Rosendale Design
Interior DesignNorma
London, United Kingdom
8 Charlotte St, London W1T 2LS, United Kingdom
NORMA IS A CONTEMPORARY AND VIBRANT RESTAURANT, DESIGNED BY ROSENDALE DESIGN AND IS INSPIRED BY THE FOOD AND CULTURE OF SICILY WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE MOORISH INFLUENCES OF THE ISLAND’S CUISINE, WITH THE CELEBRATED CHEF, BEN TISH AT THE HELM.
8 Charlotte St, London W1T 2LS, United Kingdom
+8
NORMA IS A CONTEMPORARY AND VIBRANT RESTAURANT, DESIGNED BY ROSENDALE DESIGN AND IS INSPIRED BY THE FOOD AND CULTURE OF SICILY WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE MOORISH INFLUENCES OF THE ISLAND’S CUISINE, WITH THE CELEBRATED CHEF, BEN TISH AT THE HELM.
12 Unique Items Shared
Q&A
How does the design of your space (or an element of the design) impact the experiences people have there?
"The restaurant actually has a challenging footprint. We managed to use the structure and columns to our advantage by creating pools areas enabling diners to feel protected whilst at the same time still feeling a part of the vibrant atmosphere. One surprise element that impresses patrons is the conservatory skylight towards the rear of the space. When one first enters the space, it looks narrow and has a low ceiling height. But as they reach the back area the ceiling height and room width near doubles. The daylight that fills the room really gives the space something that many other restaurants on the street do not."
Q&A
What is the interior design style of your space?
"The design of the space is inextricably linked to the restaurants menu. Sicily boast a great Arabesque influence and the space has employed this at the core of its identity in a contemporary portrayal."
Q&A
What Custom/Original Element do your guests notice most often? What do they say about it?
"One element that frequently gets mentioned are the Zellige tiles that were handmade in Morocco. These are derived from the moorish tiles that are found in and around Siciliy, in this case, the Cathedral Monreale. They have often been referred to in reviews and they are highlighted as an integral aspect that underpins the design's concept. They are used sparingly, and are not everywhere, but they are used in order to create key features throughout the design. The lighting design has received many comments as well. We are frequently told that the transition form day to night is seemless and on the evenings is very warm and welcoming."
Q&A
What was the biggest source of inspiration?
"It was felt that whilst the general public have a generalised perception of what Italian food is, and what an Italian restaurant should look like, the design should celebrate the under appreciated Arabesque influences that not only influence the Sicilian flavour but the architecture as well."
Q&A
Who did you love working with on this space? Any memorable moments or unique craftsmen?
"Our team of in house scenic artists who created the wall textures are really the unsung heroes as the walls and ceiling provide a visual texture that is not noted by everyone but immediately gives the space an identity and warmth that would not be possible without them. We are very fortunate that the client team trusted us implicitly and welcomed our ideas even though some of them (including the handmade tiles) were quite pricey. But they saw the value in the ideas and believed in the overall vision."
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