Design firm Studio Kiki creates the interior design of a new Italian restaurant in London dubbed Carlotta. The space is meant to resemble the looks of an old-school glamorous dining experience, specifically the ambiance of an 80s Italo-American trattoria. It is found on Marylebone High Street and it is the latest to join the Big Mamma restaurant group.
Visitors are welcomed by a burgundy facade detailed with a bright neon sign. The team explains the space to Dezeen, noting that "[Carlotta is informed by] Italo-American neighbourhood restaurants in the 1980s, where the likes of [singer and actor] Frank Sinatra and friends would swing by for a bite to eat or a nightcap, and know the waiters' names."
Image Credit: Jérôme Galland
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Retro-inspired Restaurant Design
- Designing restaurant interiors that evoke the nostalgic charm and glamour of bygone eras, such as the 1980s Italo-American trattoria, presents an opportunity for creating unique dining experiences.
- Neon Signage as Decorative Element
- Incorporating vibrant neon signs into restaurant facades and interiors can add a touch of retro allure and serve as eye-catching focal points.
- Nostalgic Ambiance in Dining Establishments
- Creating spaces that transport customers back in time to iconic eras, like the 1980s, can offer a distinctive dining atmosphere that taps into nostalgia and attracts a niche clientele.
Where This Applies
- Restaurant Design
- Design firms specializing in restaurant interiors have an opportunity to offer unique retro-inspired designs that capture the allure of bygone eras, appealing to nostalgic diners.
- Neon Sign Manufacturing
- Companies specializing in designing and manufacturing neon signs can cater to the growing demand for nostalgic decor elements in restaurant and hospitality spaces.
- Theme Restaurant Concept Development
- Developing and executing theme restaurant concepts that transport customers to specific eras, like the 1980s Italo-American trattoria, presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry.
