Ernesto’s Cafe
Type
Restaurant
Location
Lower East Side, New York
Status
Completed, 2020
Area
800 square feet
Scope
Interior design, Custom furniture design, Custom lighting design
Donna is a celebration of Basque design and architecture from antiquity to the present day. with a focus on the visual environment of the city of San Sebastian
Donna is a celebration of Basque design and architecture from antiquity to the present day. with a focus on the visual environment of the city of San Sebastian where Chef Ryan Bartlow developed his love for Basque cuisine.
The deep green waters of the Atlantic and the natural stone comprising many of the city’s buildings serve as inspiration for the palette and material selections throughout. The rich period of Art Nouveau architecture and design is a particular reference, from which the playful, geometric curves take their inspiration.
01
Existing brick walls were cleaned and sealed to celebrate their natural beauty
02
Natural leather covers the inviting banquette seating
03
Custom table tops in wood with a natural hard wax oil finish with a natural ebony stain
The design language from the original Ernesto's space was reinterpreted for a more casual daytime setting, with the same attention to material selection and details.
Zellige glazed tiles, natural stone, and unfinished brass will patina beautifully over time as the space gets used day to day.
The cafe space enjoys views to the open kitchen of Ernesto's creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day.