I love working on interiors for our Bibby + Brady residential clients, but we recently got to put together a design for a restaurant, which was amazing and so much fun. In commercial jobs you get to be a bit more adventurous and daring than you would be in someone's home. It wasn't a complete re-design, certain elements were to remain.

With restaurants, especially those that are only open in the evening, the ambience and atmosphere are very important. Lighting is great for creating that. We chose the most divine black wallpaper covered in a native New Zealand design - ferns, tui, crayfish, kowhai... This was to run down one wall behind the high banquet seating, teamed with gorgeous brass wall sconces and black chairs. We wanted to create a sophisticated, moody atmosphere.

At the entrance to the restaurant there is a bar area which has a more casual, relaxed feel. This is where you can have a drink while you wait for a table. We opted for deep sea blues, and sandy golds. Copper pendants hang over the restaurant servery echoing the wall-mounted lights. Behind the servery the kitchen is a flood of bright light, in contrast to the softly lit restaurant.

If you have a cafe or restaurant and would like our help, don't hesitate to get in touch.