When Emmanuelle Haworth and Edward de Simone of De Simone Design were asked to create a space for Bondi’s newest restaurant, there were a few elements that really spoke to them in the brief. Concepts that absolutely needed to weave through the space included breathing positive vibes, uplifting energy and ethically outstanding design — just like the food being served.
Eden is an entirely plant-based restaurant; the brainchild and creation of vegan-devotees, Simon Hill and Tanya Smart. Simon is an entrepreneur, nutritionist and plant-based advocate. He runs Plant Proof — a complete online plant-based resource with a blog and podcast. His partner Tanya founded Conscious Feast in 2017, which has now rebranded as Preach Cafe and operates out of Bondi. This duo is on a mission to allay the fears many have around a plant-based diet, while also offering resources and dining experiences where people can go to enjoy these offerings.
“The design needed to reflect and celebrate the ethos and experience Simon and Tanya are passionate about providing.”
De Simone Design wanted to recognise and celebrate Simon and Tanya’s ethos at every turn of this design. They took their inspiration first from the menu, second from Bondi’s laid-back lifestyle, and third from the conscious, ethical mindset emanating from this fresh new establishment’s owners. “Our intent was to create a light, airy, plant-infused space highlighted by a variety of textures generating positive energy to match the positive intent of the menu and the textures and atmosphere of the coastal beach setting,” explains Edward of De Simone Design.
“The design needed to reflect and celebrate the ethos and experience Simon and Tanya are passionate about providing — a sustainable, delicious and abundant plant-based dining experience.”
To do this, the team brought in warm, soft apricot tones, brass finishes, plantation style furnishings and recycled timbers (AAH). Of course, a plant-based restaurant calls for a plant-based interior, and this was achieved with a plethora of flora that beautifully invites the natural world to enter the space.
“The use of sustainable and recycled materials as much as possible throughout the fitout was critical to both our brand ethos and value.”
White terrazzo (Fibonaci), speckled tiles (Academy), Linen Sheer Alabaster curtains (Westbury) and reclaimed fern green stone connect the space with its Bondi locale, while avoiding any sort of clichéd Bondi aesthetic.
“The use of sustainable and recycled materials as much as possible throughout the fitout was critical to both our brand ethos and value,” says Edward, “including the terracotta half-pipes, which make a striking feature bar that complements the soft limewash apricot and bone of the walls (Porters Paints) and stimulates appetite. A simple paint finish was preferred over any kind of cladding or material application to the walls to keep costs down and avoid wastage.”
The design dances somewhere between minimalism and maximalism, texture and simplicity, but underneath there is a consistent undercurrent of respect for the natural world. An ode to mindful living if you will, both through the food on the menu and the sustainable choices weaved into the design.
De Simone Design
desimonedesign.com.au
Eden
edenbondi.com
Photography couresty Edward de Simone
Dissection Information
Pavlova and White Terrazzo from Fibonacci Stone
Fern Dolomite from RMS Stone
Recylced Douglas Fir from AAH
Bone and Victorian Lime Wash from Porters Paints
IRIEDE mosaic tiles from Academy Tiles
Linen Sheer Alabaster from Westbury Textiles
Chair 811 from James Richardson
St Vincent dining chair from Coco Republic
Compact 02 Wall Light from Douglas and Bec
Discus 2 and Odball brass pendants from Volker Haug
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