West African Restaurant

Our client had been a big fan of M Restaurant in Victoria so when he was finally ready to launch his new venture, he contacted the creative director at René Dekker Design Limited, to discuss his ideas for the project. The colour palette for the restaurant interior decoration had to be strictly earth tones, limited colour, but plenty of texture and accessories and art came in the form of his collection of pottery and artefacts which he had procured during the preceding years, in anticipation of realising his dream.  

Various wall finishes were offered from plaster to natural wall coverings till we settled on two textured finishes from Clayworks.  To this we added a dark grey distressed timber which we used not only on the floor but also on some of the joinery.  We also chose an ethnically inspired 3D tile for the restrooms in the same tone.  Our first presentation incorporated pattern and symbols relating to Nsibidi which would be used on screens and the toilet doors.  Further we explored creating table tops with inlayed silver writing and the map of Africa.  Sadly due to a restricted budget and the onset of Covid, these items ended up being prohibitive.  Finally the restrooms made use of distressed brass sanitary ware, carved stone basins and vanity tops with live edges.

The completed scheme was a sublime understated gourmet’s delight!