Knife Pleat
Location: Costa Mesa, California, USA
Client: Knife Pleat
Johnson Fain was commissioned to design a 5,000 square foot restaurant, kitchen and patio for Michelin Star chef Tony Esnault’s and restauranteur Yassmin Sarmadi’s new French restaurant, Knife Pleat, at the notable Orange County fashion destination, South Coast Plaza. Johnson Fain designed and developed the architecture, interiors and furnishings from concept design through construction. The design team took inspiration from the aptly named Knife Pleat, which is a nod to the intermingling of the culinary and fashion worlds, looking to such classic fashion designers as Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga for visual themes.
The palette is muted with a few dramatic accents, the silhouettes are soft yet structured and the style evokes classic detailing. Exterior design elements include a storefront comprised of backlit, translucent white onyx walls with polished brass inlays, and large sliding doors of custom patterned glass that open up the restaurant to connect the main dining area to the skylit shopping center. The outdoor dining patio features limestone walls, a full-height garden wall and a metal and wood trellis. Interior features include a dining area anchored by a feature bar made of fluted cast stone and brass and a veined Calacatta marble top fronting an open kitchen. The main dining room features a large custom brass and translucent glass light fixture which branches out over the room.
Services
Interior Design, Architectural Design, Furnishings, Custom Furniture Design
Program
- 5,000 square foot restaurant
- Indoor dining room, kitchen, feature bar, outdoor dining patio
Completion Date
July 2019
Awards
September 2021 – Michelin Star
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