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      Gachot Studios refreshes lounge at The Metropolitan Opera in New York

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      New York-based Gachot Studios has redesigned the patrons lounge at The Metropolitan Opera, imbuing the space with rich materials like textured wallpaper, black granite and brass accents.

      Gachot Studios transformed the Keebler J Straz Lounge while keeping the 1,861-square-foot space aligned with its ornate surroundings.
      The bar at the refreshed Keebler J Straz Lounge features a matte brass front and black stone topStudio founders and opera lovers John and Christine Gachot have a personal connection to the venue, which is part of the Lincoln Center complex designed by American architect Wallace K Harrison and opened in 1966.
      “Our son, who attended LaGuardia High School, would walk past The Met Opera every day on his way to school,” said the couple. “As New Yorkers, we value city institutions like The Met with its incredible history and cultural influence.”
      Wall-to-wall carpet in a rust hue complements the palette chosen for furnitureThe lounge was originally designed by late American decorator Billy Baldwin, and Gachot Studios referenced his layout and some of the furnishings as part of the redesign.

      “It had an intimate residential feel with various deep sofas defining seating areas,” said Gachot Studios. “The new furniture layout draws inspiration from Baldwin’s thoughtful arrangement with four lounge seating groups.”
      Brass accents including bar-top lighting are found throughout the patron’s loungeA series of upholstered screens that were once used to delineate the different lounge areas were reinterpreted as walnut-framed panels that direct guest flow from the entrance and conceal the back-of-house door.
      The arc-shaped bar is fronted by matte brass panels and topped with a curved slab of black granite.
      Seating and tables from Roche Bobois were customised to accommodate guests of all agesBronze-tinted mirrors in the back bar area reflect the room’s gold-painted ceiling and provide a mount surface for delicate shelving and a vintage clock.
      Sheer drapes are hung across the windows, and the wall are covered in textured wallpaper between vertical bands of polished brass.

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      Rust-coloured wall-to-wall carpet provides a plush finish underfoot, and complements the palette of furniture pieces in cream, blush, caramel, oxblood, and various brown and black tones.
      The seating and tables from French brand Roche Bobois were customised “to accommodate for patrons of all ages” Gachot Studios said.
      Textured wallpaper sits between vertical strips of polished brassA dining area behind the bar is also provided for those wanting to sit more formally or use the space for meetings.
      Architectural lighting is kept to a minimum so as not to detract from the ceiling, while sconces, floor lamps and table lamps by Hudson Valley Lighting offer a warm glow.
      Black and white photos from The Metropolitan Opera’s history adorn the wallsThe majority of the furniture and decor can be rearranged to accommodate events beyond the use of the space before performances or during intermissions.
      “In a building that requires a balance between grandeur and practicality, the lounge is no different,” said the studio.
      Gachot Studios reinterpreted the screens originally designed for the lounge by Billy BaldwinElle Décor magazine collaborated with the opera and the studio to secure furnishings and fittings for the project.
      Founded in 2012, Gachot Studios has completed several hospitality and commercial projects across the US.
      These range from boutique hotels in Detroit and Washington DC, to the New York flagship store for cosmetics brand Glossier.
      The photography is by William Jess Laird.

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      Studio Tarea creates “90s fever dream” inside pink Richmond eatery

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      Pink walls, carpet and upholstery define this intimate restaurant and cocktail bar in Richmond, Virginia, designed by locally based Studio Tarea.

      Pink Room was created in a former studio apartment, transformed into what Studio Tarea describes as “a 90s fever dream where you can have a cocktail made from concrete”.
      A studio apartment was transformed to create the compact Pink RoomThe team renovated the space for chef Brittanny Anderson, creating an 18-seat restaurant in which she can cook a weekly updated menu while conversing with her guests.
      “Between the short timeline, the tiny footprint, and the client’s vision of bright colors and funky textures, it was a test for us,” said studio co-founder Nolan Beck Rivera.
      The restaurant’s large windows are veiled with silver-bead curtainsWith partner Cameron Billinghurst, the studio looked to girls’ bedrooms in the 1990s that featured Spice Girls posters and fluffy bedding as primary references.

      The aim was to elevate this nostalgic aesthetic with materials including glass and polished metal to offset the bright colours and plush textures. “We found a nice balance between our modernist tastes and Brittanny’s maximalist vision,” Rivera said.
      Glass and metal tables were chosen to offset the all-pink paletteThick-piled carpet with colour-blocked patterning forms a soft covering across the floor, helping to dampen acoustic echoes
      Across the ceiling, a collage created by artist Monsieur Zohore depicts women in pop culture with food.
      Food is plated and served from a small open kitchen, from which the chef can converse with her guestsFrom the compact kitchen, food is plated and passed to a peninsula with bar seats for four, or served to the five glass and metal tables.
      Two four-tops are positioned in the centre of the room, while three two-tops share a cushioned and upholstered banquette along the wall.
      Several pop-culture references are sprinkled throughout the interiorLarge windows are veiled in silver-bead curtains that partially conceal the view from the street.
      Smoked polycarbonate sliding doors disguise the powder room, in the apartment’s former bathroom past the kitchen, where a vintage mirror hangs above basin.

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      A trio of polished nickel sconces are mounted on the dining room wall, while three glossy ceramic pendants hang above the peninsula.
      Additional cove and under-shelf lighting glow orange and pink as the evening service draws later, adding to the experience.
      The mood is set by lighting that includes nickel-plated sconces”Part of the experience of eating there is looking around at the unique light fixtures, trying to find the hidden Miss Piggies, spotting pop-culture references,” said Rivera.
      “Obviously Brittanny’s food is the centrepiece, but the interiors really complement it.”
      The apartment bathroom was upgraded to a powder room, which includes a vintage mirrorPink in its many shades is a popular choice for restaurant decor, from Ken Fulk’s pastel-hued Swan in Miami to the bold monochrome JAM Record Bar in Sydney by Akin Atelier.
      Meanwhile, other eateries that have taken a different monochromatic approach include the all-blue Only Love Strangers in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, and the buttery yellow San Sabino the West Village.
      The photography is by Nolan Beck Rivera.

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      YSG adds 1970s-style elements to Sydney’s Superfreak cafe

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      Australian studio YSG has added carpet-lined seating, cork flooring and high-gloss green paint to the Superfreak cafe in Sydney.

      Located in the city’s Marrickville suburb, the space was converted from an ice cream factory into a pilates studio, which is located at the rear and the Superfreak cafe on the street front.
      YSG has completed interiors with 1970s motifs for the Superfreak cafe in SydneyDrawing on a relaxed 1970s-style aesthetic, YSG opted for a colour palette of pale sandy yellows, avocado greens and deep earthy brown tones.
      Contributing to the retro feel are checked brown and green cafe curtains, as well as vintage furniture pieces including a low, tile-clad wooden table and timber dining chairs sourced from online marketplace 1stDibs.
      A semi-enclosed lounge-like seating area is off to the left of the entranceTo the left of the entrance, a large U-shaped timber banquette made with maple joinery marks out the main seating area It was upholstered in soft brown carpet material often associated with 1970s interiors.

      The deep wrap-around, bench-style seating has inbuilt storage and an integrated plinth containing a record player and vinyl storage cavity.

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      “Our clients wanted a space where locals felt like they could hang out,” YSG director Yasmine Saleh Ghoniem told Dezeen. “Also, they wanted to welcome pilates students to stretch out comfortably post-class.”
      “A key component was to build sunken lounge-like seating via banquettes that created a cosy enclosure,” she continued.
      Banquette-style seating with maple timber joinery is upholstered in a plush brown carpet materialReplacing the previously all-white decoration, YSG used glossy green paint for the walls and ceiling surrounding the timber service counter.  A statement lamp crafted by American artist Autumn Casey sits on top of the wooden counter.
      “Possessing a child-like expression of a classic Tiffany lamp, we granted it pride of place by the entrance beside the coffee machine,” said Ghoneim.
      Elsewhere, the cafe is illuminated by an array of rice paper lanterns and vintage sconces paired with an angular wall lamp by Olivia Bossy.
      The ceiling and walls surrounding the service counter are painted in a high-gloss greenThe same brown carpet material used for the lounge seating was also added to the exterior of an open kitchen counter and the tops of its high stool seats.
      Above the counter, the ceiling and suspended storage shelves were painted in a high-gloss green.
      Brown carpet material also lines the top of the bar stoolsA mural of a leafy green garden scene by Creative Finish was painted across concealed storage and refrigeration space behind the bar, with a gold-toned corner mirror feature off to the side.
      While the clients initially intended to continue the brown carpet for the floor, YSG opted for cork flooring instead due to the nature of the space as a hospitality setting.
      “Prioritising tonal and textural interest, we laid spongey caramel-hued sealed cork underfoot, also aiding the acoustics,” said Ghoneim.
      The facade of the building was also painted greenTaking cues from the interior concept, the building’s facade was painted green with a street-side coffee hatch cutout incorporated for takeaway orders.
      Other projects by YSG recently featured on Dezeen include a seaside home renovation in Byron Bay and a suburban home in Sydney finished with sumptuous materials intended to evoke a boutique hotel feel.
      Photography is by Phillip Huynh.

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      Plantea Estudio creates “frank and efficient German ambience” inside Acid Berlin bakery

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      Spanish practice Plantea Estudio has completed the interior of Acid bakery in Berlin, which features a palette of austere and functional materials chosen to echo its urban context.

      Acid Berlin is located on a corner lot in the city’s central Mitte district, with large ground-floor windows looking out onto Rosenthaler Strasse and Auguststrasse.
      Plantea Estudio has designed the interior of the latest Acid bakery in BerlinHaving previously designed the bakery’s original outlet in Madrid, Plantea Estudio opted for a similar pared-back style with nods to Mitte’s gritty urban character.
      The main materials used throughout the public areas include chestnut wall panelling and red Ferrés tiles, which contrast with the more austere sections finished in stainless steel and grey paint.
      The interior is reflective of Mitte’s gritty urban character”The aim was to achieve a frank and efficient German ambience and at the same time a temperate refuge, a Mediterranean ‘nativity scene’ in the harsh urban territory of Berlin’s city centre,” said the designers.

      The premises are located on the ground floor of a residential building, with large wood-framed windows providing a visual connection to the streets outside.
      Orange resin flooring reflects on the surfaces of stainless-steel machineryThe L-shaped internal plan is organised with the workshop area on the longer side towards Auguststrasse and the cafe space facing Rosenthaler Strasse.
      Ovens, fermenters, mixers and office equipment are arranged along the bakery’s back wall in front of stainless-steel panels that produce gentle reflections of the goings-on.
      Tables for kneading and rolling are positioned in the centre of the room facing the windows, so passers-by can observe the bakers at work.
      The cafe counter is clad entirely in stainless steelThis space also features a robust orange resin floor that complements the tonality of the tiled public areas and is reflected on the surfaces of the stainless-steel machinery.
      The cafe area is organised around a six-metre-long counter containing a glass display case for pastries and space for coffee-making equipment.
      The counter is clad entirely in stainless steel, giving it a utilitarian aesthetic that ties in with the materiality of the bakery.

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      Behind the counter is a steel worktop and shelving system where bread is displayed in front of semi-opaque panels with a subtle orange-white gradient that allows a partial view through to the work area.
      Tables, benches and stools by Copenhagen brand Frama are arranged along the facades and back walls so customers feel immersed in the cityscape.
      Semi-opaque panels allow a partial view through to the work area at the backPlantea Estudio drew directly from the restrained forms, materials and tonality of the urban surroundings to design a space that feels raw yet refined.
      “It is simple and austere, practical and functional, like the city but in no small measure warm and welcoming, bold and spontaneous like its inhabitants,” said the studio.
      Tables, benches and stools are arranged along the facades and back wallsWoodwork, ceiling panels and bare brick walls are painted a unifying shade of light grey that echoes the simplicity and functionality of the adjacent mid-rise apartment buildings.
      The panelled walls and red-clay tiles used for the flooring and built-in bench seating introduce warmer tones and bring an expressive touch of handmade quality to the space.
      The tables feature white polyethylene tops set on chrome bases that add a further reflective element, while the birch stools provide another natural detail alongside the grain of the chestnut panelling.
      Simple lighting fixtures includes wall sconces from Santa & ColeSimple lighting including wall sconces from Spanish brand Santa & Cole and a classic Japanese-style paper lantern provide gentle illumination.
      Ceramic works by female artists Raquel Riola, Wendy Taylor and Saeam Kwon were chosen to add textural highlights that complement the character of the interior.
      Decorative ceramic works add textural highlights that complement the interiorPlantea Estudio was founded by brothers Lorenzo and Luis Gil in 2012, with Carla Morán joining in 2017. Much of the studio’s work focuses on smaller projects including hotels, family homes, restaurants, cafes, shops and offices.
      The studio’s output is characterised by a careful consideration of materials and fabrication, with previous examples including a store for footwear brand Veja featuring raw finishes and brutalist details, and a minimalist restaurant that uses plywood and chipboard to create a light and warm ambiance.
      The photography is by Marina Denisova.

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      Lebanese street food informs interior of Common Breads bakery by MA Studio

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      A traditional Lebanese bread influenced design elements at this bakery in London by local firm MA Studio, where it’s the primary item on the menu.

      Common Breads on Buckingham Palace Road, close to Victoria station, celebrates the centuries-old Middle Eastern food staple of kaak.
      Common Breads was designed as a celebration of kaak breadIn Beirut, the bread is crafted from simple ingredients, covered in sesame seeds and moulded into an identifiable “purse” shape with a hole at the top, which allows vendors to hang the roll from a rig attached to their bicycles.
      “Inspired by this quintessential street food, a passionate trio of friends decided to bring the story of kaak to London,” said MA Studio, led by Selma Akkari and Rawan Muqaddas.
      The poured floor is speckled to look like sesame seedsThe studio designed the bakery’s interior to introduce the bread to new audiences in a contemporary setting.

      Formerly an office, the 65-square-metre space at street level was transformed with warm materials and nods to the heritage of the snack it serves.
      Kaak bread is also displayed in a window that looks into the kitchenThe original facade was altered to include two prominent reinforced columns at the entrance, while large windows create a connection between the outdoor patio and the indoor areas.
      “The interior design interprets the vernacular vocabulary of Lebanese architecture through a curated palette of materials,” MA Studio said.
      Caramel-toned wood creates a portal into the main service areaBeyond the glass door is a white-walled space with a speckled floor that mimics the appearance of sesame seeds.
      This room offers seating on built-in window benches, facing a glass panel that allows a glimpse at the preparation process in the kitchen behind and creates an opportunity to display the kaak on metal hooks.

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      A caramel-toned wooden frame references typical Lebanese architecture and creates a portal into the main service area.
      Here, two perpendicular counters are wrapped in checkerboard tiles that playfully suggest the patterns of backgammon – a popular community pastime in Lebanon.
      A white-painted room has bench seating built under the windowsTo adorn the walls above the two-top tables, Beirut lighting brand Fabraca Studios designed custom metal sconces that resemble kaak, complete with the signature hole at the top.
      “This thoughtful integration of traditional elements creates an immersive cultural experience, inviting customers to step into a space where the essence of Lebanese hospitality and culinary tradition come alive, offering a true taste of Beirut in the heart of London,” said MA Studio.
      Checkered counters provide a nod to backgammon boardsBefore joining forces, Akkari and Muqaddas ran separate studios in New York and London respectively, and collaborated on the interiors of a “minimal but warm” Brooklyn apartment.
      Muqaddas also previously designed the Sloane Street Deli in the UK capital, which features green tiles and bentwood chairs.
      The photography is by Felix Speller.

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      Claves evokes classic Parisian bistro interiors at cafe Le Cornichon

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      French design studio Claves has transformed the interior of a Paris cafe, introducing bespoke retro-style decor that mirrors the architecture of local bars and tobacconists from the 1930s to the present day.

      Claves founders Laure Gravier and Soizic Fougeront were assigned to craft a space fuelled by nostalgia and French tradition for the reopening of Le Cornichon, a contemporary neighbourhood cafe, bar and restaurant owned by Bertrand Chauveau and Paul Henri.
      Claves has redesigned a contemporary neighbourhood cafe to evoke Parisian bistros”As the owners’ aim was to create a place where people from all backgrounds could come and go from morning to night, every day of the week, the decor had to lend itself to all kinds of scenes”, the design studio told Dezeen.
      “The morning coffee while reading the paper, the business lunch, the aperitif with friends, the romantic dinner, the evening out.”
      The interior of Le Cornichon incorporates nostalgic chrome fittings and laminate detailsLe Cornichon is positioned on a corner site, its facade and architecture designed to be indistinguishable from that of a local Parisian bar or tobacconist.

      “These are highly identifiable but timeless places, which don’t refer to any particular period, or rather which cross the eras by adjusting as they go along”, said Claves.
      Touches of different period styles are reflected in the cafe’s decor. Its interior was completely redone from floor to ceiling, and Claves also redesigned the bay windows and blinds for its facade.
      A glossy lacquered wave ceiling is highlighted by painted walls with textured plasterClaves designed the cafe’s speckled mosaic flooring to reflect the typical architecture of the 1930s, while the creation of a glossy lacquered wave ceiling was a nod to 1950s Italy.
      Textured plaster was applied to painted walls to create contrast and highlight the ceiling.
      “We used the classic palette of Parisian bistros, including Bordeaux red, bottle green, cream and chrome details”, said the design studio.

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      The counter and waiter station of the bar are covered in laminate travertine effect panels in matt red, with walnut effect worktops in gloss black.
      Le Cornichon’s bar was clad in laminate fittings reminiscent of Formica, a material invented at the beginning of the 20th century and used in many post-war bars and tobacconists.
      Neon green bar lights pay homage to the space-age design style of the 1960s”We wanted customers to feel comfortable and at home very quickly, that there would be ‘regulars’,” said Claves. “That’s why we’ve taken the codes that everyone knows and built a space that’s rhythmic, harmonious and punctuated with amusing details.”
      1980s-style mirrors and chrome rod strips, inside and on the facade, add shine and give rhythm to the space. The studio also added neon-green lights to evoke the space-age design style of the 1960s and lend a party atmosphere to the cafe.
      A decorative ‘smoke’ frieze aligns the velvet-padded banquette seating area”We also wanted to create a very cinematic space, like in Cédric Klapisch’s film Un air de famille,” explained the design studio. “This is reflected in strong markers such as the painted ‘smoke’ frieze and the fresco in the toilets.”
      The decorative frieze, which evokes wisps of smoke, was created by decorative painter Mauro Ferreira.
      Le Cornichon’s toilet displays a fresco mural paintingAccompanying laminate tables are green banquettes padded in thick velvet, which were custom-designed and produced by a Parisian workshop in the style of typical comfortable cafe bench seating.
      Wave-shaped backrests echo the ceiling design and the wisps of smoke in the frieze. Chromed steel and black artificial-leather chairs were also custom-designed and made by another local workshop.
      Numerous items were hunted down by the design studio to add a patina element to the interior, including the washbasin, mirror and bar lights.
      “The pinball machine was hired from a vintage arcade game enthusiast and the postcard holder was bought from a specialist website,” said Claves.
      Before founding Claves in 2022, Gravier and Fougeront gained experience working together over several years for French interior designer Pierre Yovanovitch.
      Other retro cafe, bar and restaurant interiors that have recently been featured in Dezeen include the Fika restaurant in Almaty, Kazakhstan, by NAAW Studio and the Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar Aspen in Aspen, Colorado, by Giampiero Tagliaferri Studio.
      The photography is by Matteo Verzini.

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      Tatjana von Stein fills Mallorcan members’ club interior with the colours of Palma

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      London-based design studio Tatjana von Stein has created a warm and colourful interior for private members’ club Làlia in Palma, Mallorca.

      Set in a historic townhouse overlooking Placa de Santa Eulalia, Làlia was restored and renovated in collaboration with local practice Gras Reynès Arquitectos.
      Tatjana von Stein has designed the Làlia members’ club in PalmaAcross four levels, the members’ club features work and leisure spaces including a restaurant, bar, gym and private art and event spaces.
      According to studio founder Tatjana von Stein, Mallorcan design was “a huge influence, but gently nodded to” in Làlia’s interior.
      Làlia’s interior is filled with decorative vintage findsA jewel-toned palette was implemented throughout to pay homage to the colours of the Palma region.

      “The Thorvaldson museum in Copenhagen is a huge inspiration for colour-blocking rooms, which I then localised with the colours of Palma – the green, yellow, terracotta buildings throughout the town,” von Stein told Dezeen.
      These local colours run through the pistachio green wall drapery in the dining areas and the banquette seating upholstered in red and terracotta velvet from artisanal workshop Textil Bujosa.
      Yellow upholstery was inspired by Mallorcan buildingsThe dining tables crafted from pyrolave lava stone were also commissioned in Palma’s signature colours.
      Contemporary elements were injected into the interior to add “a touch of indulgence and personality”, von Stein explained.
      Tatjana von Stein worked with local craftspeople for the project”Overall our drive was to reinterpret local colours, textures and materials from a new point of view, specific to the location and the brand we were creating,” she added.
      In the main lounge, vivid red-lacquered wood panelling is paired with a statement leopard print carpet alongside antique furniture and decorative vintage finds.
      The main lounge area features a reclaimed marble fireplaceOther graphic elements were added to the interior via the yellow-striped walls and checkerboard fabric ceiling panels in the dining areas.
      During the renovation process, Tatjana von Stein and Gras Reynès Arquitectos worked together to “bring to life existing features and repurpose what could be saved”.
      Gras Reynès Arquitectos worked with von Stein to renovate the buildingIn the dining areas, reclaimed tiled flooring was reinstalled and a reclaimed marble fireplace was fitted in one of Làlia’s main lounge areas.
      “We salvaged the old tiles of the building and designed fountains from them, as well as utilising them where possible as flooring,” said the studio.
      Original floor tiling was restored and reinstated in the interiorThe design studio also collaborated with several Mallorca-based artisans and craftspeople for the project.
      “We worked with the local mountain stones, local textiles and fabricated nearly everything on the island to localise the project with a new design twist,” von Stein told Dezeen. “It was an incredible challenge to really work locally and sustainably.”
      Làlia’s bathrooms feature local Binissalem stone carved into bespoke sinks by Palma-based stone masonry studio D’aigo.
      The interior “gently nods” to traditional Mallorcan designFurniture studio La Pecera Mallorca was responsible for the bar stools while local carpenters Ducoin crafted large wooden tables for Làlia’s workspaces.
      Mallorcan artist and stonemason Diego Sanchez Barcelo also created a bespoke hand-carved bench for the garden area.
      Artist Diego Sanchez Barcelo created a bespoke bench for the garden”The key was to create a flow of spaces which all have their own identities and purpose that makes you want to come back,” von Stain said.
      Other projects featured on Dezeen by Tatjana von Stein, formerly known as Sella Concept, include the Locke hotel in Zurich, Switzerland and an office interior for tech company Sidewalk.
      The photography is by Clemente Vergara.

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      Laurence Bonnel creates tactile restaurant interior informed by Japanese archipelago

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      Artworks are dotted throughout the interior of restaurant L’Abysse Monte Carlo in Monaco, for which its designers Laurence Bonnel and Rowin Atelier took cues from the Seto Inland Sea archipelago.

      Bonnel, who led the design and is the founder of Paris art gallery Scene Ouverte, also drew on the food served at the restaurant when creating the design.
      Headed up by chef Yannick Alléno and sushi connoisseur Yasunari Okazak, L’Abysse Monte Carlo mixes French cuisine with Japanese culinary traditions.
      L’Abysse Monte Carlo has an interior filled with artwork”The design has been inspired by the atmosphere Yannick Alléno wanted for the Abysse – precious and warm, a French vision of the way you feel in Japan,” Bonnel told Dezeen.
      “The sea, as it is a sushi restaurant, has also inspired the design,” she added.

      “Monte Carlo’s unique blend of French Riviera chic and international flair also influenced the design. I also wanted to create a sense of clarity, so upon entering, one feels immediately transported, as if stepping away from the world.”
      Pale pink chairs contrast against a dark blue rugBonnel has mixed materials including marble, travertine, wood, ceramics and velvet for the interior of the 90-square-metre restaurant, which is located inside the Hôtel Hermitage in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
      “I worked with ceramic and porcelain for their connection to Japanese ‘savoir-faire’, and the special soul they bring to a space – I’m an absolute lover of ceramics,” Bonnel explained.
      “The Versylis marble has a light grey tone with a hint of pink  – I went to choose the panels myself and it is reminiscent of a Japanese mountain drawing inside the stone,” she added. “I chose velvet fabric to bring the softness and warmth.”
      The Coral Wall installation adds texture to the spaceL’Abysse Monte Carlo’s interior also features artworks that evoke the sea, including artist William Coggin’s Coral Wall installation.
      “Art always enhances an interior, it gives life and soul to a space,” Bonnel said. “It also gives a special, sweet, warm atmosphere with a spectacular effect: you feel to be in a special place while feeling very comfortable.”
      The white ceramic wall decorations feature 3D forms that rise from the surface and resemble coral reefs, sand dunes and ocean waves.
      “The coral colour of William’s ceramic wall was the first choice, followed by the very light wood of the bar, which led me to the Versylis marble,” Bonnel said.
      An indigo rug fills the floor at L’Abysse Monte CarloBonnel worked with Rowin Atelier on a large indigo rug that covers the restaurant floor and nods to the indigo dye Ao blue, which is traditionally produced on the island of Shikoku near the Seto Sea and used for prints.
      “I wanted to retain the dark blue from the Paris location [of the hotel], so I collaborated with Rowin Atelier to incorporate this colour into the rug, creating a wave-like effect,” Bonnel explained.

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      “The sofas, also dark blue, are part of this wave,” she added. “I chose the soft pink seats to complement the Versylis marble and add warmth.”
      The restaurant also features pieces by artists Célia Bertrand, Silver Sentimenti and Caroline Désile.
      Designer Laurence Bonnel drew on influences from France and JapanThe decision to base the restaurant on the Seto Inland Sea archipelago came about as it has a recognisable geography, which is often depicted on the Japanese prints made with dye from the Shikoku island.
      “The Seto Inland Sea, with its thousands of islands and jagged coastline, served as our inspiration,” Rowin Atelier told Dezeen.
      “Our aesthetic desire was based on Japanese prints (Ukiyo-e) and the indigo colour, combined with the region’s distinctive geography,” the studio added.
      “It is also an idea of the shore where the waves run aground. The Shikoku island is the traditional island of indigo culture.”
      Soft pink seats were chosen to add warmth to the spaceOther Japanese restaurants recently featured on Dezeen include one in Los Angeles decorated with fallen street trees and another in Paris with an interior informed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs.
      The photography is by Sébastien Veronese.

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