Dark Gold: A Captivating Restaurant Design

Unleashing the Wildness of Gold

Inspired by the beauty of minerals refined by high temperatures in nature, designer Yu-Cheng Chen presents Dark Gold, a mesmerizing restaurant design that breaks away from the minimalist trends dominating the market. With its eye-catching wildness and unforgettable allure, Dark Gold is set to leave a lasting impression on its customers.

The 86-square-meter space of Karen Teppanyaki in Tainan, Taiwan, is transformed into a realm of sophistication and wonder. The walls, adorned with dark curtains and a combination of different-sized elements, create a sense of profoundness. Grey straight slabs with burning veins expand throughout the space, while gold sticks and black mirrors are randomly placed, evoking the feeling of gazing into an infinite starry sky.

Upon entering Karen Teppanyaki, guests are immediately struck by the strikingly decorated walls. The intersecting straight lines in gold and black colors unleash an uncontrollable wilderness that defies conventional boundaries. This design choice ensures that every glance captivates and bewitches, making the dining experience truly unforgettable.

One of the standout features of Dark Gold is the unique dining-kitchen table. Breaking away from the traditional square or round tables, the designer merges two large round tables, creating a space where the chef is surrounded by guests. This arrangement allows for proper interaction between the chef and diners, reminiscent of planets orbiting the sun, basking in its light.

Dark Gold's design challenges were met with creative solutions. The pentagon lighting bars, with their symmetric regularity, emit irregularly radiating gold beams. These beams illuminate the central dining-kitchen table, which serves as the focal point of Karen Teppanyaki. This innovative approach ensures that both the guests and the chef are bathed in a warm and inviting glow.

A testament to its excellence, Dark Gold was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade recognizes designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Dark Gold is a testament to the power of design to create immersive and unforgettable experiences. With its wild and captivating aesthetic, this restaurant design invites guests to embark on a culinary journey like no other.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Yu-Cheng Chen
Image Credits: Image #1-5: Photographer Ken Jang, Dark Gold, 2020.
Project Team Members: Designer: Yu-Cheng Chen
Project Name: Dark Gold
Project Client: Yu-Cheng Chen


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