Lakes Bistro

A Cozy Neighbourhood Restaurant with Timeless Appeal

A neighbourhood mainstay, Lakes is a classic French bistro with a small wine bar. Though the space was in need of rejuvenation, we didn’t want to detract from it’s cozy essence. Our design brings in the subtlest of interventions, each meant to highlight the timeless charm of the original details.

We animated the simple black-and-white palette by installing cushioned banquette seating, upholstered in blazing red, along one wall. To add dimension to this very narrow space, we hung mirrors at a slight angle above the high-backed banquette. The angle creates interesting views, and allows patrons a voyeuristic peek at the food on other tables. White paint refreshed the embossed paper that adds texture and visual interest below the dining room's chair rail. A coat of black makes the same detail more dramatic in the front bar. The textural tin ceilings are also made fresh with bright white paint.

Rather than toss the existing bistro chairs, which remained sturdy even after years of use, we refinished the wood and reupholstered the seats in the same red fabric used on the banquette. The project serves as a reminder that simplest concepts are always the strongest.