Inspired by the atmosphere of a relaxed Italian eatery, the restaurant features an interior concept by Bishop Design, bursting with natural textures and joyful Mediterranean-influenced hues. Studio N’s lighting design adds to the playfulness by evoking the welcoming ambience of a traditional trattoria, while highlighting the vibrancy of the colours and finishes.

At the entrance to the restaurant, linear luminaires were concealed along Scalini Cucina’s signature blue façade to produce a gentle glow of light along the decorative panelling. A backlit sign stylishly reinforces the visual identity of the brand, and recessed downlights positioned in the soffit above the doorways produce ambient light above the pavement-style tables.

From the moment that guests cross over the threshold, they are transported into a bright and breezy setting. An elegant backlit fabric ceiling amplifies the atmosphere, mimicking the effect of daylight streaming into the space to subtly reference the bright sunshine of the Italian Rivera. Directly below, a luscious lemon tree adds a hint of freshness and is framed by adjustable spotlights in the banquette seating, angled to bounce light onto the tree and emphasize the green and yellow tones of the leaves and fruit.

The energetic tone is heightened further by a recessed track and spotlight system in the ceiling, and concealed wall grazing fittings that enhance the vertical surfaces. The team used a cool colour temperature of 4000K to accentuate the Scalini-blue walls and make them pop, and a warmer colour temperature of 3000K in the restaurant to create a cosy and inviting tone.

As the scheme is peppered with an eclectic mix of rustic and contemporary objects, joinery lighting was seamlessly integrated to accent the shelving and bring each charismatic piece to life. Classic-style chandeliers and pendant lights provide a final finishing layer, adding a touch of Italian refinement to the laid-back glamour vibe.