PARISIAN BISTRO
Photography: Vivian Johnson
Hi and welcome to my second blog post. Fall has been nothing short of busy, but we tend to feel like we thrive in those environments. This month, the AMD team came together in person for the first time in over twelve months and had a special retreat spa day at one of my favorite places, Solage Calistoga. We have new projects that have been kicking off, existing projects moving a little closer to completion and one special project wrapped up that we are so excited to share.
COMMERICAL DESIGN
Back in 2019, I was approached to design the interior space for a new eatery at The Barlow, Sebastopol, California called Kosho Sushi. While my forte is residential interior design, I get inspired working leftfield and this project was one I did not want to pass up. With Kosho Sushi, we transformed an industrial space to a functional, beautiful sushi restaurant. It was challenging, but fun. We added a chic Saki / Wine bar, new millwork and lighting as well as painted and tiled the walls.
Kosho Sushi, The Barlow, Sebastopol
Source: Sushi Kosho
When the chef and owner contacted me again to come up with a design concept for his new 400 square foot pop-up Oyster bar I was more than thrilled. I love commercial spaces in a way that is different from residential design. It’s fun creating an experience for people to enjoy and share with friends, colleagues and loved ones.
INTRODUCING #OYSTERBAR
At Oyster, the idea is to serve beautiful bottles of Champagne (some vintage finds) that pair perfectly with seafood and of course oysters! For the design concept, I was inspired by the Bistro’s you see in Paris, sometimes New York, that have a fresh yet classic feeling. I wanted the space to have a pretty, European vibe but not feel too fussy and serve its purpose.
Oyster restaurant
Photography: Vivian Johnson
On the walls, we used a beautiful lime wash paint from JH Wall paints, to achieve a velvety, venetian plaster-look. For the wall tiles, I intentionally wanted to use a classic, 4x4 ceramic tile to deliver that quintessential bistro feeling and an understated monotone variation to compliment the lime wash paint. On the floor we chose a more modern, lux, patterned tile from Cle tile - which provides a subtle contrast to the classic bistro elements in the space.
For the counter, I knew I wanted to use a classic, bold marble. The marble we used is from Davinci Marble and I just love the smooth curve on the corner which pairs beautifully with the classic, circular bistro chairs from Design Within Reach.
Photography: Vivian Johnson
Photography: Vivian Johnson
Lighting tells a story and sets the tone for a space. In the Oyster Bar the lighting had to be bistro inspired, warm and beautiful. The grand, four tier, 21 globe chandelier, from Mullan Lighting, is without doubt the focal point of this elevated space. Brass that features in the curved arms of the chandelier is an element repeated in the refined wall sconces from Cedar & Moss, as well as the larger than life hood in the kitchen area. Made from patina-style brass, the hood embraces a classic Parisian bistro design bringing a cozy warmth to the restaurant.
Oyster opened to the public November 2nd 2022 and is truly an inspiring space. Be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.
HOLIDAY TIME
Thanksgiving is a special time….a holiday that brings people together at the dinner table. Although this year we’re doing Thanksgiving a little differently and heading out of town, I could not resist creating some Thanksgiving table inspiration for y’all.
Classic Rustic
I wanted to create two very different scapes. The first is warm and moody. I love the dark elements and how the Heather Taylor Home plaid napkins and coasters match my leather chairs from Saffron and Poe. The linen tablecloth is from Jenni Kayne and the Brickett Davda black plates, which are handmade in the UK, are from March in San Francisco and are just divine.
For me, a table setting isn’t complete unless there’s a variety of flower arrangements. For this classic rustic vibe, I couldn't go past a beautiful tall purple protea arrangement and paired this with a young paperwhite bulb and moss combination, which I just love.
SWEDISH ECLECTIC MODERN
We had a lot of fun creating these Thanksgiving tablescapes and while I love both of them, this one has to be my favorite, featuring several vintage Swedish linen pieces, given to me by my mom.
This table inspo uses a neutral, soft pink and blue color palette and features lots of layers. I used boho-vibe rattan place mats from Serena and Lily and neutral-colored plates from Mud Australia to make the napkins and silverware (which I received as a wedding gift!) pop. I wanted the floral arrangement to be different to the classic rustic setting, so I used these beautiful silky-soft coral-colored bunny tails and a simple eucalyptus arrangement to compliment the small swirl-design vase from Lawson Fenning, all bringing a fresh element to the table setting.
In the world of photography, they say never work with animals (or children!) and well…..I couldn't resist including these little guys in our tablescape! They were so well behaved……admittedly bribed with some turkey!
CURRENT FAVS
As the weather is getting colder I am of course obsessed with the perfect sweater. I love shopping local, and bought this sweater at one of my favorite Women’s boutiques here in Mill Valley Called The Edit. My friend Amy owns the shop and I adore her collection of designers including: The Great, Amo, Apiece Apart, Sea and many more.
This sweater is made from Alpaca yarn, which I love as it’s super soft and sustainable……I never want to take it off!
Image source: st-roche.com
In the furniture world, I have been obsessed with a shop called Stahl + Band in LA. I love these lanterns they carry….and hoping they will fit into a future project soon.
Image source: stahlandband.com
“Reflecting on the year that’s past, I’m grateful for those closest to me, who give me love, inspiration and support. I am thankful for my amazing team, builders I work with, and of course gracious clients who believe in me and give me the creative outlet to do what I love each and every day. Happy Thankgiving. ”
ABOUT THE AUTOR
Anja Michals is an experienced, reputable interior designer who prioritizes lived-in comfort and streamlined spaces infused with eclectic and thoughtful personalization. Her creative inspiration comes from her Scandanavian roots, traveling, nature, and the relaxed vibe of Southern California.
