My design concept stemmed from the idea that I wanted “something old”, quite old in fact, like my grandmother’s farm house in Portugal which has been in the family for several hundred years. Built with thick walls of stone that are approximately one foot deep & wide plank wood floors. Everything aged to perfection. From there the idea developed into what is commonly viewed as a wedding ritual. That being said I needed “something new”, the clean crisp look of modern design. “Something borrowed”, reminiscing on memories of my grandmother’s farm house & the wonderful summers spent there. I aspired to replicate that feeling of nostalgia in my design. Last, but not least, “something blue”, a very specific shade of blue that speaks of a nation that has had a very intimate & enduring relationship with the sea, Portugal.
My goal is not to design a traditional or modern version of a Portuguese restaurant but rather to infuse the “Portuguese elements ” I’ve mentioned as my inspirations. The combination of finishes creates a modern environment with just the right rustic touches to provide a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant has an open floor plan which consists of multiple split levels creating dynamic focal points.
The design caters to an upscale restaurant with a menu that will focus mainly on European/Mediterranean, market fresh, seasonal produce served in an equally light and unpretentious manner.
Above: Main Floor Plan
Above: Mezzanine Level
Above: Rendered view of Main dining area
Above: Rendered view of Mezzanine area
Above: Maquette Axonometric view
Below you can see a collection of images which inspired my restaurant design. The colours, materials and innovative furniture designs in juxtaposition to the old and new, is where I drew my main inspiration.
Above: Dogmatic, Gourmet Sausage System, New York City- inspiration for restaurant bar.
Above: Wire-frame axonometric view of the restaurant bar which can be seen on the mezzanine level.
Above: Neoline Chandelier by Boa Design
It is in my opinion that a design should encompass not only the architectural structure and finishes but also the fine details. I have chosen a selection of modern dishware consisting of Modern Floating Glassware, Ceramics, Goa Flatware by Cutipol
