Inspiring Spaces

Seen, Lisbon

Biophilic interiors seem to be a trend that’s not going anywhere anytime soon, particularly considering we are all (thankfully!) more aware of the design world’s environmental impact and influence. Seen in Lisbon is a Brazilian and Portuguese restaurant on the top floor of the city’s Tivoli Hotel. Sidney Quintela Architecture + Urban Planning married botanical design with art deco influences for a dining experience that feels otherworldly. A giant tree at the centre of the cocktail bar provides an eye-catching focal point and wraps the space in a leafy canopy that cocoons diners.

Biophilic Design In Libson Restaurant Seen

Carlyle & Co, Hong Kong

Carlyle & Co by the Rosewood Hotel Group is technically a member’s club, but it houses plenty of day-to-night experiences including a restaurant, bar, wine cellar, music room, games room and more. It’s situated in the Victoria Dockside development of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour and designed by British interior and furniture designer Ilse Crawford. Colour and pattern reign supreme here, with a look and feel that’s as eclectic as the club’s worldly members. Murals by Jean-Philippe Delhomme and Christina Zimpel bring the walls to life and furniture is a combination of mid-century pieces such as sky-blue Zanotta armchairs and modern pieces including gorgeous handmade seats by Soane Britain covered in turquoise leather.

Ixi'im, Merida, Mexico

Ixi’im’s elegantly decayed stone exterior sits majestically at the front of a huge lawn within the grounds of Chable Resort, a luxury hotel which was once a sisal plantation. Inside, the interiors of the dining space are dark and sensuous. The crumbling walls are smartened up with boldly patterned floor tiles and marble table tops. Housing the world’s largest private tequila collection, 3,165 bottles are displayed along the walls in glass cabinets illuminated with lambent light.

MUSE, London

Set within a converted Georgian townhouse in Belgravia, British chef Tom Aiken’s 25-cover fine dining restaurant is evidence that good things come in small packages. The interior design scheme is inviting and intimate. Luxurious fabrics, marble surfaces and wood panelling are contrasted with eclectic and contemporary touches, such as bold floral displays of clashing red and hot pink orchids.

Ikoyi, London

With a menu as punchy and dynamic as Ikoyi’s, the West African restaurant’s interiors had to be just as bold. London-based interior design studio Sophie Ashby incorporated bespoke elm tables, mid-century modern chairs, warm tones of ochre, earthenware pendant lights and dark terrazo floors.

Ikoyi Restaurant Interiors by Sophie Ashby

Liza Beirut

Situated in the former Abdallah Bustros Palace, the 19th century interiors of this Lebanese restaurant in Beirut are still regal and lavish, yet with a playful edge that prevents the place from feeling stuffy. A creamy palette is offset with bespoke wallpaper and Moorish style interior windows.

Cafe Murano Bermondsey, London

The popular Italian eatery by renowned chef Angela Hartnett opens its third branch serving up simple but sumptuous interiors designed by GS Contracts. Glazed tiles, textured glass, chandeliers and a timber-panelled bar provide a rich mix of textures.

Open space bar and dining at Cafe Murano by Angela Hartnett.

Kolamba, Soho, London

Sri Lankan dining goes back to basics in this Soho restaurant. The interior designers, Studio Fils and Whitebox London, combine aged brickwork, raw plasterwork and dark wood for stripped-back, Geoffrey Bawa-inspired vibes. Batik art by Sonali Dharmawardena and paper pendant lights also give a subtle nod to the island aesthetic.

Bar seating at Kolamba restaurant in Soho, London.

Wilder, Shoreditch, London

Located in the basement of East London’s Boundary hotel, legendary British designer Terence Conran’s new restaurant celebrates wild, foraged ingredients under the watchful eye of chef Richard McLellan. Architecture studio Kirkwood McCarthy crafted a grand, impressive space with an earthy feel.

Padella Shoreditch, London

This is the new outpost for Padella, which garnered a cult following since initially opening in Borough Market. The designers at DayStudio offset multicoloured marble surfaces against golden details and stripped-back walls. The signature open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs make fresh Italian pasta while dining.

Bar counter seating at Padella restaurant in Shoreditch, London.

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Mayfair, London

French designer Pierre Yovanovitch has revamped the interiors of Michelin-starred French chef Hélène Darroze’s restaurant to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The new design shows a bold contrast of colours and furnishings in yellow, red and salmon-pink hues.

Restaurant area of Helene Darroze ad The Connaught, Mayfair, London.

Folie, Soho, London

The interior designers behind Chiltern Firehouse, Studio KO, have injected “the sensuality and glamour of the 1960s and 70s” into the interiors of this Mediterranean eatery. Terrazzo flooring is softened up with patterned carpet and special attention has been given to the seating which is a combination of leather banquettes and blue velvet armchairs.