Vibrant new look for Locale

6th May 2009, 4:45pm

Award winning designer Brigitte D'Angelo wanted to build on the strengths of the Locale brand with Balham's Ferrari's restaurant, which has recently been acquired by the Locale Group and is closing on 18 May for its £100,000 refit.

Locale Balham, which will reopen on the 22 May, will feature chocolate Vine, a rich, deep colour to create atmosphere within the bar area, along with textured wallpapers in dark damson and contrasting pistachio green by Brian Yates.

Stylish yet comfortable cocktail chairs in tactile velvet cord, in shades of damson and willow, will be set around rosewood tables. Hanging lampshades in the bar area are hand-made in pleated damson silk, with a gold taffeta lining to create a sensual atmosphere, and the bar itself will be finished in cherry wood.

Meanwhile the main restaurant area will feature upholstery in contrasting mulberry and gold spot velvet fabric with walls in Rock, a tawny milk-chocolate colour, and the exterior will be sympathetically re-branded to Locale.

The designer, who was formerly a drink industry marketing professional, gave Eat Out readers an insight into the thought processes behind designing the London establishment:

What was your aim when designing this venture?

We wanted to build on the strengths of the Locale brand – informal Italian dining - but without treating each restaurant in exactly the same way. We didn't want to create the 'cookie cutter' effect evident in competitor venues such as Strada and Pizza Express.

The existing Ferraris restaurant in Balham is popular with the locals, so the refurbishment was designed to make the venue more comfortable and inviting, without changing everything about it.

How did you achieve this? E.g: what furniture did you use, paint etc?

The colour palettes used in Locale restaurants differ from venue to venue. For Balham we have planned feature walls in chocolate vine, a delicious rich, deep colour to create atmosphere in the bar area. We have additionally used textured wallpapers in damson and pistachio from Brian Yates to create focal points and make the venue a little more sophisticated.

Stylish cocktail chairs in tactile velvet cord are planned for the bar area, they will be set around rosewood tables and the idea was to create a stylish, classic aesthetic appeal that will draw people naturally to the bar area.

What would you describe as the key and unique features?

A key feature in the bar area is the hand made, pleated silk and organza lampshades. By using luxurious fabrics we are introducing a touch of glamour to Locale Balham that wasn't there before. These lampshades wouldn't look out of place in a top London's members club, and we're hoping that these little touches will help create an environment where people can really relax and enjoy the surroundings while having a drink after work.

Does your team have a particular style?

I like to think that I am adaptable to many different styles. I like to use strong colours and often mix vintage furniture and lighting with new, modern equivalents. It's the contrast between old and new that is fascinating.

Who are the key team members?

I work mostly by myself bringing in specialists when necessary.

Stage by stage how did you approach this project?

I have known Douglas Smillie (co-owner of Locale Balham) for a long time and feel I understand what he wants to achieve from a refurbishment project. Initially we meet on site to discuss the issues and decide what to change, and importantly what works well as it is – if something is working as it is then we don't change it just for the sake of it. One issue at Balham was that a banquette was rather too upright, so we agreed to change the angle of the backrest - a very simple but important change.

After the initial meeting I then go away and work up some colour and fabric ideas into a mood board, which is then given to the client for comments. The client also shows me pictures of furniture that they like so I have an idea of their tastes, and can draw inspiration for the overall design from a fusion of my ideas and theirs.

We have further meetings at the restaurant with colours and samples to ensure that everything works together and the brief is coming together. Once the design plans are agreed we cost up the required items and pass a specification on to the builder/decorator and furniture maker.

Final comment on the venue?

I am very happy with the plans for Locale Balham, we are carrying out the refurbishment this month – the restaurant closes on Monday 18th May and reopens the following Friday 22nd May. As long as the client is happy, I won't change anything. We have devised some clever ways of making the restaurant appear more visually appealing, yet simultaneously homely and comfortable.

Stylish, yet also informal and understated. Traditional, yet modern with the use of clean lines and natural colours and materials. It's been an exciting and challenging project and I'm excited to see the end result.

Related Articles:

• 26 May 2009 - Locale Balham opens today after refit
• 26 May 2009 - Locale Balham opens today after refit
• 27 Apr 2009 - Balham restaurant acquired by Locale Group
• 03 Apr 2008 - Early Bird at Locale restaurants
• 14 Mar 2008 - Locale group expands its portfolio