happy everything
Guess Who- Unveiled!
You may be curious who the restaurant, listed in the 'Guess Who' post, belonged to. You may also be surprised to find out it is McDonalds! Thats right, McDonalds has hired on Paris designer; Patrick Norguet to re-image the stores style. This is the first of six locations throughout France whom will get the new makeover. The company is testing the new look as a hopes to establish themselves as a family restaurant rather than a teenage hangout.
So what do you think, is the new look enough? Would you be more willing to stop in if the stores had a new image?
So what do you think, is the new look enough? Would you be more willing to stop in if the stores had a new image?
All photos © LA Times
Guess Who
Hello, today I am hear with a different type of post. I would love to know if anyone knows what restaurant this is?
Leave a comment if you think you know. I'll post the details Wednesday so be sure to check back in to find out.
A new meaning for 'coffee to go'
Name: illy coffee
Location: almost anywhere
Designer: Adam Kalkin
I love when boundaries are shattered and limits are pushed in architecture and design. Back in 2007, Adam Kalkin created a mobile solution from recycled and over abundant materials, for a home unit that could be folded down in a mere 90seconds. To further the design (and fun!) he teamed up with illy to create a mobile coffee unit. Whether you personally like the shipping container craze or not, you can't deny that this quirky solution, is anything but wonderfully eccentric and unique. While the solution might not be perfect, the space planning and design that went into this concept are admirable.
Location: almost anywhere
Designer: Adam Kalkin
I love when boundaries are shattered and limits are pushed in architecture and design. Back in 2007, Adam Kalkin created a mobile solution from recycled and over abundant materials, for a home unit that could be folded down in a mere 90seconds. To further the design (and fun!) he teamed up with illy to create a mobile coffee unit. Whether you personally like the shipping container craze or not, you can't deny that this quirky solution, is anything but wonderfully eccentric and unique. While the solution might not be perfect, the space planning and design that went into this concept are admirable.
To see a video of the crate opening take a look at Architecture and Hygiene
All photos © G Living
Local favorite; Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
Name: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
Location: Chicago, IL
Designer: Graven Images
Just before Thanksgiving, I got the opportunity to take a peak into one of the newest hotels here in Chicago, the Radisson Blu located in the famed Aqua Building. I will admit, I was intrigued and a bit doubtful about what the space would present design-wise. All preconceived ideas were thrown to the wind the moment I stepped through the doors. Before me was a well thought out concept that was more W Hotel than any Radisson I'd been in before. With a modern and warm atmosphere, the design took cues from Chicago's rich history and featured tons of brick contrasted with gilded and brass details. Many art deco elements were also present and are heavily noticeable throughout the martini bar and lounge space on the first floor. What I love the most about the space is that they took inspiration from their architectural gem of a location and layered it with the rich history of Chicago's past & present.
Rich woods, weathered steel, reclaimed bricks and glitzy gold details create a space perfect for a romantic date, late night drink with friends, or cozy gathering of family.
I haven't had the chance to take a look at the guest rooms yet, but I can only image the level of finish and details that would be present given the polished public spaces.
Concierge / Check-In:
Entry/ Lobby:
Gallery to Event Space & Ballrooms:
Bar & lounge Space:
Filine Restaurant:
All photos © Kaper Design
Jackie Su
Name: Jackie Su
Location: Bremen, Germany
Designer: Rauminraum
I love the simplicity of materials used in this space. The poured concrete counters, concrete walls, wood benches and metal tables all show restraint, while incorporating a a slight urban and modern feeling. One of my favorite components of the design is the repetitious pendants hung over the very long community table. I enjoy that community tables are becoming more common that white table clothes and feel that they open up the dining experience by enhancing the community component. There are definitely times for white table clothes and a maitre d', but many everyday dining experiences can be enhanced through interaction and proximity between customers.
Location: Bremen, Germany
Designer: Rauminraum
I love the simplicity of materials used in this space. The poured concrete counters, concrete walls, wood benches and metal tables all show restraint, while incorporating a a slight urban and modern feeling. One of my favorite components of the design is the repetitious pendants hung over the very long community table. I enjoy that community tables are becoming more common that white table clothes and feel that they open up the dining experience by enhancing the community component. There are definitely times for white table clothes and a maitre d', but many everyday dining experiences can be enhanced through interaction and proximity between customers.
All photos © Apartments Interior Design
Stravaigin
Name: Stravaigin
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Designer: Surface id
The moto of Stravaigin is "Think Global, Eat Local" and the moto follows through to the decor and design, as well. I love the mismatched and well curated space and find that while surrounded by endless beauty, nothing is distracting or overwhelming. The entire space feels worn, welcoming, inclusive, and graphic with a touch of quirky. A perfect mix.
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Designer: Surface id
The moto of Stravaigin is "Think Global, Eat Local" and the moto follows through to the decor and design, as well. I love the mismatched and well curated space and find that while surrounded by endless beauty, nothing is distracting or overwhelming. The entire space feels worn, welcoming, inclusive, and graphic with a touch of quirky. A perfect mix.
Photo 1-4© 5pm
Photo 5-7© Surface id
Busaba Eathai
Name: Busaba Eathai
Location: London
Designer: David Archer Architects & lighting by Firefly Lighting
A stunning use of scale and wood. I love the monotone palate with warm lighting flooding over each large table. I also enjoy that despite the grand scale of architecture, the interior feels intimate and warm. Proof that simplicity and attention to details can go far to create a much grander experience.
Location: London
Designer: David Archer Architects & lighting by Firefly Lighting
A stunning use of scale and wood. I love the monotone palate with warm lighting flooding over each large table. I also enjoy that despite the grand scale of architecture, the interior feels intimate and warm. Proof that simplicity and attention to details can go far to create a much grander experience.
Images © Retail Design blog
A look at brand growth; Costa Coffee
Name: Costa Coffee
Location: London
Designer: Your Studio
Costa Coffee recently unveiled a new design for their metropolitan stores and the design is clean and fresh. Many of their other locations(this is a chain coffee shop), look like typical coffee shops and while warm, appear a bit dated for todays coffee culture. The new design focuses on use of space, layout and creates areas for multiple customer types. By creating a more industrial and urban feel to the space, they have established a new customer demographic while staying true to their craft. Spaces like these remind us that a well thought through design, with proper space planning and customer experience analysis, can produce a stunning and highly profitable result. Many people forget that a designers job is to ensure the space will fit within its location and demographic, while minting a focus on profitability, correct merchandising and back of house operation flow. I always encourage clients to remember that their space is more for their customers and less for themselves. While a space needs to reflect the product, it also needs to guarantee profitability and a fully thought out concept. This ensures customers will have a full and memorable experience from the moment they see signage until they walk back out the door.
Costa Coffee is a great example of a company letting their own personal preferences and previous experiences take a back seat to what the area, clients, and times were asking for. Through the design, they have guaranteed a continued support for their craft and a continued profitability for their company.
Costa's more traditional design:
The proposed new design for urban centers:
Location: London
Designer: Your Studio
Costa Coffee recently unveiled a new design for their metropolitan stores and the design is clean and fresh. Many of their other locations(this is a chain coffee shop), look like typical coffee shops and while warm, appear a bit dated for todays coffee culture. The new design focuses on use of space, layout and creates areas for multiple customer types. By creating a more industrial and urban feel to the space, they have established a new customer demographic while staying true to their craft. Spaces like these remind us that a well thought through design, with proper space planning and customer experience analysis, can produce a stunning and highly profitable result. Many people forget that a designers job is to ensure the space will fit within its location and demographic, while minting a focus on profitability, correct merchandising and back of house operation flow. I always encourage clients to remember that their space is more for their customers and less for themselves. While a space needs to reflect the product, it also needs to guarantee profitability and a fully thought out concept. This ensures customers will have a full and memorable experience from the moment they see signage until they walk back out the door.
Costa Coffee is a great example of a company letting their own personal preferences and previous experiences take a back seat to what the area, clients, and times were asking for. Through the design, they have guaranteed a continued support for their craft and a continued profitability for their company.
Costa's more traditional design:
The proposed new design for urban centers:
Photo 1 © SEA Design Group
Photo 2-3 © Your Studio
Noma
Name: Noma
Location: Copenhagen
Designer:
It is easy to see why Noma was ranked No.1 on San Pellegrinos' “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list for 2010(pushing out El Bulli). The restaurant serves Icelandic style cuisine in an absolutely perfect atmosphere. Worm brick, timber beams, dark wood floors and classic Danish style furnishings strike a perfect balance to the beautifully plated, seasonal food. Noma is a great example of beautiful design and food coming together to create a seamless finished product. The balancing act of these two components is what creates a a positive and memorable experience for a diner.
Location: Copenhagen
Designer:
It is easy to see why Noma was ranked No.1 on San Pellegrinos' “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list for 2010(pushing out El Bulli). The restaurant serves Icelandic style cuisine in an absolutely perfect atmosphere. Worm brick, timber beams, dark wood floors and classic Danish style furnishings strike a perfect balance to the beautifully plated, seasonal food. Noma is a great example of beautiful design and food coming together to create a seamless finished product. The balancing act of these two components is what creates a a positive and memorable experience for a diner.
Image 1 © Lovely lifestyles
Image 2 © The fab day
Image 3 © Serge the concierge
Image 4 © The Guardian UK
Image 5 © flickr