| KL Design Group Transforms lofty space into Fenouil, an intimate urban brasserie. |
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KL Design Group  |
Contact Person: Patrick Craig
Company: KL Design
Email: patrick@kl-design.com
URL: http://www.kl-design.com
City: Portland
State: OR
Country: USA
KL Design Group Transforms lofty space into Fenouil, an intimate urban brasserie.
Portland-based studio uses integrated design philosophy - from website to interior design.
Portland, Oregon (November 9, 2005) - With a long list of hospitality projects to his credit, KL Design Group's principal and creative director, Kyle Lynch, recently added Fenouil (900 N.W. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon), a 8,500 square foot bi-level brasserie overlooking Jamison Square in Portland's Pearl District. Lynch and his team approached this project from an architectural mindset as they wrestled with the challenge of transforming a voluminous and contemporary space down to a more human scale - with the addition of a new second floor space.
"I look at restaurant projects from a human perspective and try to add warmth and intimacy to each design," says Lynch. Fenouil's design was especially challenging for Lynch because he created every detail - from the curved staircase to the second-floor mezzanine. "I turned an empty shell into a variety of cozy spaces, designed to incorporate existing garage doors and floor to ceiling windows. I wanted to capture and enhance the views of both the park and fountain."
Signature Elements Define KL Design
In a quest to add a cozy ambiance to a large space, Lynch and his design team broke the spaces down into smaller areas, grouped around two double-sided fireplaces and separated by hand-cut limestone columns. "I love using both natural light and firelight in my designs," says Lynch. "I also wanted to capture the essence of a French brasserie - with communal spaces like the bar and open kitchen, as well as more private settings."
Dining Room and Open Kitchen
The 120 seat main dining room is dominated by a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass, softened with white opaque draperies and three roll-up garage doors for expanded warm weather dining. Along with a palette of soft earth colors in both the upholstery and floor covering are splashes of authentic gascone blue limestone, French marble and vertical grain ash. The mezzanine sports a suspended barrel vaulted ceiling with inset French pressed tin and the lower dining room has groin arches tiled with mosaic stones. The exposed kitchen incorporates a wood burning oven and seating for 11 at the counter. Accessories like the tear drop bread dishes carry the Fenouil logo, designed by KL's graphic designer, Patrick Craig. Another example of the KL "style" is the round communal table with seating for 10 adjacent to the main dining room.
Bar
Beyond the dining room sits the bar area with communal spaces circling a third fireplace with sofas and banquettes, as well as bar seating. The room is also accented by a large French tapestry on an adjoining wall. "We lowered the ceiling in the bar to create a cocoon-like feeling," says Lynch. "It's a bit castle meets contemporary urban design."
"Floating" Mezzanine and Private Dining Space
A curved open staircase with an art deco railing leads to the second floor mezzanine and semi-private dining spaces with views of the city and open kitchen. "The mezzanine space is intimate and modern at the same time with expansive windows and a bird's-eye view of the kitchen activity," says Lynch.
Integrated Design Unique to KL
A key strategy at KL Design Group is to integrate as many of the design elements as possible - from the outdoor signage to the menu and business card design. "It is unusual for a design firm to be involved in all aspects of a design project," says Lynch. "It adds value for a client when we can maintain a consistent look - from the website to the letterhead."
About KL Design Group
Kyle Lynch founded KL Design Group in 1998 as a multi-faceted studio offering integrated design - from interior, architectural and landscape design, to website and logo design and development for both residential and commercial clients. Hospitality clients include: Andina's Bar Mestizo, The Pearl Wine Shop, fivespice, Gower St. Bistro, St. Honoré Boulangerie, Vault Martini Bar, Tucci, Cannon Beach Hotel and Tututun Lodge. For more information or to view a portfolio, visit www.kl-design.com or call 503-233-4160. |
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