Authentic hospitality design
CIAO MAMA, An inviting Italian eatery in Brunswick, offering fresh, daily-made pasta and welcoming the neighborhood around the clock. Collaborating with the owners was a pleasure, creating a contemporary space that honors heritage, family, and tradition. The warm, rustic interior is full of character, with edgy details like neon lighting and vibrant graphics. Rooted in Italian tradition with a fresh Australian twist, it’s a perfect cultural blend.
Sandbox has been gaining significant recognition in the hospitality design industry, known for creating a range of unique and authentic restaurant concepts.
We spoke with Luke Cannon, Creative Director, to uncover his key considerations for designing an authentic restaurant experience and the essential processes that ensure success.
"Authentic hospitality concepts often reflect the essence of their heritage, culture, people, and cuisine."
Unique Food and Service Offering I begin by understanding the cuisine's nature and identifying what sets its food and service apart. The environment and design must align with this, playing a critical role in balancing the space. It's essential to define the differences between high-turnover casual dining areas, more relaxed dining zones, and the bar space.
Immersion A key focus is how guests immerse themselves in the hospitality experience. As designers, our goal is to foster this involvement by crafting innovative and distinctive dining areas. Understanding how people interact with and feel in a space is pivotal when shaping layouts, choosing furnishings, and integrating lighting.
Engagement I explore the deeper questions: Why are people drawn to this space? What will make them return? The design must engage customers emotionally, creating memorable moments. Whether it’s evoking nostalgia or adding an element of theatre, the goal is to complement the food and create a lasting impression.
Balancing Heritage and Modernity Hospitality design often blends tradition with modernity. A warm, rustic interior brimming with character can be juxtaposed with sleek, contemporary details. This layering of generational perspectives appeals to both the young and old, creating a harmonious balance.
Seamless Integration of Art and Brand Custom art, wallpaper, branding, signage, and graphic elements should come together to add depth and authenticity to the space. These elements can provide a nod to tradition, heritage, and culture, while tying the entire concept together in a visually cohesive and meaningful way.
The Dohtonbori restaurant in Doncaster reflects authentic, modern hospitality design at its best, showcasing innovative dining zones for unique experiences, premium materials and luxe finishes, and stunning custom artwork. The fit-out combines traditional with modern, with shōji (paper screen panels) to revealing private dining zones overlooking the streetscape below, with a mirrored ceiling and a traditional paper fan art installation to the wall.