DESIGN INSPIRATION TO ADD TO YOUR OWN STYLE FILE
We each encounter beautiful spaces everyday. But if you aren’t actively looking to redecorate a room, you may forget about them when the time comes to spruce up your space…so start your own style file! When a bit of design sparks your style interest, file that away for future home projects. When you look back, you’ll see a pattern develop—you may be drawn to pale colors or bold patterns. This can help you curate your own interior design style. We found six spaces that inspired us in some way, and could be a start to your own style file! This week we look at two delicious restaurants:
Tavern & Grocery
The building where Tavern & Grocery resides in Charlottesville, VA, dates back to 1820, long used as a grocery store, then a full restaurant and bar in the late 20th century. Owner and local restaurateur, Andy McClure, has set out to “bring back what many people found so special about this historic building, while still maintaining a modern and fun style.” He’s clearly succeeded.
The interiors are elegant and timeless. The style harkens back to that of yesteryear, with antique light fixtures and a salvaged wood ceiling. There’s a sense of restrained sophistication. Warm finishes and textures in a subdued color palette that feels effortless yet deliberate.
The dishes are equally thoughtful—classic tavern dishes that are perfectly executed. We indulged in the Croque Madame—house smoked ham and gruyere cheese between grilled slices of French bread, topped with béchamel sauce and a fried farm egg, then the steak and fromage with grass-fed ribeye, creamy brie, and caramelized onions served alongside spicy arugula.
Ask your server to guide you towards a perfectly paired glass of wine from the well-rouned wine list. The restaurant’s tagline reads, “Provisions and repose for locals and wanderers.” Well, we are locals who plan on wandering in to repose and indulge quite often.tavernandgrocery.com
Ceviche’s
When Ceviche’s first opened, it occupied a very small space—a bar with a few tables and a tiny kitchen that cranked out incredible Panamanian-inspired dishes. Owner Hunter Tiblier, a retired military veteran, lived in Panama until he was 18-years-old and grew up on his father’s ceviche.
After decades away from the Panamanian seas, he missed the fresh, vibrant flavors he used to know so well, and wanted to bring those flavors to Wrightsville Beach, NC. Tiblier brought on local Chef Sam Cahoon to create a menu composed of traditional Panamanian elements, translated into refined and elegant dishes: empanadas, fried arepas, ropa vieja, plantains, ahi tuna tostadas, and of course, ceviche.
The demand for their signature dishes was so great that an expansion was needed. Tiblier enlisted the help of his wife Laura to decorate the expanded space—a formal dining room and sunroom. What Laura has created is stunning.
The dining room has warm tones, woven textures and luxe linens. The sunroom is a mix of white and black elements with pops of living greenery. The tabletops were created from cement tiles she found in Mexico. The black and white chairs have a Paris meets the tropics vibe. The ferns hung as busts add a whimsical note. Use this simple color palette as a starting point for your own dining room or eating area.
Check back next week when we share two stylish boutiques.
We shared this story with you in our Spring/Summer 2017 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here.