12
II BY IV DESIGN
the World Of Hospitality
Kasa Moto
Kasa Moto is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that
pays homage to the ancient ideals of wabi (transient
and stark beauty), sabi (the beauty of natural patina
and aging) and yūgen (profound grace and subtlety).
Located in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto’s luxury
retail district, the two storey, 12,000 square foot space
is spread out over multiple rooms including a split
level main floor, dining/wine room, sizable roof top
patio, street side terrace and lounge (Bar Moto) on the
upper level.
Striking a fine balance between simple and complex,
the interiors feature a soft neutral color palette
of smoky greys, watery blues and natural wood
tones accented with hints of gold and aged bronze.
The serene and sophisticated ambiance further
complimented by dramatic lighting and hand-painted
ethereal murals of koi, cherry blossoms and Japanese
landscapes created by local artist Tisha Myles.
At the heart of the first floor two backlit white onyx
bars, one for drinks and one for sushi, literally shine;
running the entire length of the room, interrupted
only by the open kitchen where food preparation is
celebrated as a form of art. Above, recessed natural
walnut ceiling lintels, reminiscent of traditional
Asian architecture, are edge lit lending a warm and
sophisticated effect.
Sculptural furniture forms are a calming counterpoint
in the more ornately finished upstairs space which
during the evening transforms into a cocktail lounge.
Metallic bronze peacocks strut across a midnight black
wallpaper and play backdrop to two striking watercolor paintings while floor-to-ceiling shoji styled
screens form intimate seating areas (a repeating theme
throughout the project).
Though designed as a series of vignettes, each with its
own personality and ambiance, there is a fluidity to the
overall design of Kasa Moto; one that flows effortlessly,
unified through refined finishes and a rich layering of
detail.
Websites: www.iibyiv.com | www.aredesignawards.com | www.retaildesigninstitute.org
photographs: Hill Peppard | David Whittaker | Arnaud Marthouret