Sarah Mikhailova: Gentle warmth and sunlight, a feeling of lightness, a desire to flutter freely, laugh, and indulge exclusively in the hedonistic joys of life - this is the mood I wanted to create while working on the design project for the Italian restaurant “August”. I incorporated this idea into literally every detail of the interior. Here guests will enjoy life, experience its playful nature and recharge with energy. The place is suitable for a romantic date, for a celebration in a large company, and for an everyday lunch alone. And it’s certainly not suitable for boredom; it’s impossible to get bored in such an environment!
The restaurant has an open kitchen; cooking here turns into a culinary show behind a glass screen, fascinating and whetting your appetite. Convenient for both the chef and his viewer, the cooking area is not overloaded with visual special effects, so that nothing distracts the audience from the bread and circuses. Wealth is expressed not by bright decor, but by color and structure - soft tones, heaviness and glossy shine of panels made of Indian granite and marble. The same materials are repeated in the countertops. The natural pattern in the stone adds luxury and sophistication.
Living Italy with its unique organics is embodied in every millimeter. Guests receive all the best, right down to a cup of aromatic coffee from beans roasted right here in the kitchen. The basis of the color scheme is picturesque Tuscany. These are rich, warm, natural shades that stitch together, like a thread, the comfort of a sun-drenched villa and discreet elegance in one room. The entrance area with a mosaic of books on a shelf and a welcome ciao immediately sets the right mood.
The entire space of the restaurant is divided into two parts - a light one with round tables for two and a terracotta one for large feasts. Between them, in the very center, a living tree grows. The softness of the velvety sofas and armchairs is made even more enveloping and comfortable by the illuminated bunches of golden ears of wheat arranged in lush rows along the walls. And candles. Lots of candles!
Vintage brass tridents between the plates, tall and powerful candlesticks on the floor - the breath of fire adds intimacy to a romantic meeting, family gatherings, and a cheerful friendly dinner. By the way, it goes hand in hand with artificial light in the form of a complex system of spotlights, glass balls on black supports and retro-style lampshades. A kind of modest eclecticism and attractive layering. The bar area combines modern technology and the pulsating spirit of original and passionate Italy. The true cultural heritage of the country, the emotional second language of its people, is embodied in a panel of plates on the wall - each of them depicts hands folded in a characteristic gesture.
After leaving the restaurant, guests will take away not only impressions, but also knowledge, and will decorate their speech with a couple of graceful, truly Italian movements. The eye-catching spiral staircase, bar counter and waiter stations are made of copper sheets. I selected cutlery, napkin holders and dishes to match them. The muted shine of copper looks impressively noble, and also favorably correlates with a large number of vintage decor items - this is a special aesthetic. Immersing, relaxing, pleasing to the eye. The warm nature of texture and color as opposed to the cold urban stone, metal and plastic, the opportunity to switch to something living, breathing.
We have to talk about living things here again and again. It was the lively life that I filled the walls with, as well as air, humor and emotions. Not forgetting the classic details of Italian style. Thus, the interior contains an integral part of the design culture of this country - sculpture. A marble horse, canonically carved from marble, for example, decorates one of the tables. In another corner, the station turns into a pedestal for a bust, but not quite canonical. Instead of the expected Julius Caesar, Homer Simpson in a Gucci polo watches the guests, receiving exceptionally wide smiles in return.
I believe it is impossible to live without humor, including in the interior. The combination of vintage gold cutlery and the bulging eyes of a plaster Homer, the greenery of plants and the gloss of funny posters, the smell of book pages and berry graffiti on top of books - all this attracts a restaurant visitor, makes him straighten his shoulders, soften his voice and give himself over to simple joys. Delicious food, interesting conversation, flirting and good music. I believe it is impossible to live without humor, including in the interior.
The combination of vintage gold cutlery and the bulging eyes of a plaster Homer, the greenery of plants and the gloss of funny posters, the smell of book pages and berry graffiti on top of books - all this attracts a restaurant visitor, makes him straighten his shoulders, soften his voice and give himself over to simple joys. Delicious food, interesting conversation, flirting and good music. To live another day of your life beautifully, to be inspired by the art of joyful idleness, bel far niente, to taste authentic dishes in an environment inviting relaxation - this is what people will come to this restaurant for. And for him, I collected in one space traditional and modern manifestations of magnificent and unique Italy. Perfecto!
