Restaurant at Brown Thomas
Commissioned by Brown Thomas, which is owned by Selfridges of London, we were asked to design a restaurant that would be fitting for this high-end department store in Dublin. The challenge was creating a division between the proposed restaurant and the rest of the store which would maintain interaction and visibility across the store, yet at the same time create a sense of privacy. We solved this with a serpentine screen, which gently embraces the space. Its undulating rods of brass are punctuated with panes of glass adding a lightness to the boundary. Our Clients required a space within the restaurant that would lend itself to more intimate events such as product launches or lunches with fashion houses or guests. Enveloped in the serpentine screen is a circular space which solves for this, creating a sense of enclosure and privacy.
The design discretely conceals access and visibility of the kitchen, which is situated behind the curved bar and allows for practical execution of service. A combination of lavastone counters, metallic cabinetary and oak panelling offer sophisticated warmth. Custom-designed banquette seating is mixed with modern-classic tables and chairs, chosen for their strong yet slender aesthetic. Petrol blue upholstery was proposed for its vibrant and refreshing effect on weary shoppers. Polished marble walls offer a contrasting backdrop. Light translucent roman blinds dress the Georgian framed windows softening the design and offering a feminine touch. Classic Arne Jacobsen lighting, mixed with cut-glass bulbs add an elegant touch to a current trend. The overall impression is a light, airy design.