5 New Denver Restaurants with Stylish Interiors

Abigail Plantier, chief experience curator at Maximalist – Experience Design, emphasizes the often-missed opportunity for bars and restaurants to make their restrooms stand out through bold design. She advocates for treating these small spaces as canvases for creativity, stating that "the crazier, the better," and notes her enjoyment in observing guests' reactions to unique bathroom designs. Plantier, an interior designer and brand strategist working with hospitality clients, finds designing restrooms to be one of her favorite aspects of her work. A memorable bathroom design can involve various elements, such as the vibrant flamingo and palm wallpaper at Brasserie Brixton, which encourages mirror selfies. Other establishments employ unexpected details to spark conversation, including Postino’s custom-stamped toilet paper, the mob-themed posters in Gaetano’s, or the Porta-Potty-mimicking exteriors of Bang up to the Elephant's bathrooms. These creative approaches transform utilitarian spaces into noteworthy attractions. Glo Noodle House offers two distinctive restrooms, reflecting a Tokyo alleyway theme. Co-owner Ariana Teigland designed one to resemble an arcade with a custom-built cabinet around the sink by her father. The second bathroom is a bodega replica, filled with Japanese snacks, a floral display, and cigarette boxes, all for visual appeal rather than sale, encouraging interaction and selfies. This creative approach extends the restaurant's atmosphere into an unexpected space. B&GC;, a Cherry Creek speakeasy, features a high-design restroom that complements its exclusive ambiance. The bathroom, designed to entice selfie-takers, includes a gold geometric mirror and artistic wallpaper depicting bare legs with a kaleidoscope effect, contributing to its sophisticated and alluring aesthetic. Sắp Sửa, a modern Vietnamese restaurant, contrasts its minimalist dining area with a celebratory bathroom design. General manager Heeji Kim adorned the ceilings with approximately 60 silver disco balls of various sizes, creating a shimmering effect under midnight blue lighting. The bathrooms also feature Kim's framed dog drawings, adding a personal and whimsical touch. The Family Jones Spirit House in LoHi incorporates its unique design elements into its bathroom. The tasting room, known for its 17-foot copper still and vertical planters, extends this attention to detail with custom-made black-and-white wallpaper in the bathroom. The wallpaper features vintage images, evoking the nostalgia and intrigue of old family film reels. FlyteCo Tower, an entertainment venue housed in the former Stapleton International Airport control tower, pays tribute to aviation history throughout its establishment, including the restrooms. The stalls are decorated with a collage of vintage flight maps, neon bag tags, and safety brochures from historical airlines like Pan Am. Additionally, live air traffic control broadcasts from DIA are piped into the sound system, enhancing the immersive experience. Room for Milly, a LoHi bar, maintains its Baroque-inspired aesthetic, characterized by velvet curtains, terrazzo floors, and hand-painted wallpaper, into its bathroom. The design features subtropical floral elements on the walls and a playful ceiling monkey lamp, which designer Phillip Hua-Pham of Mainspring highlights as a key attraction. The bathrooms also provide special hand soaps, lotions, and diffusers with notes of rose, tobacco, and jasmine. Hey Kiddo's kaleidoscopic bathrooms are considered highly selfie-ready due to their vibrant design. Designer Kevin Nguyen of Regular Architecture used multi-hued tiles to cover the walls, creating a playful and colorful backdrop. The small square mirrors are ideal for framing faces, leading to numerous social media posts by patrons. The Art, a Hotel, functions as a museum, and its fourth-floor bathrooms outside the Fire Restaurant offer an artistic extension of the hotel's theme. The men's restroom features a mosaic of a man that, when reflected in the mirror, completes his face, while the women's restroom showcases a similar mosaic of a woman. Both artworks are composed of individually arranged, single-colored tiles, demonstrating a clever visual trick. Bar Dough's re-design, executed within a seven-day deadline, reflects a cozy, Italian home aesthetic. The custom wallpaper in the restrooms, inspired by trinkets found in a curio cabinet such as butterflies, birds, and flowers with an Italian flair, contributes to this theme. Vintage Italian frames serve as signs for the restrooms, further enhancing the authentic atmosphere. Cabrón Carbón, a taqueria and tequila bar, features bathrooms that double as art galleries. Denver artist A. Michel Velázquez Rosas created glow-in-the-dark murals. One mural honors Mexican movie star Maria Felix with a quote about the complexity of women, while the other pays tribute to Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez. These murals transform the restrooms into culturally rich spaces. TrashHawk Tavern, a Broadway dive bar, decorates its bathrooms with thrifted finds, including vintage magazine ads for products like Schmidt beer and Marlboro cigarettes, creating a unique and nostalgic environment. This theme extends to the bar's holiday decorations, where empty beer cans adorn the Christmas tree, consistent with its eclectic aesthetic. #DenverBars #RestaurantDesign #BathroomDesign #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #UniqueRestrooms #DenverRestaurants #MaximalistDesign #CreativeSpaces

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

Denver's urban landscape is witnessing a surge in stylish boutique hotels, moving beyond traditional commercial aesthetics towards interiors that exude a residential charm. These new establishments, including The Maven, Moxy, The Source, Born, Jacquard, and Ramble, distinguish themselves with fashion-forward finishes, luxurious furnishings, and extensive collections of fine art. Among these, The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block stands out as a particularly inspiring example, showcasing a blend of industrial materials with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and sculptural elements. The Dairy Block, where The Maven is situated, represents a comprehensive redevelopment that harmonizes historical structures with new constructions. This micro-neighborhood integrates retail spaces, dining establishments, a six-story office tower, and the 172-room Maven Hotel. The architectural and design vision for The Maven was a collaborative effort between Brooklyn-based Crème/Jun Aizaki Architecture and Design and Denver-based Johnson Nathan Strohe (JNS). They employed a palette of natural industrial materials such as stone, raw rolled steel, beetle-kill wood, and concrete, which are thoughtfully contrasted with bright colors, distinctive patterns, and artistic furnishings. The hotel's commitment to art is further evidenced by its collection of over 400 original art pieces curated by Denver's NINE dot ARTS, featuring works by local Colorado artists, from large-scale sculptures like Andrew Ramiro Tirado's suspended lobby piece to Robert Weidmann's intricate stenciled floors. Nicole Nathan, a partner and design architect at JNS, shares actionable decorating tips inspired by The Maven's unique design. One such tip involves replacing traditional rugs with tile in high-traffic areas like entryways. The Maven's suites feature cork planks laid in a chevron pattern, offering durability and a distinct visual appeal. Nathan suggests this pattern can be replicated with various modular materials, including paint, emphasizing the importance of extending the design only a third of the way into a room to maintain balance. For those looking to incorporate this, Arizona Tile's Africa series or Chevron Mesh are recommended. Another significant trend highlighted is the resurgence of wallpaper, modernized through advanced printing technologies and innovative finishes. The Maven's Diamond Suite showcases a custom, mural-style wallcovering made from a historical ballpark photograph printed on vinyl, demonstrating how large-format photographic murals can create a unique feature wall. Nathan advises using such dramatic wallcoverings on uninterrupted walls and suggests companies like TRI-KES and MDC for custom prints, or Trove’s “Fuoco” pattern for ready-made options. The hotel also redefines the concept of a gallery wall. Instead of a loosely arranged collection, The Maven features "Dark Matter Gathering," a cohesive collage of 300 framed black-and-white photographs by Travis Hetman, unified by consistent framing and color. This approach transforms multiple pieces into a single, impactful art installation. Alternatively, the article proposes skipping frames altogether for large-scale art, as seen in the Innovator Suite's "Mod Maude" mural by Karen Fisher, which is a direct installation on the wall. This method is cost-effective for large pieces and creates an authentic, site-specific work, particularly effective in open-plan areas with suitable lighting. Adding greenery is addressed with the idea of a hanging garden. In Kachina Southwestern Grill, the hotel's restaurant, custom suspended shelves hold succulents, drawing attention to the tall ceilings while preserving an open line of sight. This solution is ideal for spaces lacking floor or counter space, such as above a breakfast bar or seating area. DIY enthusiasts can create similar industrial-style shelving, or custom pieces can be commissioned. Furthermore, the article suggests swapping traditional seating for a swing chair, noting its presence in The Maven's bunk rooms and elevator lobbies. These chairs add a playful, sculptural element and offer a unique experience. Kettal’s Maia Egg Swing is cited as a stylish option. Finally, incorporating elements that nod to the past, like the stained-glass panels in the Poka Lola Social Club, can be modernized with geometric patterns and varying light values to create a fresh, contemporary feel, especially when used in unexpected places like bathroom windows for visual privacy and aesthetic appeal. #HotelDesign #InteriorDecorating #DesignTips #ModernInteriors #ArtInstallations #WallpaperTrends #HomeDecor #BoutiqueHotel

Achieving the right balance between functionality and style in dining room design is a common challenge, and several recurring design choices often lead to a space feeling flat, uninviting, or impractical. Interior designers identify five key 'eyesores' that frequently appear in dining rooms. The first common blunder is the use of overly matched furniture sets. While once popular, complete sets including table, chairs, buffet, and china cabinet are now considered dated and can make a room feel predictable, staged, or like it came straight from a catalog. Even matching just the table and chairs can have this effect. Instead, designers recommend a more curated, 'lived-in' aesthetic achieved by mixing different materials, textures, and tones. For example, pairing a wood or metal table with upholstered chairs, or using different styles or fabrics for chairs at the ends of the table, can introduce subtle contrast and personality. A buffet in a different wood tone or design can also add depth without creating a mismatched look. The second identified eyesore relates to undersized or outdated light fixtures. Issues with lighting, both in terms of the fixture itself and the quality of light, are frequently cited by designers. Generic or fixtures that are too small for the space disrupt the overall balance and appear unintentional. A bold chandelier or pendant light, scaled appropriately for the dining table, is essential for defining the area effectively. For longer tables, a series of smaller hanging fixtures can provide both functionality and aesthetic balance. Designers also caution against overly ornate, dated fixtures, such as heavy, gold, or intricately designed chandeliers from past eras, which can visually dominate the room and create a disconnected, overly formal atmosphere. Modern, sculptural light fixtures are preferred for creating drama without overwhelming the space. Closely linked to fixtures is the third design faux pas: bad lighting. This refers to the actual light levels and color temperature rather than the physical fixtures. Overly bright, white lighting can make a dining room feel sterile and uninviting, which is undesirable for a space meant for gathering and entertaining. Designers advocate for soft, layered lighting that promotes a comfortable and welcoming ambiance. This includes using soft white bulbs, incorporating multiple light sources, and crucially, installing dimmer switches to allow for adjustable lighting moods. The fourth eyesore is the single painted accent wall when executed poorly. While accent walls can introduce interest, texture, and color, they must be implemented thoughtfully and cohesively. Simply painting one wall a contrasting color or adding paneling without integrating it with the rest of the room's design can make the dining room feel disconnected and haphazard, especially in a communal space. A more effective approach, according to designers, is an 'immersive' treatment, such as wrapping the entire space in wallpaper or paneling. This creates a cohesive, finished feel and establishes the dining room as a distinct destination within the home. If an accent wall is used, it should be balanced with other elements in the room to ensure it doesn't dominate attention and is generally more suitable for larger, open spaces than smaller ones. Finally, undersized rugs represent the fifth common design mistake in dining rooms. A rug that is too small not only creates visual imbalance and can cheapen the room's appearance but also poses practical issues. It can cause chairs to get caught on the rug's edge, creating a tripping hazard and making it difficult to move chairs comfortably. For proper aesthetic and functional balance, a dining room rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond all sides of the dining table when the chairs are pushed in. This allows ample space for chairs to be pulled out without their legs falling off the rug. #DiningRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTips #FurnitureSelection #LightingDesign #AccentWalls #RugPlacement

The article presents fifteen kitchen and dining space designs from across Colorado's Front Range, offering inspiration and tips for kitchen renovations. These designs are categorized into themes: The New Classics, True Colors, Into the Woods, Serenity Now, and Nooks Worth a Look, each highlighting different aesthetic and functional approaches. The 'New Classics' section features designs that borrow from previous generations to create timeless results. One example is a Morrison kitchen that evokes a European feel, incorporating reclaimed vintage French oak flooring, terra-cotta tiles from Tabarka Studio, and Ascona fieldstone from Telluride Stone with a German schmear finish. This design aims for a historic farmhouse aesthetic. Another 'New Classics' example, located in the Country Club neighborhood, features a fresh yet classic look with natural cane insets in the cabinetry, a material popular in the late 1800s for its lightness. This space also includes a dramatically veined marble slab backsplash and an Art Deco-inspired light fixture by Ralph Lauren for Circa Lighting, blending striking and refined elements. 'True Colors' explores the use of deep, rich hues to add personality to kitchen spaces. A Denver kitchen, designed by Inside Stories, underwent a transformation from a 'vanilla space' to one featuring sumptuous jewel tones. The cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Gentleman’s Gray, described as a 'bold neutral,' complemented by a custom range hood in black metal and brass. Another kitchen in Cory Merrill, redesigned by Atelier Interior Design, shifted from dated granite countertops and chocolate-colored cabinetry to a contemporary look with dark forest green cabinets, patterned and pink backsplash tiles, and Cambria quartz countertops with green veining. A pendant light by Tracy Glover Studio further enhances the modern aesthetic. The 'Into the Woods' category showcases designs that incorporate handsome timber touches. An Erie cookspace features silver maple cabinets by Tharp Custom Cabinetry, concrete-finish quartz countertops, and a glazed ceramic tile backsplash in tuxedo black, creating a sleek look with natural finishes. The design also emphasizes mixing metals, specifically brass and stainless steel, for shimmering accents. A Hilltop kitchen, designed by Julie Doman for her own home, utilizes Vonmod millwork with a rich walnut finish and solid walnut cabinet pulls to create a seamless, midcentury-inspired style. Black granite counters and the absence of pendant lights over the island contribute to a clean, open design that prioritizes the beauty of the cabinetry and hides appliances. 'Serenity Now' focuses on soulful neutrals over all-white kitchens. An Observatory Park project by Chalet Colorado features white-oak plank floors, Carrara marble and soapstone countertops, and Normann Copenhagen pendants, aiming for a contemporary and layered look with crisp simplicity. A kitchen revamp in the Roaring Fork Valley, designed by Karen White, prioritizes durability and elegance with Neolith counters, porcelain tile flooring resembling reclaimed wood, and cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Retreat, a muted green that blends with the natural surroundings. Subtle LED strip lighting from HLB Lighting Design adds a soft glow under floating rift-cut white-oak shelves. Finally, 'Nooks Worth a Look' highlights versatile dining nooks that combine space-saving functionality with style. Examples include a U-shaped island in a Belcaro kitchen that creates multiple dining areas, an elegant banquette in a Belcaro home with a globe light and custom circular table, a Washington Park nook inspired by Parisian arrondissements with a farm table and bistro chairs, a custom-built nook in a Polo Reserve kitchen with ample storage, and a Hilltop kitchen nook featuring bold red leather and a Lucite chandelier. These examples demonstrate how dining nooks can serve as cozy spaces for various activities, from morning coffee to evening meals, while also contributing to the overall design aesthetic of the home. #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColoradoHomes #DiningSpaces #ArchitecturalStyles #ColorPalettes #MaterialSelection #DesignInspiration

The article provides a comprehensive guide to home renovation in Denver, addressing the increasing trend of remodeling existing homes rather than buying new ones, a shift attributed to the city's low housing inventory. It emphasizes that homeowners with sufficient equity can transform their current residences into dream homes through strategic renovations. The initial section focuses on assembling a professional 'Dream Team' for any renovation project. It outlines the roles and special skills of various experts, including architects, builders/general contractors, design/build firms, interior designers, and loan officers. Architects are essential for structural changes and ensuring compliance with zoning codes, while builders execute plans and manage subcontractors. Design/build firms offer an integrated approach, streamlining communication and potentially controlling costs. Interior designers are crucial for enhancing aesthetics and functionality, distinguishing their role from decorators by their formal training in spatial planning. Loan officers assist in navigating financing options like home-equity loans or construction loans, with a recommendation to choose reputable lenders. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to 'Waste Not,' offering advice on making renovations more environmentally friendly. It suggests ordering materials judiciously to avoid excess, utilizing local makers for millwork to reduce carbon footprints, and selling or donating old fixtures and scrap wood. Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity's ReStores are highlighted as avenues for donating reusable materials, with the added benefit of potential tax deductions. Organizations such as The ReUse People of America are mentioned for their comprehensive deconstruction services, which aim to salvage and recycle up to 85% of materials. The guide then delves into the 'Anatomy of a Pop-Top,' detailing considerations for adding a second story to a home. It advises against overwhelming the original structure, emphasizing proportional additions set back from the facade. The article stresses the importance of carefully considering the roof form to maintain neighborhood rhythm and using materials that complement the existing home. It also advises sensitivity towards neighbors' sunlight access and privacy, and a recommendation to work within the home's original architectural style for authenticity. A successful pop-top designed by Studio Hoff Architecture is presented as an example. A 'Recipe For Reno Success' showcases a specific renovation project: a 1987 Craftsman home near Boulder. This case study highlights smart design moves in a kitchen modernization, such as hidden appliances, strategically placed outlets, and the use of frosted glass. It also discusses material choices, like tiling up to window openings for a clean look, and the current trend of mixing metal finishes. The 'Perfect Pairings' section offers style inspiration for kitchen updates, providing examples of cabinet, hardware, and tile combinations for various aesthetics: Mid-Mod, Traditional, Glam, Farmhouse, and Contemporary. Each style includes specific product recommendations to achieve a cohesive look. Finally, the article provides insights into 'For (Re)sale' value, with a real estate broker offering advice on renovations that yield the best return on investment, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It also warns against cutting corners on quality and making highly personalized design choices that might deter future buyers. The 'Bottom Line' section focuses on budgeting, advising thorough planning, setting aside an emergency fund (5-10% of the total budget), anticipating ancillary costs like temporary housing, and allocating funds for new furnishings. It also presents a 'Balancing Act' for splurging and saving, recommending investing in labor for tile installation, quality windows, and fixtures that are frequently touched, while potentially saving on expensive glass doors or decorative backsplashes that can be added later. The article concludes with 'The Hot List,' detailing current renovation trends, including heated bathroom floors, motorized window shades, smart home controls, walk-in pantries, elimination of upper kitchen cabinets, hidden TVs, specific material choices like Krion, matching countertops and backsplashes, waterfall edge countertops, matte black fixtures, and large-scale wallpaper prints. The 'Expert Advice' section lists the professionals consulted for the article, categorized by their expertise in architecture, building, design/build, and interior design. #HomeRenovation #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Budgeting #SustainableRenovation #PopTopAddition #KitchenRemodel #DenverRealEstate #ConstructionTrends

The article highlights 20 of the best patios and rooftops for outdoor dining and drinking in Denver and its surrounding areas, emphasizing the city's favorable weather conditions during summer. It provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking sun-soaked bars and restaurants, detailing locations, recommended drinks, and unique features of each establishment. The selections cater to a variety of preferences, ranging from casual breakfast burrito spots to upscale Spanish steak houses and vibrant gastropubs. Among the featured locations is 54thirty, situated on the 20th floor of the Le Méridien hotel in Downtown Denver, offering elevated views and a snack-focused menu with an impressive bubbly selection. Acreage in Lafayette provides panoramic views of Boulder, the Flatirons, and the Rocky Mountains, featuring Stem Ciders and a diverse food menu that includes duck confit poutine and bison short ribs, with a playground for children. Bonfire Burritos Arvada, unexpectedly, boasts a large, kid-friendly outdoor area with a turf play area and fire pit, serving breakfast burritos, tacos, bowls, and a full bar. BurnDown, a gastropub in Washington Park West, is noted for its fourth-floor rooftop bar offering 360-degree cityscape views, alongside lower-level walk-out decks. Corrida, an upscale Spanish steak house in Boulder, provides stunning Flatirons vistas from its fourth-floor rooftop patio and dining room, specializing in dry-aged Colorado beef and tapas. Duke’s Good Sandwiches & Burgers in Five Points offers an entirely patio-based dining experience with East Coast-style sandwiches, smash burgers, and lively atmosphere with games and live music. The Fainting Goat Pub in Capitol Hill features a cozy, living-room-sized rooftop patio with mountain views and serves traditional pub fare. FlyteCo Tower in Central Park, an aviation-themed brewery, offers a patio equipped with pingpong, lawn games, and an 18-hole mini-golf course, in addition to brewery tours of the former air traffic control tower. The Golden Mill in Golden provides a seat-yourself rooftop with views of Table Mountain and the Coors brewery, featuring a wide selection of self-pour beers, wines, and cocktails. Halo, located on the 19th floor of the new Kimpton Claret hotel at Belleview Station, boasts the highest open-air rooftop bar within Denver city limits, offering unparalleled views and a substantial food menu. Hey Kiddo in Berkeley offers a fourth-floor rooftop with peekaboo views of the neighborhood, focusing on creative dishes and cocktails, with a downstairs area serving Korean-influenced cuisine. Improper City in RiNo is highlighted for its dog-friendly, parking-lot-sized patio, featuring 36 taps and a rotating lineup of food trucks. Joy Hill in Platt Park is recognized for its wood-fired pizza, suds, and a rooftop deck with westward views, ideal for happy hour. Kisbee on the Roof at the Jacquard Hotel in Cherry Creek presents a stylish rooftop lounge with a pool, cabanas, and a new cocktail menu. Rare Bird, atop the Halcyon hotel in Cherry Creek, is described as one of the poshest spots for rooftop drinks, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled-cheese sandwiches, offering fire pits and private cabanas. Rook, Denver’s newest rooftop bar on the seventh floor of the Catbird hotel in RiNo, is dedicated to spirits and strategy with an impressive library of board games and shared pitchers. Rose & Thorn, part of RiNo’s newest apartment buildings, offers a rooftop bar and pool 16 floors up, with flame-grilled skewers and light bites. Schoolyard Beer Garden in the Golden Triangle, housed in a refurbished old school, features an expansive patio with shade trees, serving bratwursts, burgers, and Colorado brews, welcoming families and dogs. Sorry Gorgeous, a 12th-floor cocktail bar atop Novel RiNo, offers unobstructed views of Denver’s skyline and mountains from its stylish interior and open-air patio. Tamayo, overlooking Larimer Square in LoDo, provides a recently remodeled second-story patio with couches and pergolas, serving creative Mexican classics and a wide selection of tequilas. #DenverPatios #RooftopBars #OutdoorDining #DenverRestaurants #SummerSpots #CocktailBars #CraftBeer #MountainViews #FoodAndDrink

Portland, Oregon, a city celebrated for its vibrant food scene and artistic, relaxed atmosphere, offers a diverse range of cafes, bars, and restaurants with exceptional design. This article highlights ten establishments across the city that showcase creativity in both their culinary offerings and their interior aesthetics. First, Tusk, a Middle Eastern restaurant, embodies an "aggressively seasonal" and vegetable-forward menu. Its interior, designed by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, aims to evoke a "sitting-outside-under-a-shady-arbor feeling" through an elaborate framework of bleached wood dowels on the ceiling and custom shelving. The design contributes to a mini-vacation ambiance. Next, Virtuous Pie, a 100-percent plant-based pizza and ice cream shop, stands out with its chic interior by Bright Designlab. Inspired by a "modern picnic" concept, the space features gingham wallpaper, a custom-designed communal table, elegant brass lighting, a reclaimed wood counter, and dark green Muuto Nerd stools. Tea Bar, owned by Erica Indira Swanson, provides high-quality tea in a modern, soothing, and minimalist environment. The design incorporates classic Hans Wegner wishbone chairs, white walls, maple counters, and concrete floors, reflecting Swanson's Scandinavian heritage and focusing on quality. Bistro Agnes, a French comfort food restaurant by Greg and Gabrielle Denton, sought to create an elegant yet un-clichéd French bistro interior. The design started with Spanish floor tiles from Design and Direct Source, featuring mismatched patterns that balance coziness, approachability, and fun. This tile informed the rest of the bistro's palette, including camel leather banquettes and an aquamarine accent wall. Shizuku, led by Chef Naoko, offers authentic Japanese cuisine. The interior was designed by internationally renowned architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the Portland Japanese Garden. Kuma's team used suspended bamboo screens, oriented vertically, to create an ancient yet modern aesthetic. A dry garden by Sadafumi Uchiyama is a focal point, complemented by furniture crafted by Graham Bell. Driftwood Room, located in the Hotel DeLuxe, is a long-standing craft cocktail bar. Its cozy, dimly lit interior, characterized by exposed brick walls, a curved bar, a yellow serpentine booth, and low lighting, creates an intimate setting. Dame, an intimate neighborhood restaurant, focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine and natural wine. Designer Jasmine Vaughan of Maxwell Gray Interiors created a simple yet sophisticated palette. The space features lush Eskayel wallpaper, custom rift-cut white oak tabletops, a marble bar, restored original oak floors, white oak shelving by Jewell Hardwoods, and custom pendant lights by Nash Martinez of Current Collection. Han Oak, a non-traditional Korean-American family restaurant designed by Brett Schulz Architects, has an unconventional, welcoming space. Its interior features a patch of lawn, a rolling garage door, communal tables, open shelves, and a visible kitchen, reflecting the spontaneity of its menu. Dapper & Wise Coffee Roasters offers a modern and welcoming coffee bar experience. Its design elements include a timeworn chevron floor, brass lighting, handmade live-edge tables, Heath Ceramics tile, dark-hued Rifle Paper wallpaper, and brass sconces from Schoolhouse Electric, aiming for an approachable yet sophisticated atmosphere. Finally, Q, a reinvented restaurant by the former head chef and staff of Veritable Quandary, honors its original menu while featuring a new interior by Andee Hess of Osmose Design. Hess transformed a retail space using various wood species, black granite, Art Deco-inspired millwork, a rosewood coffered ceiling, a black banquette, and a black granite bar to create a sophisticated ambiance. #PortlandOregon #RestaurantDesign #InteriorDesign #FoodScene #ModernDesign #CafeInteriors #BarDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #PacificNorthwestCuisine

This article showcases four distinct kitchen designs in the Front Range area, highlighting both their aesthetic appeal and functional elements, along with smart material choices. Each kitchen caters to different needs and design preferences, offering inspiration for homeowners. The first kitchen, designed for a family of six in Loveland, emphasizes space and a connection to nature. The initial challenge involved removing a large fireplace and several walls to create an open, welcoming environment. Designer Brett La Hay incorporated a half-wall to discreetly house appliances while maintaining an expansive feel. The color palette draws inspiration from the outdoors, featuring brown, green, and gray tones, complemented by a walnut-topped island extension. Handmade bronze hardware with an organic texture on Artcraft Kitchens cabinets further reinforces the natural aesthetic, avoiding overly manufactured or shiny elements. Functionally, the kitchen includes double sinks and multiple workspaces for simultaneous cooking, along with hidden outlets and a concealed coffee station, addressing the practical needs of a large family. The second featured kitchen is a showstopper in a modern Cherry Creek North home, characterized by its centrally located, linear design and neutral palette. Designers Jed MacKenzie and William Landeros from Bulthaup created a discreet scullery behind a marble-tiled wall to hide prep work and dirty dishes, a practical solution for entertaining. The main kitchen, positioned as a focal point, uses clean lines, integrated appliances, and no wall cabinets. The cabinetry features Bulthaup’s slate gray graphite-and-anodized-aluminum paneling, which changes color with the light and harmonizes with various materials like white quartz composite countertops and shiny metal details. This minimalist design also prioritizes function with fingerprint-resistant paneling, heat-resistant counters, and ample storage, including recessed drawers and island storage. A bar area encourages guests to spread out within the open space. The third design, in a Cherry Hills Farm house, focuses on a thoughtful overhaul to achieve classic good looks and tailored detailing. The homeowners, New York City transplants with three young children, sought to replace the 1990s aesthetic of their newly acquired home with a clean, polished, yet casual design. Lead designer Jennifer Pruett, from Mandil Inc., implemented timeless white and gray William Ohs cabinets with a subtle double bevel for a refined touch. High-contrast black perimeter counters and oversized black-and-bronze pendant lights add elegance. A striking Ann Sacks mosaic above the range and a custom steel hood provide focal points. Durable granite on the island ensures the kitchen can withstand heavy use, making it both timeless and family-friendly. An adjacent bar area adds a glamorous touch with indigo William Ohs cabinets and an antique-mirror-inspired backsplash. Finally, a Littleton kitchen evokes a "European traditional" style, a unique request in the Denver area. Interior designer Katie Schroder of Atelier Interior Design achieved this aesthetic through sophisticated sage-green cabinets sourced from Open Cupboard, paired with dulled-gold hardware from Atlas Homewares. The design incorporates elements that create an Old-World feel, such as a patinaed copper hood and antique-brass Visual Comfort light fixtures that appear aged. A smartly furnished eating nook with a classical walnut Bernhardt dining table and a burgundy upholstered banquette further enhances the European ambiance, creating a space where individual elements combine to form a treasured, cohesive design. Each of these kitchens demonstrates how thoughtful design can meet diverse needs while maintaining a high level of aesthetic appeal and functionality. #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #DenverHomes #LuxuryKitchens #FamilyKitchens #ModernKitchens #ClassicDesign #EuropeanTraditional

This comprehensive guide highlights Denver's top home design resources, based on both Editors' Choice and Readers' Choice awards. The article identifies 46 premier shops and services, spanning various categories from home furnishings and kitchenware to architectural firms and landscape design. This is the fifth installment of the annual Top Denver Design contest, with this year introducing the dual recognition system. In the 'Shopping' section, the guide begins with 'Home Furnishings,' featuring CODA Studio, a Cherry Creek North showroom recognized for its bespoke modern pieces, excellent craftsmanship, natural textures, and exotic woods. CODA Studio, the Malibu-born company's first outpost, offers quick customization and design services. Design Wright Studios is noted as the Readers' Choice in this category. For 'Kitchenware,' White Peacock in Cherry Creek North is highlighted for its broad and stylish inventory of tabletop items, including china, crystal, glassware, flatware, and textiles from around the world, encouraging unique combinations. Peppercorn is the Readers' Choice. The 'Home Decor' section spotlights Miller Lane Mercantile in the Berkeley neighborhood, praised for its curated selection of small-batch goods, ceramics, candlesticks, and tableware, primarily from independent makers. Homebody receives the Readers' Choice. 'Antique & Vintage Furnishings' features Eron Johnson Antiques in the Valverde neighborhood, a sprawling showroom offering over 3,500 pieces, including furniture, lighting, accessories, and architectural salvage from various centuries and origins. Capsule is the Readers' Choice. For 'Lighting,' Circa Lighting in the Denver Design District is recognized for its timeless designs and offering of decorative fixtures from notable designers, accessible to both trade and public. Ultra Design Center is the Readers' Choice. 'Rug Shop' highlights Integral Thread (formerly Organic Looms Denver) in the Denver Design District, specializing in hand-knotted, natural-fiber, and custom-designed rugs with a focus on modern, tribal, geometric, and transitional styles. All products are environmentally sustainable and biodegradable. Artisan Rug Gallery is the Readers' Choice. 'Garden Shop/Nursery' features Birdsall & Co., with locations in Englewood and RiNo, offering an expansive inventory of plants, pots, fountains, garden accessories, and seasonal home decor, aiming to make gardens a comfortable extension of the home. City Floral Greenhouse & Garden Center is the Readers' Choice. 'Tile Shop' points to Julep Tile Company in Louisville, known for decorative tiles with a modern-vintage aesthetic, inspired by textile and wallpaper patterns. Decorative Materials is the Readers' Choice. 'Outdoor Furniture' showcases Creative Living in the Art District on Santa Fe, providing clean-lined modern furnishings from brands like Loll Designs and Cane-Line, alongside sculptures, fire pits, and minimalist fountains. HW Home is the Readers' Choice. For 'Household Supplies,' Joy Fill in northwest Denver is commended for its eco-friendly, non-toxic home and body products available for refill, promoting a reduction in plastic waste. Homefill Co. Refill Station is the Readers' Choice. Lastly, for 'Host Gift,' Bloom by Anuschka in Cherry Creek North is recommended for its lush floral arrangements and vibrant accents for home and wardrobe, including unique candles and exotic baubles. Homebody is also a Readers' Choice in this category. The 'Services' section begins with 'Architecture Firm,' recognizing Boss Architecture for its client-focused approach and diverse portfolio of residential and public projects, emphasizing refined spaces that balance form and function. Unum Collaborative is the Readers' Choice. 'Flooring' features Arrigoni Woods, a Colorado-based firm importing high-end European hardwoods with a focus on sustainable harvesting. T&G Flooring is the Readers' Choice. 'Custom Millwork/Cabinetry' highlights Kremer Inc., led by German-born fine woodworker David Kremer, known for custom cabinetry and furnishings inspired by European design's minimalism and traditional techniques. Bulthaup Denver is the Readers' Choice. 'Decorative Painter' showcases Magpie Painting, a one-woman company creating statement-making murals and intricate motifs for residential and commercial spaces, reflecting clients' stories. Pamela Grace (Coloured Paint) is the Readers' Choice. 'Landscape Design' features Elevate By Design, which creates residential landscapes designed for living, bringing innovation and site-sensitivity to projects from sprawling estates to urban lots. Design Workshop is the Readers' Choice. 'Interior Design Firm' highlights Cook Design House, known for creating approachable, stylish spaces with a nod to classic design, emphasizing collaboration and making the design process enjoyable. Inside Stories by Duet Design Group is the Readers' Choice. 'Florist' recognizes Sacred Thistle, a Golden Triangle boutique specializing in unusual and beautiful floral arrangements inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, incorporating unexpected elements and seasonal blooms. The Perfect Petal is the Readers' Choice. 'Design/Build Firm' features Chalet, admired for creating homes that resonate with their location and convey a sense of timelessness through a creative, story-driven approach. Christie's Design/Build Remodeling is the Readers' Choice. Finally, 'Kitchen/Bath Design' highlights Exquisite Kitchen Design, led by Mikal Otten, known for incorporating precisely engineered details and unexpected materials into artful and functional kitchen spaces. Kitchen Distributors is the Readers' Choice. The 'Art' section covers 'Artist,' featuring Detour (Thomas Evans), known for his commanding urban murals that pay tribute to victims of racial injustice, using abstract portraiture and vivid hues to give a voice to the voiceless. Michael Dowling is the Readers' Choice. 'Art Consultant' recognizes Nine Dot Arts, a Denver-born consultancy that transforms various spaces into vibrant, art-filled environments, exemplified by the Dairy Block pedestrian alley. Ann Benson Reidy is the Readers' Choice. Lastly, 'Art Gallery' highlights K Contemporary, an innovative LoDo gallery that, despite challenges, engaged the public with initiatives like the #ArtFindsUs project and live performances. Walker Fine Art is the Readers' Choice. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Denver's vibrant home design and art scene, providing inspiration and resources for various home improvement and aesthetic needs. #DenverDesign #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #Kitchenware #HomeDecor #AntiqueFurnishings #LightingDesign #RugBoutiques #GardenDesign #TileShops #OutdoorFurniture #SustainableLiving #ArchitecturalFirms #LandscapeDesign #ArtScene

Life House, a tech-driven hotel brand, distinguishes itself through a core philosophy of celebrating neighborhood heritage and identity through design, a strategy evident in its new Denver Lower Highlands (LoHi) property. This marks Life House's first expansion outside the eastern seaboard, following locations in Miami and Nantucket. The company’s in-house studio manages all creative aspects, from interior design to branding and digital content, ensuring a cohesive and thoughtful narrative. VP of Design Jenny Bukovec outlines their three-part approach: developing a locally rooted architectural story, creating a local character as a protagonist, and incorporating spirited cultural references to define the property’s personality. For the Life House Lower Highlands, the design draws inspiration from a 19th-century pioneer’s dwelling, juxtaposing Victorian-era opulence with contemporary industrial elements, mirroring LoHi's historic character. The hotel's exterior, a five-story building, leads into an interior that exudes a homey ambiance. The color palette features muted dusty grays, mustards, rusty reds, and saturated bluebell hues. To further evoke the homestead theme, the design incorporates honey-hued leathers and cowhides, parquet flooring, textured amber glass, and subtle nods to Colorado wildflowers. Throughout the hotel, vintage objects add whimsical touches. A notable piece is a Victorian three-panel leather screen from the late 1890s, hand-painted with motifs of the American Wild West frontier. Bukovec emphasizes the effort to infuse soul into the space, noting that some millwork and furniture, such as banquettes and bed frames, are custom-produced in Colombia. Walls are adorned with illustrative textiles, including wallpapers and murals hand-drawn by Lei Xing, an artist within the Life House team. A salvaged Victorian-era walnut armoire in the lobby features a curated selection of goods from Colorado vendors and candles with the hotel’s signature scent. The bespoke fragrance, a blend of bergamot, fig, vetiver, and cedar, permeates from the lobby and bar to the guest rooms. The 17-key hotel offers various room configurations, many specifically designed for group stays. Options include full-sized bunk chambers, king suites, and combined rooms accommodating up to eight guests. This innovative bunk layout, unique to Life House, provides privacy curtains and staircases instead of ladders, catering to adult travelers seeking communal yet personal spaces. Wildflower, the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar on the ground floor, offers a seasonal, vegetable-forward menu that blends Italian and Mexican flavors in tapas-style dishes, reflecting LoHi's history as an immigrant enclave. Desserts are presented on Victorian trolleys, accompanied by homemade lavender limoncello, amaro, and Colorado meads. Although indoor dining was restricted at the time of publication, Wildflower provided delivery, takeout, and in-room service. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel implemented safety protocols, including temperature checks for guests and staff, mandatory masks in public areas, and socially distanced seating, aiming to enhance Lower Highlands' hospitality scene. #HotelDesign #BoutiqueHotel #DenverTravel #InteriorDesign #Hospitality #ArchitecturalNarrative #VictorianEra #ColoradoCulture #GroupTravelAccommodation

Dell Anno Denver has opened its doors, showcasing a sophisticated range of cabinetry and custom solutions for kitchens, closets, and living spaces. The brand, which originated in an Italian community in southern Brazil in the early 1900s, has grown to include 50 monobrand stores and dealers across 10 countries, with this new Denver location representing its continued expansion. The 2,500-square-foot showroom is designed to offer an immersive experience, featuring various lifestyle vignettes that allow visitors to visualize products within realistic settings. These curated displays highlight a diverse array of textures, finishes, and configurations available for kitchens, closets, living areas, and bathrooms, guiding guests through a comprehensive tactile and visual journey. According to CEO Joe Bertola, Dell Anno Denver caters to the city's growing design community, which increasingly favors modern, globally inspired interiors. The brand distinguishes itself through a unique combination of customization, expert craftsmanship, and innovative design, appealing to architects, interior designers, and discerning homeowners. These professionals and clients seek luxury cabinetry and furniture solutions that are both highly functional and aesthetically artful, a demand Dell Anno aims to meet with its distinctive offerings. The company has ambitious plans for its future in the Denver market, intending to expand its presence within the luxury residential sector. This expansion will be achieved through strategic partnerships and collaborations with prominent figures in the design industry. In the upcoming months, the Dell Anno Denver showroom will serve as a venue for exclusive product showcases, seasonal design events, and special collaborations with renowned designers. These initiatives are designed to solidify Dell Anno's reputation as a premier destination in Colorado for contemporary luxury cabinetry, reinforcing its commitment to high-end design and client engagement. #DellAnnoDenver #LuxuryCabinetry #CustomKitchens #ClosetSolutions #InteriorDesign #DenverDesignCommunity #HomeDecor #ModernInteriors #ShowroomExperience

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

The article highlights six innovators in Denver who are using design ideas to address problems and foster significant developments within the city. These individuals and firms represent diverse fields, including real estate development, museum direction, furniture design, and home technology, all contributing to Denver's evolving aesthetic and functionality. Mike Blea and Breton Lujan, co-founders of Raw Creative, are presented as pioneers in a comprehensive design-build-fabricate model. Their firm handles architectural design, construction, and custom furnishing fabrication, creating unique commercial spaces like Señor Bear and Morin restaurants. Their integrated approach allows them to maintain control over design concepts, pushing boundaries that might challenge others unfamiliar with fabrication. They emphasize their hands-on involvement, from architectural planning to the actual building process, which they find rewarding. The co-founders recall solving budget constraints at Table 79 by manipulating inexpensive materials to achieve a high-end Scandinavian look and meticulously designing hair-cutting stations for Elle.B Salon Central based on observed stylist movements. Looking ahead, Raw Creative is exploring micro-housing concepts to address Denver's affordability issues and expanding into residential projects, focusing on modest, comfortable, and sustainable designs, particularly in areas like Aspen. Alex Capecelatro, co-founder and CEO of Josh.ai, introduces Josh, an AI-powered home assistant designed to understand natural human speech and control home automation systems. Unlike other voice assistants, Josh integrates advanced intelligence to monitor various home aspects, including energy usage, weather patterns, and even specific room locations to tailor responses. Josh Micro, the hardware component, is designed with aesthetic appeal, featuring a concave shape inspired by Richard Serra sculptures and an invisible LED ring that indicates listening and touch controls. The device primarily processes data locally, ensuring customer privacy. Capecelatro envisions future home technology focusing on health and wellness, with products monitoring indoor air quality, water quality, and sleep patterns to improve residents' lives. Jonathan Alpert, a partner at Westfield Company, discusses his firm's contributions to Denver's development, including the Mission Ballroom, Stanley Marketplace, and S*Park, a sustainable condo community with an urban farm. He explains how Westfield Company collaborated with AEG to develop the Mission Ballroom as part of the larger North Wynkoop project, which includes offices, retail, and future residential and hotel components. Alpert defines sustainable development as encompassing environmental, social, and economic viability, exemplified by S*Park's urban farm. He acknowledges the challenges of Denver's growth, particularly regarding housing affordability, and advocates for public-private partnerships, expedited permitting for affordable housing projects, and increased efforts to build more financially viable affordable homes to ensure Denver remains an inclusive and thriving city. Nora Burnett Abrams, the new director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA), shares her vision for the institution. Having previously worked at prestigious New York museums, Abrams highlights Denver's unique culture of risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit, which allows for greater artistic experimentation. She aims to build upon MCA's strong foundation, prioritizing support for local artists and expanding outreach to teen and young adult audiences, offering free admission for teens. Abrams also plans to embed the museum more deeply within the city through partnerships with other organizations, exploring topics beyond aesthetics, such as environmentalism, social justice, and mental health. She envisions MCA as a versatile space for both social gatherings and intellectual discovery, fostering curiosity and appreciation for contemporary culture. Richard Shirtcliffe, co-CEO of Noho, a Boulder and New Zealand-based furniture company, details his innovative approach to furniture design rooted in sustainability and human physiology. Motivated by the pervasive plastic pollution in oceans, Shirtcliffe co-founded Noho to create good-looking furniture from sustainable polymers and upcycled ocean plastic. His collaboration with Formway, a company known for dynamic comfort in commercial furniture, led to the development of chairs that support blood flow and improve cognitive function. Their first product, the Move Chair, is designed to flex and move with the body, made from repolymerized plastic, and features interchangeable wool toppers. Shirtcliffe emphasizes Noho’s mission to build a thriving business that positively impacts the world and individual well-being, starting with significant steps towards addressing environmental challenges through commerce. #DenverDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #SustainableDevelopment #HomeAutomation #UrbanPlanning #ContemporaryArt #FurnitureDesign #AffordableHousing #CircularEconomy

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

The perception and use of dining rooms have evolved significantly, moving from formal spaces to more casual kitchen dining, and now, to a blend of both. This shift has rendered certain design features and decisions outdated, making dining rooms appear dated in 2025 and beyond. Despite not being the highest-traffic area, the dining room holds considerable importance during hosting seasons, making it crucial for it to be timeless yet on-trend, functional yet aesthetic, and relaxed yet occasion-ready. One significant cliché to avoid is the use of banquettes in formal dining rooms. While banquette seating offers coolness, comfort, and additional storage, designers argue that it is misplaced in a formal setting, often creating awkward situations during dinner parties. Instead, fully upholstered dining chairs are making a comeback, adding softness, texture, and ease. Reupholstering heirloom or vintage chairs with modern fabrics like linen or cotton can update their look, making them feel fresh and less formal. For families, wipeable fabrics like leather are recommended to maintain beauty and livability, aiming for an elegant yet approachable dining space where people want to linger. Another outdated trend is oversized chandeliers. Historically, grand chandeliers were a must-have in formal dining rooms, signifying decadence and status. However, designers are now moving away from this, opting for more unexpected and contemporary lighting fixtures. With dining rooms increasingly being combined with semi-open concept kitchens or repurposed into new spaces, a large, heavy chandelier can overwhelm the area, especially when combined with other statement lighting. Artistic, asymmetrical, and odd-shaped chandeliers, or those incorporating color beyond traditional neutrals, are suggested to add a unique dimension and visual interest. Single-use formal dining rooms are also considered a cliché. Many dining rooms previously went unused for most of the year, becoming mere storage spaces. Modern design emphasizes multifunctional rooms that reflect contemporary living, moving beyond just a few holiday meals. Designers are creating dining rooms that double as home libraries, lounges, or game rooms, making them inviting spaces for everyday use. This transformation involves incorporating plush chairs, layered lighting, and a mix of textures to encourage lingering. Adding bookshelves or a casual seating area can easily introduce multiple functions without a full remodel. Additionally, "museum-piece" designs, characterized by overly formal, stiff, and generic interiors, are losing relevance. The trend of filling dining rooms with matching furniture sets and builder-grade lighting is fading. Instead, homeowners are embracing character-driven, lived-in elegance, focusing on collected, personal, and integrated designs. This involves incorporating historic architectural details, interesting color stories, statement lighting, and a mix of vintage pieces. The emphasis is on creating a space with patina and warmth that invites conversation, rather than a perfect, untouched display. Finally, perfectly matched dining chair sets are another cliché to abandon. Similar to how matching bedroom suites are discouraged, all-matching dining furniture lacks character and fails to achieve a cohesive look. While banquette-style nooks are preferred in open-plan spaces for their intimate and cozy feel, for more formal dining rooms, mixing and matching chairs is recommended. This can involve placing different chairs at the head of the table or adopting a fully mismatched look. Shopping vintage is an excellent way to achieve a collected and characterful aesthetic, provided a common thread like material, upholstery color, or pattern is maintained across the chairs. #DiningRoomDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #OutdatedDesign #ModernLiving #BanquetteSeating #LightingFixtures #MultifunctionalSpaces #VintageFurniture