Design Inspiration......Restaurants

In childhood my parents allowed me to choose restaurants while traveling. This assignment was taken very seriously and my requirements were inflexible;
-no chains
-had to be very attractive from the exterior and follow suit with the interiors
-had to be indigenous cuisine
We are talking a 9 year old here! What were my parents thinking?!!  But what a skill I honed and how I loved that responsibility.......Today I can spot a great restaurant miles away.....with a little help from siri.

My requirements have not changed and when I discover a restaurant with excellent food and inspiring design, I am hooked

  Restaurant design is an fascinating industry. Often the the big city designs embody high drama, and radical flourishes. We can however derive inspiration and pinpoint elements to spice up our own homes.

 Come with me to visit some of my personal favorites for outstanding food and great atmosphere via design

The Atlanta gift show brought me back to town for an extended stay. A local friend took me to a hot new restaurant, King + Duke 

My eyes were busy soaking up the decor, warm, inviting, hip and brimming with ideas. Love the lighting!

Have you noticed of late the explosion of chalkboard art? This can add to the art and mirrors that may adorn your walls, while providing a personal touch.

This window treatment will be presented to a client. A simple rod, circle hardware, chains with small curtain clips holding the curtain panels. Wonderful in a high ceilinged room

This Chicago must, if you can secure reservations, demanded my attention the moment I walked in. The primary wall was charred, a deep coal black. Could that ever be transferred to your home? Probably not, but I tip my hat to such originality

This Chicago seafood favorite boasts terrific food that transports you to the shore

Vertical board, lacquered, three dimensional appearing tile and a chandy I wish were clearer in this image; a mass of rope and glass ball lights intertwined in a masterful twist, reminiscent of a found tangle on the beach

Chalk art again

The same chalkboard with a different image. Notice how it is recessed and lit from within

An intimate find in NYC. These floors are seriously covetable 

Can't you just see this tile/wood treatment in a kitchen where the tile serves as an "area" rug under table and chairs? An easier take-away are these massive greens/stems in clear vases, soaring towards the ceiling. Simple and dramatic at the same time.

How much does design influence your decision when dining out? Share with us your favorite that satisfies you both visually and gastronomically, would love to hear.

 Have a great week!
Debra

Amy Howard before and after
September workshop schedule to follow, including a day at my home, barn and gardens, learning and transforming a piece you bring.

Good lines, very orange wood

That hard cabinet-like finish