The services in this former restaurant were in place however needed upgrading so the interior of Nolita was designed with this in mind. The tenancy was fully gutted and totally redesigned from floors, walls and even the ceiling – particularly in the back dining room as it had issues with heat in summer due to the lack of insulation in the existing exposed saw tooth roof, so a sculptural ceiling with high light window was created allowing light into the back room as well as the installation of insulation. The bar in the centre of the space meant that the tenancy is divided into three areas however this was used to an advantage so that three distinct patron spaces were created with a front dining room, central bar /waiting area and back dining room.

The design philosophy for this project was to create a sophisticated, contemporary eatery that could transition from day to night.

The spatial plan was predetermined by the location of the bar and kitchen from the former restaurant which divides the long narrow tenancy into three zones. Acoustics were also an issue that were important to address and a feature was created out of E-coustic acoustic panels with stained solid timber trims in the bar area.

Working with a local carpenter Mata Design were able to create solid timber joinery pieces using details and materials that expressed what Nolita stands for – a refined, simple product made with thought and consideration. As the restaurant recalls the Nolita in New York (North of Little Italy), it was important to incorporate a modern contemporary vibe as well as referencing the traditional Italian trattoria. The solid French oak panelling is sealed with a water based product to retain its original look and be respectful to the product, all custom cut for the project to suit.

The colour scheme consists of a base palette of oak, greys, black, white. A feature duck egg blue was incorporated to give the scheme a freshness and lift.

The feature timber chevron pattern wall with random colouring is a focal piece in the fit out and has become one of the main defining elements of the space.

Lighting was very important to the success of the restaurant’s design. As the brief for the restaurant was to seamlessly transition from a day to night space, the employment of varied lighting techniques and control systems allows the client to pre-programme scenes to respond to the mood intended for a specific time of day as subtly as they wish.

Indirect lighting was used in the design as well as some feature items to add interest and dimension. The atmospheric Tom Dixon acid etched brass pendants hung over the bar, create elaborate scatters of light and shade over the area and provide a central feature between the front and rear dining rooms while the Tom Dixon Base Wall Lights positioned against the stained solid timber wall feature provide a gentle ambient glow over the banquet seating dining space. Both of these fittings integrate with the aesthetic and design palette of the restaurant as well as produce a specific quality of light for the restaurant.

Custom hand rails, custom cabinets with integrated lighting, feature acoustic walls, feature solid timber panelling, were all a part of a series of small designed elements created to produce impact in a restaurant interior setting.

Main designer Paul Lim comes from an industrial design background, and is always looking at details and every project is really a development on the last. Mata Design believe each project has its own unique design solution particular to the type of project, the Client, the budget, the requirements, restrictions and the location so the solution varies each time. This means they always get to do something quite unique and individual.