Dragon Eye
Restaurant, Walthamstow
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We met the restaurant owner at a Shopportunity event organised by The Decorators, as part of Waltham Forest Council's Creating A Better Place urban regeneration initiative.
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The restaurant wanted a fresh look, and the young owner came to us with some great ideas. It was our intention to show an unseen side of Chinese culture, of architecture and design – a more provincial feel, and most importantly, a respectful use of the colour red.
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The design uses paired back materials, looking to nature for inspiration. We specified natural aggregates for a poured concrete floor, reminding the owner of his childhood in China; marmarino polished plaster was the red finish of the new bar, itself styled on ancient Chinese architecture.
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Finishing touches were added by sourcing furniture, lighting and artwork which gave the sense of the unknown China. We sourced artwork focusing on street photography; Hans J Wegner bentwood dining chairs inspired by Han Dynasty were the perfect specification, and a full theatrical lighting scheme to create the ambiance.
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Part of the refurbishment included the redesign of the shopfront, and working with The Decorators a design was produced which incorporated the clients own script.
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