marble floors, a chef's kitchen, two fireplaces, and formal living and dining rooms that open to a loggia. The two-acre landscaped property includes a fire pit and various seating areas. Finally, the Rohlfing House in Attica, Indiana, an Italianate brick home built in 1887 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent a three-year renovation completed in 2010. This renovation preserved historical elements such as period fixtures, original woodwork, oil-on-canvas wall coverings, a stained-glass window, and the kitchen’s original sink and prep room. These properties collectively illustrate the enduring appeal and versatile application of Italian design principles in diverse American settings. #ItalianArchitecture #HomeDesign #LuxuryHomes #RealEstate #ArchitecturalStyles #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #TuscanStyle #VenetianVilla

The article explores how restaurant design is increasingly becoming a focal point, transcending mere aesthetics to enhance the overall dining experience. Beyond the culinary offerings, elements such as seating height, lighting, and material choices are meticulously considered by designers to create memorable environments. Ben Krone, founder of Gradient Architecture, emphasizes that effective design subtly enhances the experience without overshadowing the food. The piece highlights that exceptional interior design is not exclusive to high-end establishments but can be found in various settings, from dive bars to diners, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. The article showcases several examples of contemporary restaurant design. Capital City Diner in Albany, New York, exemplifies how a classic American diner can be revitalized with a modern touch. Danu Kennedy of Parts and Labor Design focused on preserving the building's heritage while introducing updated elements like trendier lighting and color palettes, maintaining original features such as glass blocks and chrome. The design capitalizes on natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Another featured establishment, 888 in Nashville, combines a Japanese restaurant with a vinyl lounge, drawing inspiration from Japanese kissa bars. Commune Design incorporated natural materials like construction-grade plywood, washi papers, and linoleum to create a warm and eccentric space, complementing a custom hi-fi sound system and curated record collection. The design reintroduces humble materials in imaginative and detailed ways. Lola's, a restaurant whose design began with an heirloom jade necklace, features green tiles and ash wood with a golden hue, alongside a distinct ceiling structure inspired by the necklace's gold. Designed by Krone, the restaurant's long hallway intentionally highlights a green-tiled back kitchen bar, typically hidden from view, making it a central visual element. Va Bene Cicchetti in Warsaw, Poland, takes inspiration from Venice, Italy, with a striking burgundy and green color-blocked design. NOKE Architects integrated the concept of "acqua alta" (Venetian flooding) into the design through floor and lower wall colors. The adaptable furniture and open windows facilitate a communal atmosphere, allowing the street's energy to blend with the interior. Orders are placed at the bar, encouraging a casual and interactive dining experience. Entre Nous, a natural wine bar in Brooklyn, channels French bistro elegance. The House Special Studio, led by Kiki Goti and Vincent Starapoli, prioritized an unpretentious design, focusing on warm orange tones and a wraparound copper bar that develops a patina over time. The design intentionally integrates with the historic building, making it feel like a long-standing part of the neighborhood. Finally, Parconido Bakery Cafe in South Korea draws inspiration from European plazas. Hyunhee Park of Sukchulmok incorporated Italian design elements, such as arched architecture and 1950s minute square tiles. The soft, rounded shapes and natural-toned color palette create a cozy and inviting ambiance. These diverse examples illustrate the current trend of sophisticated and thoughtful interior design in the restaurant industry, enhancing the overall customer experience beyond just the food. #restaurantDesign #interiorDesign #hospitalityDesign #designInspiration #commercialDesign #architecturalTrends #diningExperience #modernDesign #designAesthetics

The Dolli, a new hotel in Athens, represents a fusion of classic Greek culture and contemporary design, situated in a 1925 neoclassical building in the city's heart. Mari Daskalantonakis, the hotel's owner and creator, envisioned the Dolli as a home base for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Athens' ancient charm and vibrant energy. The design inspiration stemmed from the building's original architecture by Andreas Kriezis, who also designed the Hellenic Parliament. The hotel’s interiors, materials, and art collection were carefully curated to align with the building's historical grandeur and the city's spirit. Located in Plaka, near the Acropolis, The Dolli respectfully incorporates its Greek heritage through elements like 18th-century antiques and ancient Macedonian motifs, which Kriezis himself preserved and restored. This historical richness is complemented by modern design pieces, including custom furniture from Pierre Augustin Rose, and significant artworks by Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, creating a dialogue between past and present. Daskalantonakis highlighted the demanding process of restoring the facade to honor Kriezis' legacy and enhance Athens. A particular challenge was transforming the abandoned rooftop into a key feature. This rooftop offers unparalleled views of the Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora, and the 19th and early 20th-century architecture of Plaka. The goal was to create a unique viewpoint that respects the Acropolis without competing with its historical significance. Stelios Kois, a renowned contemporary Greek architect, was tasked with this challenge. He embraced Daskalantonakis' vision, designing The Dolli’s restaurant on the rooftop as a subtle yet divine architectural addition to Athens. The hotel’s design philosophy balances historical preservation with modern aesthetics, offering guests a unique experience that blends comfort, luxury, and cultural immersion. The selection of art, furniture, and decorative elements contributes to an ambiance that is both elegant and welcoming. The careful integration of various design periods and artistic styles aims to provide a sophisticated yet authentic Athenian experience, celebrating the city's past while looking towards its future. The project reflects a deep understanding of Athens' architectural and cultural landscape, transforming a historic building into a contemporary hotspot. #HotelDesign #AthensArchitecture #NeoclassicalBuilding #InteriorDesign #GreekHeritage #ContemporaryArt #RooftopRestaurant #ArchitecturalRestoration #LuxuryTravel

This article explores a curated selection of London's most design-led coffee shops, focusing on establishments that blend speciality coffee with stylish interiors, making them ideal spots for both commuters and those seeking a leisurely experience. The featured cafes are integral to their respective neighborhoods, offering unique atmospheres and culinary delights beyond just coffee. Abuelo Marylebone, an extension of the original Covent Garden location, offers a blend of Aussie brunch culture and Latin American influences. The Marylebone outpost, designed by Prototype Studio, showcases vintage paper lamps, wooden furnishings, and subtle red accents, providing a more mature ambiance. It features a marble counter where baristas serve coffee and pastries by day, transitioning to wine in the evening. The menu includes hearty, produce-led sandwiches and egg platters. Café Petiole, situated in Somerset House, is a plant-based haven with pastel-hued and serene interiors. Designed by Duelle, the space draws inspiration from the botanical world, featuring oversized 'Peony' paper pendants and antique 1930s bentwood chairs. Head chef Rishim Sachdeva curates a vibrant menu with dishes like beetroot, feta, and pomegranate salads, puff pastry tomato tarts, and a variety of sweet treats including pistachio and raspberry tarts. Omotesando Koffee, originating from Tokyo, has grown into a globally recognized boutique coffee chain. Its London branch features a signature cubic kiosk and minimalist interiors, envisioned by Perinelli Design. The design incorporates traditional Japanese materials such as charred cedar boards and granite stepping stones, reflecting founder Eiichi Kunitomo's philosophy of 'Kishōtenketsu,' where every detail of the coffee-making and consumption experience is meticulously crafted. Rose Bakery, located within Dover Street Market London since 2004, is a favorite among creatives. Its understated, utilitarian interior, characterized by stainless steel and wooden details, allows the fresh, seasonal European-style menu and delectable cakes to be the focus. Co-founder Rose Carrarini emphasizes creating a welcoming, home-like environment with high-quality food, including their famous Rose latte. Sevente, a speciality coffee and wine bar on Hackney Road, offers a modern chic interior with a nod to 1970s Italy. The space features red Togo sofas and a sleek concrete bar, serving everything from morning espressos to evening cocktails. It also hosts community events like chess nights and life drawing sessions. The menu highlights premium beans from Emilio’s Coffee and a unique beetroot matcha. Toklas Bakery, located between the Strand and the River Thames, is a beloved community fixture. Its Italian-style marble and wood counter transforms throughout the day, offering viennoiserie and Assembly Roasters coffee in the morning, followed by sandwiches, _strecci_ (Roman-style pizza slices), fresh salads, and soups for lunch. The bakery, founded by Frieze founders Matthew Slotover and Amanda Sharp, also hosts seasonal markets and provides a space for Frieze magazines. #LondonCoffeeShops #DesignLedCafes #InteriorDesign #SpecialityCoffee #LondonFashionWeek #ArchitecturalInteriors #CulinaryExperience #LondonTravel

This blog post category, "Restaurant and Café Design," offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary culinary establishments worldwide, focusing on the innovative materials and unconventional forms employed in their completion. It showcases a diverse array of projects, highlighting how architects and designers are pushing boundaries in creating unique dining experiences. Recent features include a bistro in Vietnam with an interlinked peaks canopy that echoes mountain ridges, demonstrating a harmonious integration of architecture with the natural landscape. Another project in Lisbon transforms a pizza restaurant with reflective steel interiors and an open facade, actively engaging with and inviting in the surrounding street activity. Vietnam also features a cafe with a striking red facade that forms a welcoming, hand-shaped entrance, illustrating creative and inviting design solutions. Further examples include a cafe in Spain by Zooco Estudio, whose curved interiors reflect the Art Deco style of the Siboney building it inhabits, showcasing respectful yet modern renovations. Wuhan, China, is home to a luxury farm retreat featuring bamboo-woven domed canopies by Various Associates, emphasizing sustainable and organic design elements. Concurrently, a restaurant in the same LuxeIsland retreat, designed by DL Atelier, uses pyramidal volumes with wood strip patterns to frame its interior spaces, offering a distinct visual and textural experience. The category also covers a hybrid hospitality space in Berlin, where COMMON has integrated a microbakery and pizzeria within a flexible interior, reflecting a growing trend towards multi-functional urban spaces. Selgascano's transparent seaside cafe in China, composed of three parallel glass volumes, exemplifies minimalist design that maximizes natural light and views. A collection of works submitted by designboom guest readers from around the world further enriches the category, providing diverse perspectives on bars, cafes, and restaurants. India Mahdavi's rose-draped speakeasy in Paris, designed for We Are Ona, merges art and gastronomy in a unique setting during Art Basel. Crosby Studios created a bright yellow alien habitat for a dessert shop in Jakarta, showcasing playful and imaginative interior design. IDST’s Wave Restaurant in Dubai combines Memphis playfulness with Mediterranean ease, offering a vibrant and relaxed dining environment. An ice cream shop in Argentina features dessert-shaped sculptures crafted from marble and wood, adding an artistic touch to a casual setting. Another ice cream shop in Thailand is uniquely tucked within a coconut grove, featuring bamboo-clad structures that blend with the natural environment. The blog also delves into a book documenting Japan's Jazz Kissa, exploring the architecture of these unique listening spaces. Maison Malapert's Frivole Restaurant in Paris' fashion district is adorned with vibrant fabrics, creating a chic and dynamic atmosphere. Parisian patisserie ABRA frames its pastries against geometric floors and bold primary colors, making the space as visually appealing as its offerings. Pluto Burger Bar in Poland by Znamy Się features a melting interior with caramel tones and fluid undulating lines, offering a whimsical and inviting experience. Isern Serra's JAÇ hifi café in Barcelona, inspired by Japanese listening bars, provides a modern take on auditory dining. Archermit's 'stone kiln in the valley' in Luzhou, China, boasts a petal-shaped roof, demonstrating innovative structural and aesthetic design. Captain George Flavor Museum in Shanghai, designed by Some Thoughts, blends the narrative of taste with an immersive experience. Kim Lenschow and NIKO JUNE's cafe in Copenhagen doubles as a design shop, highlighting synergistic retail and culinary concepts. Formant Studio's Marne Café in Mexico City layers brutalist and industrial textures for a raw yet refined aesthetic. J.AR office introduces a brutalist garden restaurant with green-tiled surfaces in Brisbane, combining robust design with natural elements. SHAWADS's Quanzhou local fish coffee shop weaves maritime heritage into an ocean-like interior. Zooco Estudio's Regma ice cream parlor in Santander, Spain, features a gridded ceiling with oak and travertine, creating a sophisticated environment. Finally, Ignacio Urquiza and Ana Paula de Alba have designed a sand-toned monolithic restaurant on Mexico’s coast, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Craft & Concept’s Huit Sushi restaurant in Montreux features a custom-made LED wall, adding a modern, dynamic element to the dining experience. #RestaurantDesign #CafeDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #HospitalityArchitecture #GlobalDesign #UniqueDiningExperiences

The Venice Venice Hotel, housed in the historic Ca’ da Mosto palazzo on Venice’s Grand Canal, is undergoing a significant expansion project. This Byzantine palace, believed to be the oldest structure on the Grand Canal, offers unparalleled views of the Rialto Bridge and has a rich history, having once been home to one of Europe's first hotels, the Campiello del Leon Bianco. Throughout centuries, it hosted notable figures including kings, czars, emperors, Voltaire, Mozart, and Shelley within its frescoed walls. The hotel, which opened in 2022, is the brainchild of Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo, founders of the sneaker brand Golden Goose. Their vision for the Venice Venice Hotel transcends typical hospitality, aiming to integrate art, design, food, and Venetian culture. The couple acquired the palazzo in ten separate pieces over five years, initially as a real estate investment. A historical study revealed the building's past as a significant hotel, leading them to embark on a meticulous five-year restoration process. This involved reinforcing the ornate Byzantine façade and sealing lower-level floors, which had sunken due to rising water levels, to preserve every historical detail. The initial 25 rooms of the hotel, opened in 2022, are individually inspired by various artists or art movements, reflecting Gallo and Rinaldo's extensive art collection and their desire to create a hotel where art is integral to the space, rather than an afterthought. Examples include a canalside suite dedicated to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, featuring original sketches, and an attic room celebrating the Fluxus movement with a looping video of Joseph Beuys' performance art. Another room offers side-by-side soaking tubs for guests to meditate on a John Cage score, and one space is devoted to pieces that debuted at the Venice Biennale, such as Enzo Mari’s 1973 ‘Falce e Martello’. The second phase of the hotel's development, gradually opening in 2023, is even more ambitious. It introduces larger, more elaborate rooms, incorporating masterpiece works from renowned 20th-century artists and site-specific installations by contemporary artists. Romanian artist Victoria Zidaru, for instance, designed the Felix Anima spa's treatment room with woven fabric tubes filled with fragrant herbs and flowers from her farm, creating an immersive, aromatic experience. The hotel also features works by masters such as Jannis Kounellis, with a large 1985 painting from his private collection adorning a suite on the piano nobile, celebrating Arte Povera in a space where Canaletto once painted. The crowning jewels of the expansion will be two waterside suites, each approximately 200 sq m, set to become Venice's largest. One will offer direct water access, functioning as an apartment for extended stays, while the other will feature Venice's only private indoor pool. The owners are currently seeking the perfect artist to curate the pool suite, with David Hockney being a prospective choice. The Venice Venice Hotel stands as a testament to the seamless integration of historical preservation, contemporary art, and luxury hospitality, offering a unique and deeply culturally immersive experience. #Venice #LuxuryHotels #ArtHotels #HistoricalArchitecture #GrandCanal #HotelExpansion #ArtCollection #InteriorDesign #VenetianCulture