Wallace & Ed


Name: Wallace & Ed
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Architecture: Woods Bagot


Trends have funny way of always coming back. Wallace & Ed, located in a former Hard Rock Cafe, showcases this phenomenon perfectly with the updated use of wood panels, wrought iron, and simplicity.




Keeping the material palate simple and lines clean allows the play of geometric pattern to take center stage. 


By limiting the use of the panels and incorporating exposed concrete and warm wood floors, the space remains industrial and modern.


All images © The MP Report

Saint Frank Coffe

Name: Saint Frank Coffee
Location: San Francisco, CA
Design: Unkown

Saint Frank Coffee has given me another reason to get back to San Francisco. Located in the Russian Hill neighborhood, with a pop-up cafe at the Public Bike shop in South Park, the cafe is modern, warm, and thoughtful. 




I love the simplicity of the space and cohesion of wood tones and materials. Creating a perfect transition from the dark wood trends currently, and the light wood trends that are slowly creeping their way back in, it balances warmth with light. 


Integrating the technology and brewing into the main bar allows for minimal separations between the customer and barista while also adding to the clean lines of the space.


And how could we not mention those hex tiles- perfection.


Death & Taxes

Name: Death & Taxes
Location: Reno, NV
Design: Unknown


Death & Taxes is a craft cocktail bar, located in a converted bungalow, and was one of our favorite stops during a whirlwind trip to Reno this past weekend. 





With an almost all black interior, attention was paid to the subtle details. These details; high gloss trim against matte walls, subtle pattern, and hidden storage are what make this space a cohesive space and a great experience. One of my favorite details within the space was the hidden passages to the back of house. These are hidden within the bookcase and are located behind the far bay of shelving on either end of the bar. Hidden hardware and the level of finish detail makes them invisible to the naked eye. 


All images © Death & Taxes Facebook, Kaper Design, LLC





A Look Back: Top Posts from 2013

Here is a look back on some of our top posts from 2013!

Thank you to all of our readers for making this year such a great year. We can't wait to share even more great restaurant design in 2014.


Clockwise from top left;

The Whale Wins, Seattle
Hardware Society, Melbourne
Mikkeller Bar, San Francisco
Wee Jeanie, Melbourne
Dryhop Brewers, Chicago
Chez Dré, Melbourne


Are there spaces you would like to see or a photographer looking to collaborate? Send us a message, we'd love to chat!

Earl Canteen

Name: Earl Canteen
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Unknown



With it's second location now open in Collin's Place, Earl Canteen is proving to be a new direction for grab and go eateries. Their newest location uses their existing color and material palate but introduces  their graphic pattern on a larger scale. 





Utilizing the minimalist color palate with pops of emerald allows the space to remain harmonious while adding excitement. The modern and geometric pattern used liberally throughout helps distinguish the location and brand. 


All images © Broadsheet


IMIG's

Name: IMIG's
Location: San Diego, CA
Design: All the bells & whistles


Located within the Lafayette Hotel in San Diego, IMIG's has it's own distinctive style making it a great dining experience even for locals. 




I love the reclaimed and salvaged window partition that divides the space. Using tone on tone woods and the moulding below helps it feel more like a built-in and architectural detail that a divider. The simple color palate and Thonet-esq lines to the chairs adds a historical touch while remaining updated and slightly trendy. 


ilili Box

Name: Ilili Box
Location: New York, NY
Design: Unkown


Every once in a while a concept will come along that is all together refreshing. ilili Box's take on modular construction and pop-up shop lunches is just the breath of fresh air their trends needed. 


 
I love the updated and refined twist on the shipping container as well as the mixed material use that breaks up the structure.  Keeping the color palate simple keeps the concept fresh and modern while simultaneously playing with current trend and classic lines. 


Image 1 c Old Brand New
Image 2 c New York Times

Ranger Station

Name: Ranger Station
Location: Snowmass, CO
Design: Scout Regalia

   



As quickly as winter has appeared, so too have the thoughts of a snowy mountain getaway. New Belgium's Ranger Station, located near lifts at Snowmass Village, has the rustic yet contemporary vibe that is the perfect aesthetic for it's mountain local. 





Balancing a utilitarian and rustic interior creates a modern take on the traditional ski lodge. 


I love the simple but bright color palate and blonde wood; a true 180 to the ski lodges commonly found.
By not only designing the interior but also crafting some of the furniture within, the designers were able to create a fully cohesive space. 





All images © Scout Regalia

Essex

Name: Essex
Location: Seattle, WA
Design: tbD


Essex, located near the Ballard area of Seattle, is a bright and inviting space that has quickly made it on my 'I need to get there' list. Playing with contrast to create balance created a welcoming space.









While utilitarian in nature, playing with geometrics and warm colors woods helps the interior come alive. 


The contrast between the warm woods and bright whites of the back bar and countertops helps to maintain the brightness within the space while also creating a balanced and cohesive interior. 




Truth Coffee Shop

Name: Truth Coffee Shop
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Design: Haldane Martin



One of the most noticeable trends throughout the world currently is the influx of industrial. With a raw nature, truth of materials, and authenticity it is easy to see how so many have grown to love this aesthetic. As with any trend, there grows the group of people who yearn to be different and to expand past what is 'trendy'. One of the most common trends I see coming into favor is Steampunk. While I can see direct link from industrial to steampunk, I feel the need to stress that these two styles are by no means the same. Truth Coffee Shop is a great example of what steampunk represents and showcases the differences between the two styles flawlessly. 



The steampunk style relies heavily on the mixture science fiction and steam powered machinery. Blurring the line between industry and decoration, steampunk can incorporate a varying degree of components and characteristics. 


While both styles showcase natural woods and metals, steampunk does so in a mechanical way. Touches of Victorian and Art Nouveau can be witnessed through the rich hues, ornate details, and elaborate curves. 


What I love about the Truth Coffee space is that they took the machinery and components of coffee roasting and brewing and used them as inspiration for their steampunk interior. By imagining these machines as both form and function, they crafted a space that perfectly blends the machinery with the art of coffee. 


All images © This is colossal