Executed by Monochrome Concept and led by hospitality visionary Tosh Berman, the restaurant was designed to evoke the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and the Mediterranean region. Implementing both elements of New Mediterranean design style and Wabi Sabi philosophies created a harmonious and unique dining experience, combining the richness of Mediterranean culture with the simplicity and imperfection of Wabi Sabi aesthetics.
Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance. The entrance features heavy rustic wood doors inspired by Mediterranean architecture. Soft lighting and a soothing color palette of earthy tones, such as warm dark greys, deep espresso browns and soft creams, create a serene atmosphere. The use of natural materials like stone for the bar and countertops and rough wood throughout, showcases the Wabi Sabi emphasis on embracing the natural imperfections of these materials.
The interior dining space features high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, slat ceilings, and large operable bi-folding glass doors allowing ample natural light to filter in, creating a bright and airy space during the day. Walls adorned with smooth textured plaster. The furniture is a blend of transitional modern wooden tables and hand-crafted chairs, some upholstered in natural fabrics like linen or jute, reflecting the Wabi Sabi philosophy of simplicity and natural beauty.
The restaurant features a large expansive atrium dining space that extends the dining area, allowing guests to enjoy al fresco-like dining. The atrium ceiling is made up of large grid windowpanes with a freeform acoustical organic ceiling system hovering over the dining space to mimic the movement of fabric in the wind. The acoustic panels create a balance between aesthetics and sound control. Lush Mediterranean greenery, large olive trees, and vintage potted plants create a natural oasis and help soften the space. Comfortable seating arrangements with plush cushions and soft lighting provide a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. The atrium also houses a custom carved wood art by Etienne Moyat sitting just above the long banquette seating, a piece we worked closely with Etienne to evoke organic movement like the rest of the space.
The bar area is the focal point of the restaurant, featuring a beautiful round bar with a custom oversized woven fixture to define the heart of the space and help to blend the interior lounge dining and the atrium dining space.
With this design we transformed what was once a high energy moody space into an airy tranquil, yet upscale Mediterranean restaurant.