Rappahannock Oyster Bar
Virginia oyster farmers, Rappahannock River Oysters, asked us to create a new footprint for their portfolio of restaurants in Los Angeles. Aesthetically, we agreed that the Rappahannock Oyster Bar should speak to the brand heritage, while also introducing the light and fresh approach that is prominent in the locale LA vernacular. With their Virginia location, history and farming process serving as our inspiration, we created a space that feels as a perfect marriage between and old East Coast wharf building with touches of California design details. The standout feature of the design are the custom concrete tiles on the face of the counter that wrap to become the surrounding flooring for a pop of color in an otherwise neutral dining room. Warm wood tones, imperfect glazed white brick, and a plaster wall adorned in authentic family photographs create a bright and inviting atmosphere; emphasized by large windows that flood the room with natural light. The space is finished with bespoke leather and copper pendant fixtures delicately suspended from a raw steel shelf holding dozens of potted plants. A steel mesh cage-like framework above the bars makes reference to materials used on the farm, while an an open kitchen celebrates the space's industrial past as a part of the Historic LA Terminal Market building.
