Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of Restaurateurs in NYC, and it is in this melting pot of culinary innovation and luxury design where some of my work has become a key ingredient.
While it all boils down to exquisite cuisine, the walls of upscale restaurant interiors are a particular opportunity to captivate patrons and define the whole dining experience. From setting a unique ambiance to narrating stories, murals can transcend traditional decor and transform a space entirely. Often serving as a crucial element of the overall interior design and architecture, murals can bring out the restaurant’s mission and ethos- curating an immersive journey for diners.
Unconventional elegance in restaurant design
High-end restaurants often reinvent themselves with more than new menu. Whether in the context of a dining establishment that is evolving and renovating or a whole new concept and new construction, the New York based design firm, Wid Chapman Architects has embraced my mural work as a vehicle for achieving this unconventional elegance in restaurant design. This juxtaposition of contemporary artwork against lavish interiors creates a captivating contrast that resonates with urban sophistication. From a contemporary evolution of the Bauhaus style and often what I would describe as neo art deco- to more wabi-sabi encapsulations of the the energy and color of food trucks in the streets of India- we have collaborated on about a dozen projects together now.
Together with Wid and his team, I’ve had great experiences helping explore and illustrate the vision of restaurateurs- transcending the boundaries of traditional decoration and striving to bring a new level of color and detail to the visual field of the dining experience. As patrons indulge in culinary delights, they are simultaneously immersed in an atmosphere that stimulates all the senses and is an entry point for a world of conversation.
Capturing culinary Essence – capturing attention
Restaurants have long sought to encapsulate their culinary essence within their walls, and now more than ever, it is crucial not only to catch the attention and imagination of patrons but to keep it at the table and to create photo worthy moments that will intrigue others to seek out the experience for themselves. Murals, inside and out, can help achieve this with finesse. While string lights may be enough to draw the wandering hipster to the rural bbq joint or vegan icecream shop like moths to a flame, prying urban eyes from screens and the already vibrant and bustling streets of the city can be a tall order. In my work, I tend to employ a vibrant palette and saturated colors to draw viewers in and move eyes around a space. For example, with the tiny east Village Indian fried chicken joint- ROWDY ROOSTER, our goal was to make the space feel like an Indian food truck turned outside in. With the all encompassing hot color palette and menagerie of patterns, we could set the stage for the chef’s signature savory combinations and the next level spice intensity for which this gem is known.
With design taken to this level, diners can form a deeper connection with the cuisine’s origins and the creativity behind each dish. The fusion of art and gastronomy bringing to life the soul of the restaurant and making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Community and conversation– murals in a new era of hospitality
One of the most remarkable and rewarding aspects of getting to paint murals in restaurant like this is the ability help foster community and conversation in the world of dining. Murals often spark curiosity and prompt dialogue among patrons. Whether it’s deciphering hidden meanings, sharing personal interpretations, or simply appreciating the visual beauty, diners are drawn into discussions that extend beyond the food.
Since 2019 especially, we seem to be in a new era of hospitality- one that calls for a new sense of engagement and truly amplifies the restaurant’s allure and brings people together- helping to transform solitary dining into a communal experience and bringing together individuals from diverse walks of life. As guests discuss and admire the art, they can become part of a larger narrative that transcends the confines of their tables.
More than mere decorative wall covers, murals in the culinary world can be storytellers, conversational catalysts, and memory-makers. As design trends come and go, mural design continues to help bring a touch of magic to the dining experience, inviting us to savor not only the flavors on our plates but also the stories on the walls.