ILHA Magazine Q2 2022 V7.0 | Page 98

Small Space , Big Design
Glamour . Elegance . Indulgence . No other words would do when describing The Edith , a small venue concealed in Del Frisco ’ s Steakhouse in the suburbs of Los Angeles . Named after famous French singer , actress , and stage performer Edith Piaf , the lounge is a dramatic ode to classic Hollywood and the bubbly glory of Champagne .
Johnson Studio restaurant designer Christy Rolf says , “ A strong design narrative is where we start and what we always come back to when we need to make complex design decisions . People want to go somewhere that ' s very distinguishable and very identifiable . They are looking for something that is not only going to look great in pictures but is an immersive experience .”
Guests enter from inside the restaurant via a hallway of sparkling wallpaper or from a secret outside entrance . The glittering space opens up to a small bar with a large custom-designed lighting feature mimicking the movement of sparkling wine . Sequined drapery dresses the walls , while the light fixture illuminates the vintage ice buckets and crystal decanters . The contemporary pop art throughout the space was carefully curated to offer a contrast from the shiny décor and mirrored surfaces . Many of it was provided by local artists .
The bar won the 2020 ASID Georgia Design Awards , Commercial Hospitality Restaurants , Silver .
The trend of immersive design is not limited to just restaurants . Hospitality venues , like hotels and cruise ships , are increasingly looking to Cooper Carry to create high-end design with a recognizable narrative .
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