Subterms
Montreal-based architecture office Future Simple Studio has designed minimalist interiors with white oak and textured concrete for a sushi restaurant in Quebec City. More
Architecture studio Bindloss Dawes has renovated an 18th-century pub in Somerset, England, to create an “intimate” new home for the Osip farm-to-table restaurant.
Helmed by chef Merlin Labron-Johnson, Michelin-starred Osip was located on Bruton High Street in Somerset until August of this year, when it was transferred to a nearby Georgian pub built in 1730.
Bindloss Dawes has created a new home for OsipLocal architecture office Bindloss Dawes stripped the three-storey building back to its original shell by removing a series of recent additions. The studio also stabilised the pub’s existing stone walls and relayed its slate roofs.
Rewashed in white lime, the textured facade is characterised by limestone door and window frames, which complement the surrounding planted garden that supports Osip’s seasonal menu.
An open theatre kitchen features floor-to-ceiling glazingOn the interior, Bindloss Dawes sought to illuminate the ground-floor restaurant with natural light while retaining a sense of the pub’s former character.
Low, beamed ceilings feature across the seating area, which overlooks an open kitchen framed by floor-to-ceiling glazing and crowned by a geometric skylight.
Earthenware flooring was laid across the seating area”The original Osip had a road-facing window and a small serving hatch, giving diners a limited view of the kitchen,” studio co-founder Oliver Bindloss told Dezeen.
“In the new restaurant, we have opened up new windows and the garden to create wide views of the surrounding landscape.”
The kitchen includes chunky bar stoolsBindloss Dawes chose a palette of natural materials when dressing the interior spaces.
A deep red, locally sourced earthenware floor was laid across the seating area in a nod to the pub’s original charred crimson clinker floors. The breathable material was also selected for its acoustically absorbent properties.
Artist Max Bainbridge hand-carved a knobbly timber barArtist Max Bainbridge of Somerset studio Forest + Found hand-carved a knobbly central drinks bar out of local timber gathered from the neighbouring woods, while abstract artworks add subtle colour to the otherwise white-washed walls.
The kitchen is defined by a mixture of stainless steel, timber accents and chunky bar stools upholstered in Somerset textiles. Dimmable lighting was fitted throughout the restaurant to enhance a setting where diners can “focus on the food”, according to Bindloss.
William Floyd Maclean designs modular timber furniture that “considers a wider picture”
“The interior design is intimate, filled with natural light and open to the landscape,” said the studio co-founder.
“Osip’s materials and makers represent the same things as its food – locally sourced and representing the best of Somerset and the south west,” he added.
Osip includes a garden for growing seasonal produceBindloss Dawes also restored the building’s first and second floors, which extend into the original roof rafters and house four double guestrooms with en-suite bathrooms, furnished to reflect the downstairs restaurant.
The studio opened its Bruton practice in 2018 and has completed Somerset projects ranging from the renovation of a Grade II-listed house in Pitcombe with a contemporary timber extension to a car barn for a classic Porsche collector.
The photography is by Dave Watts.
Read more: More
For our latest lookbook, we look at the interiors of contemporary pizzerias across the globe, including a pink vegan restaurant in London and a Mexico City space informed by a neighbouring church.
From New York City to Italy, its country of origin, pizza is a beloved delicacy across the world. As a result, the humble pizzeria is trafficked by many, with some visitors whisking away a two-dollar slice and others packed into a booth to convene around a shared pie.
The pizzerias below showcase a wide variety of styles, each boasting unique and eclectic features that display a careful consideration for a space often held in high regard by its customers.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring soothing cabin interiors, versatile futons and daybeds and stylish shower curtains.
Humble Pizza, UK, by Child Studio
Pink tables and furniture contrasted with a dark green hue fill the interior of this vegan restaurant in London’s Chelsea neighbourhood.
Local practice Child Studio designed the space to resemble the city’s workmen’s cafes of the 1950s, which typically featured pastel-coloured Formica surfaces and no-frills food and drink.
Find out more about Humble Pizza ›
The photo is by David DworkindVesta, Canada, by Ménard Dworkind
Located in Montreal’s Villeray neighbourhood, the wood-panelled walls and marble table tops of Vesta take cues from New York pizzerias of the 1970s.
“In its own contemporary way the design of Vesta evokes the spirit of Italian family restaurants common in North America during the 1970s,” Ménard Dworkind said.
Find out more about Vesta ›
The photo is by Nicholas VeneziaLala’s Brooklyn Apizza, USA, by Bench Architects
Lala’s Brooklyn Apizza by Bench Architects is located in Brooklyn’s East Williamsburg neighbourhood, atop a brewery that was formally an industrial space.
Lightwood picnic benches were used on the interior and attached terrace, while bright, solid-coloured tiles and magenta curtains line the space.
Find out more about Grimm
The photo is by Patrick SchüttlerDough Pizza, Australia, by Ohlo Studio
The “rustic sophistication” of Italy was evoked with red-toned tiles and light woods for Dough Pizza in Perth, which sits in a shopping centre.
“It needed to evoke a distinct atmosphere and personality reinforcing the cultural heritage behind the food,” said Ohlo Studio.
Find out more about Dough Pizza ›
The photo is by Simone BossiMyrto, Italy, by Studio Wok
Studio Wok created this pizzeria on Sardinia to reflect the island’s natural surroundings, such as its earthy tones and granite rocks.
The winds of the area erode and carve out the granite rocks, which the studio reflected in the walls covered in pink plaster, a concrete floor and arched openings.
Find out more about Myrto ›
The photo is by Blaine DavisSIMÒ Pizza, USA, by Büro Koray Duman
Located in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of New York City, SIMÒ Pizza is lined with shelving made of Italian volcanic stone and wallpaper printed with a flour graphic.
Its pizza ovens sit in a centre block, which is lined in patterned wood and a green tiled countertop.
Find out more about SIMÒ Pizza ›
The photo is by Arturo ArrietaPizzeria Della Madonna, Mexico, by Sofía Betancur
The pizza oven of Pizzeria Della Madonna sits in full view, surrounded by tiled and plaster walls and wood flooring.
Architect Sofía Betancur took cues from the Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia church, which sits next door, for the space.
Find out more about Pizzeria Della Madonna ›
The photo is by Mikko RyhänenPopolo, Finland, by Studio Joanna Laajisto
Studio Joanna Laajisto designed Popolo to be a cosy retreat on the slopes of Pyhä Ski Resort in northern Finland.
Leather benches, wooden tables, copper lamps and candleholders were used to evoke a sense of warmth and were paired with slate flooring and dark wood panelling.
Find out more about Popolo ›
Read more: More
Diners pack tightly into this informal Thai restaurant in Los Angeles, which local studio Weiszblüth & Brown has designed to echo the intense flavours of the food served.
Holy Basil Market has 16 seats within just 90 square feet (8.4 square metres) of space in Atwater Village, following a highly successful first location Downtown.
Holy Basil Market has space for just 16 diners, who are accommodated thanks to flexible furnitureChefs and partners Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat and Tongkmala “Joy” Yuons tasked Weiszblüth & Brown with maximising the compact unit so that the restaurant would feel as bustling as a Bangkok street market.
“Weiszblüth & Brown took cues from the chef’s tendency for bright, intense flavors and hard-edge branding,” said the studio. “The space, like the food, packs a punch.”
The stainless steel service counter has a low shelf for guestsDue to the lack of floor area, the designers removed the visual barrier between back and front of house, continuing the stainless steel from the kitchen into the dining space.
A metal service counter has a lower shelf for diners to perch against, while the same material appears as small chairs and stools.
Red baskets are stacked to create bases for tables that can easily be moved or put awayBright red rectangular baskets are stacked along the wall to form shelving and act as bases for flexible tables that can easily be rearranged.
Tops for these ad-hoc tables were specially designed to slot neatly over two boxes and are wrapped in vinyl that’s covered with imagery of food laid on a tablecloth.
Stainless steel storage containers and utensils add to the restaurant’s informal vibeThe baskets can also be upturned and used at extra stools during busy periods, or stored to the side if more floor area is required.
Additional seating is provided in a partially covered area outside the entrance, under a neon sign that spells out the restaurant’s name.
Studio Tarea creates “90s fever dream” inside pink Richmond eatery
Glass panels and doors fill an arched opening that provides views into to brightly lit space from the alley.
“Eater LA described the space as ‘almost suffocatingly intimate’, and it’s a feat of hospitality that Deau and Joy are able to welcome so many into such a small space,” said Weiszblüth & Brown.
The table tops are wrapped in vinyl that’s covered with imagery of food laid on a tableclothA trend for more intimate dining spaces appears to be gaining popularity in the US, evident in the launch of several restaurants that can seat just a handful of guests.
An all-pink restaurant with 18 covers recently opened in Richmond, Virginia, while an omakase spot with room for only eight in New York began welcoming diners earlier this year.
Additional seating is provided outside the entrance, which is via glass doors within an arched windowCeramicist Alex Reed and architectural designer Dutra Brown founded Weiszblüth & Brown after Dezeen published their Harvest Shop pop-up designed for lifestyle brand Flamingo Estate in 2020.
The project was shortlisted in the small retail interior category of Dezeen Awards 2021, and the duo then formalised their collaborative practice that works from product to architecture scale.
The photography is by Patcha.
Read more: More
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.
Akin Atelier designs JAM Record Bar to feel like being “inside a giant speaker”
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.
Read more: More
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.
El Fant Café and Bar celebrates both traditional and contemporary Finnish design
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.
Read more: More
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.
ORA utilises LA’s fallen street trees inside Uchi West Hollywood restaurant
“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.
Read more: More
Mexican design studio Locus has utilised 50 per cent recycled materials for the interiors of a Singaporean restaurant in Mexico City.
Combining the varied flavours of Southeast Asia typical of Singapore’s cuisine, Makan serves customers within an industrial-style space in the Centro district of the Mexican capital.
Makan occupies an industrial-style space in Mexico City’s Centro neighbourhoodDesigners Jachen Schleich and Sana Frini of Locus aimed to prioritise environmental responsibility with the project, and so used recycled materials for half of the total fit-out.
“From the conception stage, the use of sustainable materials was prioritised, particularly the use of national white oak wood in much of the interior design,” said the studio.
The restaurant’s open kitchen is framed by the exposed concrete structure”This choice not only highlights the natural beauty of the surroundings but also ensures proper management of natural resources, promoting environmental conservation and supporting the local industry sustainably,” the team added.
The white oak forms counters, shelving and built-in seating throughout the space, contrasting the exposed concrete floors, columns and ceiling.
Wooden bench seating is built around the perimeter and a circular banquette is tucked into a cornerThe restaurant has street frontage on two sides, allowing the dining area to be flooded with natural light from tall operable windows.
This minimises the need for artificial light and air conditioning during the day, reducing electricity usage.
Private dining rooms are concealed behind sliding paper screensFreestanding tables and chairs supplement the booth seating around the perimeter, which includes a curved unit for large parties tucked into a corner.
Shelves above the banquettes are filled with wine bottles, glassware and other accessories, while open storage units are suspended above the two service counters.
The private rooms feature sunken floors and bench seats, and can be opened up to one anotherAlong one side is a series of private dining spaces behind paper screens, with sunken floors and wooden bench seating.
These rooms, which more closely reflect Asian dining traditions, can be opened up to one another via more screens,
MYT+GLVDK creates industrial-style restaurant in Mexico City
Behind the bar and open kitchen and across the bathroom walls, vertical timber boards are charred to a black finish.
“This technique not only adds a visually appealing element but also ensures durability and resistance, eliminating the need for harmful chemical treatments to the environment and health,” said Locus.
Open shelving is suspended above the bar counter as well as the open kitchen service areaPlanters large and small are peppered throughout the restaurant, adding greenery to the interior.
Overall, the tall ceilings, large windows and open kitchen create a light and airy atmosphere, while the material add an industrial edge.
Charred wood lines the walls in the bathroomsAs Mexico City’s food scene continues to grow, several gastro options with interesting interiors have opened over the past few months.
These range from a boba tea shop by Worc Studio to an industrial-style restaurant by MYT+GLVDK and a tiny taqueria by RA!.
The photography is by Rafael Gamo.
Project credits:
Locus team: Jachen Schleich, Sana FriniDesign team: Santiago Sitten, Ruy Berumen, Eduardo SilvaLighting: Locus x Estudio NuumbraSinks: Locus x Muebles de ConcretoChairs: Locus x Taller NacionalArt: It’s A Living, Sindrome de ClerambaultGraphic design: Foreign Policy Design
Read more: More
