Scala Vinoteca

Name: Scala Vinoteca
Location: Athens, Greece
Designer:Andreas Kurkulas & Maria Kokkinou

We love this space because of its minimalist, modern vibe and strong character. A nod to the vineyard and wine-making process is apparent through the tractor seat bar stools, use of metal throughout the space and the amount of natural wood. It feels like a space you could easily spend hours with friends at.



All images © George Fakaros via Yatzer

The Blue Monkey Fumoir

Location: Zurich Old Town, Switzerland

We are loving the vintage feel or this space mixed with the modern accents. Ultimately the concept is truly what roped us in. A smoking room, like you would have had back in the 20's in Switzerland, updated for modern times. ( Think English pubs meets modern gentleman's club) Despite the smoking bans in Zurich, the Blue Monkey wanted to offer its guests a place to smoke and what they accomplished with the interior, we picture, will easily accommodate the men in suits that head in for a drink after work.



All images © dyersmith-frey.com

Soho House; Miami- Cecconi's Restaurant



Name: Cecconi's Italian Restaurant at the Soho House Miami Hotel
Location: Miami, FL
Designer: Mark Brudnizki & Nick Jones (soho house founder)

Miami has never ranked very high on our list of vacation destinations (that we absolutely must get to) but with the addition of the Soho House, We all may just need to reconsider! We love that they paired traditional furnishings with an outdoor-terraced setting. The result is romantic, fun and looks extremely inviting and relaxing. Our favorite design element in the space has to be the large chesterfield sofa that has been updated in a great fabric (Fun fact: It was upholstered by a company right here in Chicago!) and the almost ball-jar-esq pendants. We can only image how magical this space can become once the sun sets.








All images © Cecconi's

Theurel & Thomas Patisserie


Name: Theurel & Thomas Patisserie
Location: San Pedro, Mexico
Designer: Anagrama


This little gem was passed along to me by a friend and I am so glad he shared! Pure milky perfection, in my opinion. The amount of detail and remaining true to the all-white concept allows for the macaroons colors to burst throughout the space. What I love the most about this space is that is shows us that a monochrome platte doesn't have to be cold or stark. Too many time I hear that the all white interior will make the space feel cold and uninviting but, if done correctly, it can provide exactly the opposite. This space achieved the monochromatic design with its use of detailed furniture and fixtures. These items provide just enough contrast to keep the space inviting and exciting. I always enjoy experiencing interiors where you can see the trust between the designer and the client, it always provides the best design.
(did you notice the under-lit cabinet and storage? icing on the cake!)

All photos © Anagrama

Now I just need to take another trip to Meixco, who's coming with me?!


Viceroy Hotel & Resort; Santa Monica



Name: Viceroy Santa Monica
Location: Santa Monica, Ca
Designer: Kelly Wearstler

The Viceroy Resort in Santa Monica shows a great balance of color, traditional and modern. I adore the bold kelly green color that is showcased throughout the public spaces and think the preppy and modern color palette works perfectly to highlight the wonderful environment of the space.



Fish Bar

Name: Fish Bar
Location: Chicago, IL

The newest seafood joint in Chicago, Fish Bar, definitely hit the mark with the design of the interior. Imagine an east coast lobster shack meets New Orleans. The layout features almost all counter seating (there are three booths, if you are lucky enough to grab one) which works out well for a quick lunch but would be a bit tricky for a nice dinner or busy saturday night.

Although the design of Fish Bar was fairly authentic (for a merging of two coast, anyways), the visit went downhill from there. We had the fried clams which were pretty good but the portion size was fairly skimpy(3.5 pieces, literally) for the price. We also tried the Maine lobster roll and the 'catch of the day'; trout. The lobster roll came on the correct roll; split down the center with buttery-toasted sides but was completely over-seasoned with celery salt and old bay seasoning. The lobster and mayo mixture was watery, leaving me to believe the meat had been frozen, and definitely not worth the $18.00 market price. A true east coast lobster roll has to stand by the idea of simplicity and purity, no seasonings, toasted bun, and either cold meat with mayo or warm with drawn butter. Let the fabulous taste of the fresh meat shine, don't mask it.

The trout was served well after the lobster roll came out and after the first bite I noticed it was completely raw still. I had to send it back and have them cook me a new piece which resulted in me eating quite a bit after everything else was finished. I wish I could say the service was great and completely made up for these huge goof-up's but at the end we were left without an apology and a full priced bill.

I loved the interior but as with all restaurants, food & atmosphere go hand-in-hand. You cannot have a great interior and horrible food and only rarely can you have great food and a horrible atmosphere (trust me, the food has to be phenomenal to make up for it!).






I would love to see Fish Bar get rid of the 'New England' side of the menu and stick to the New Orleans side, which it seemed to get right.


images © Grub Street

Visit our website at kaperdesign.com

Bar Agricole

Where: San Francisco, CA
Designer: Aidlin Darling

One of the things I miss about San Francisco is the food scene. With a heavy focus on pushing the boundaries and the equal important placed on the design of the space the food will be served in, you can quickly understand why Bar Agricole was nominated for a James beard award for outstanding restaurant design.

The space is currently hoping to obtain LEED Platinum certification and utilized as many local artisans as possible. I love the custom concrete booths and hand-made furniture. The material choices are simple and pure and presents both the food and drinks well. The next time I'm back in the city I will be sure to check this place out.






Photos 2-6 © Remodelista.com

Star Belly



Name: Star Belly
Location: San Francisco
Designer: Zack|deVito

One of my favorite places to visit while living in San Francisco was Star Belly. The focus on local and sustainable foods paired with an emphasis on community and sustainable design really won me over. The space is small in footprint but features a large community table-esq bar made from a recycled bowling alley lane (markings still present!). It also has tables for smaller groups and a small banquet at the front of the location. The amount of wood used throughout the space creates a modern, yet warm, atmosphere in the space and I loved the exposed shelving and storage throughout. The only design issue I found with Star Belly was the height of the chairs mixed with the height of the banquette and table. The table and banquette were perfect but the chair was too low, and therefor a bit uncomfortable to spend a long dinner at. I highly recommend checking out Star Belly the next time you are in San Francisco!






Image 2 © Designeats.com

Hope and Union




Name: Hope and Union
Location: Charleston, SC
Designer: Owners, John Vergel and wife Harper Poe

A new boutique coffee shop opened up last winter in the Cannonborough neighborhood of Charleston. Located in a restored Charleston home, the shop focuses on single- cup brewing using the chemex brewing method (one of the best, in my opinion). Currently they are featuring single-origin coffee from Intelligentsia but have also been know to brew Portland's Stumptown beans as well. The interior feels completely relaxed and inviting and has multiple seating options, from the long communal tables and stand-up expresso bar to the outdoor patio seating featuring bertoia-esq chairs. I love the industrial and modern touches in this space, paired with the homey and traditional feel of the restored home and reclaimed materials, this coffee shop stands heads above the commercial chains dotted throughout the city.







All photos © Kathryn Barnard


Do you think your space has a great design?
Let me hear about it and your favorite place could be featured on Kaper Design!