Ristorante Contraste in Milan by Studio Debonademeo

As part of the redesign of the Contraste luxury restaurant in Milan, Studio Debonademeo transformed an early 19th century building. The designers took several approaches: First, they returned the rooms to their original state, restoring the surfaces, stucco and frescoes. Second, they adapted the building to the functional needs of the restaurant. As a third level, the concept of a restaurant as a theatre was superimposed on the conversion in terms of design and space.

The spatial elements of the existing building were restored. © Serena Eller Vainicher

A system of velvet curtains in different bright colours allows the hall to be divided into four sections. This makes it possible to create large, representative halls as well as intimate niches. Each of the four sections is associated with one of the four elements – air, earth, water and fire – and is highlighted by its colour. There are also wallpapers with motifs that echo the theme, such as underwater animals and hot-air balloons. The rooms look like an enfilade of stages where chefs, waiters and guests become actors in their own play.

The champagne-coloured wall panelling creates a theatrical effect. © Serena Eller Vainicher

The rooms change from cold to warm colours and from historic parts of the building to contemporary furniture. Vinyl flooring and wallpaper echo the colours of the different areas, adding to the sense of moving through different worlds. Bright yellow trolleys used by the waiters act as travellers between the worlds. In addition to the four restaurant levels, there is also a relaxation room decorated in Yves Klein blue. The toilets also echo the design concept. Pink marble washbasins and wooden panels covered in champagne-coloured aluminium foil add a touch of theatricality.