God there’s an awful lot of brown in Brisbane restaurants. There’s also a lot of the same chairs and tables, tiles and light fittings. Why are our restaurants fit-outs so friggen boring? I’ve been wondering that lately as I nod off over my scallops or shake myself at meal’s end to try to remember which restaurant I’m in. Yes, yes, I know there are certain criteria restaurants have to fill- comfort, practicality, price and wearability being among them, but deadset, a little imagination wouldn’t kill?
So who’s responsible? Is it the designers who are just being lazy and serving up the same old, or the owners who are playing it safe (or cheap?) and using the blueprint of every other restaurant in town for their own? Is there a restaurant suppliers version of Ikea where everyone goes to buy their chocolate brown banquettes and wood veneer tables?
Come on-we have so many brilliant artisans out there – surely they could be commissioned to provide an interesting piece of art or some bespoke lights, a single feature piece of made to order furniture? How about some cool plant arrangments? Living walls. Upcycled stuff? Interesting mood lighting? And for godsake, what about some colour? (other than brown).
Yes there are a few exceptions; those who are doing it well off the top of my head.
Mr & Mrs G’s River bar. Three hats. Great use of colour and texture and LOVE those lightshades
A hat for the the walls and tables at Peasant; perfectly represent the ethos of the place
Champ’s barb wire light fittings rate a hat too.
Interesting and changing bits of art at Esquire and the chairs rate two hats.
Crosstown Eating House-a perfect example of not trying to fight with weird spaces but embracing the history and going with the flow. 3 hats.
Deer Duck Bistro Crazy decor that taps into the current trend of mismatched and upcycled 3 hats for big effort on a little budget
Two hats to Public, a big space done well with some nice personal touches like the funny little animal prints and groooovy bar chairs.
How about you dear readers? Anyone score highly in the decor stakes for you?
September 19, 2012 at 9:26 am
I suspect it’s a budget thing in a lot of cases. I love the decor in Balla Osteria in Sydney. There are some fantastic shades of aqua blue in use and gorgeous, tiny mosaic tiled pillars. It oozes sophistication … and big budget!
September 19, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Yes, you may be right. But there are also a lot of places who’ve done it on a shoestring and still manage to inject a little something different.
September 19, 2012 at 9:27 am
You’re very right – many are terribly boring. And it would be so lovely if people paid some extra money to support the local small businesses and artisans – it’s going to last a lot longer, it’s going to be individual, and you’re helping to spread the love!
I worry about the opposite problem, too – I’ve been to a few places that have decided to go completely grungy, with a mishmash of bits and pieces that don’t fit together and ultimately look awful, instead of the “hipness” they were obviously reaching for..
September 19, 2012 at 4:00 pm
I think the ‘garage sale’ look has given possibility to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to set up, but yes, it’s wearing bit thin now.
September 19, 2012 at 10:41 am
what’s sad is that those “bland” restaurant fit-outs still cost a fortune.
September 19, 2012 at 4:00 pm
I know! Am always shocked when I hear how much they cost and they can look like a hospital canteen.
September 19, 2012 at 11:32 am
I think Libertine do a great job of creating atmosphere and interest
September 19, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Agreed.Although it was looking a little uncared for last time I was there.
September 19, 2012 at 11:34 am
I think Libertine do a great job of creating atmosphere and interest.
September 19, 2012 at 7:43 pm
While Bucci is very loud (related at least somewhat to the decor/design) I love the main lightshade in front of the open kitchen, and I like the little bar section too – small, stools, very european / Melbourne.
September 19, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Oh – and I love the sunken nature of Bucci, slightly below the footpath.
November 1, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Dudley St Espresso @ Annerley.. funky little cafe. Quirky in the way that their decorational items are also for sale – a lot of Brisbane antiques old bus signs, retro vintage housewares, old brisbane maps, mannequin pieces