You are looking at an image of the new sushi restaurant Katsuya in Los Angeles. Dramatic isn’t it??I don’t usually blog about public places like restaurants, but I could not resist this one which I found in Elle Decor March 2008 (I know…it’s not even February yet!). The designer is the brilliant Philippe Starck who?is known for his interiors as well as his unique design of everyday items such as toothbrushes and computer mouses…mice? ?We are told that the restaurant features oversized photos of kimonos and other geisha images, including these succulent red lips. Why is this interior design so compelling? Let’s take a look at what it is composed of. First of all, there is something very edgy about the geisha tradition….the sexual energy of elegant women hidden under layers and layers of silk is quite intriguing. While this interior is something that one would not want to live with day in and day out, the designer has approached it with the same solid “design principles” that he might use for a residential space. No kidding! ?A very limited palette is used…the tables and chairs are all light neutrals and then POW! the red lips! A limited palette is always easy to be with and provides a perfect backdrop for the shiney red which literally lights up the room. Imagine if the tables and chairs were not neutral, but red or purple with patterned tablecloths and banquettes. The whole effect would have been entirely different.

Another “design principle” employed here in a beautiful way is the wide variation of scale. The furnishings are normal sized… simple and minimal with sticky legs. And then BAM! The photo is gigantic. (If anyone has the name of this photographer please let us all know. Perhaps it is Mr. Starck himself). Again, imagine if instead of this dramatically overscaled photo, there was a row of standard sized (20 x 30″) framed photographs. Hmmm….not so wonderful. The designer knew better and we design junkies and sushi eaters receive the benefits.

I am already planning my next trip to LA and this spot will definitely be on my list.