Universal Design Studio pairs pink terrazzo with grey velvet for Odette restaurant interior

Pink terrazzo is used alongside natural wood, grey velvet and nickel fixtures inside this Singapore restaurant completed by Barber and Osgerby’s Universal Design Studio (+ slideshow).

Named after head chef Julien Royer’s grandmother, Odette is located inside the newly refurbished Singapore National Art gallery.

The London studio – set up by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in 2001 to focus on architecture and interior projects – aimed to create a different fine-dining experience to those typically on offer, and used soft-toned colours and light materials to create a bright interior.

Elements of the building’s historic architecture are referenced throughout the dining space, on faceted columns and mosaic-effect marble flooring.

“The use of natural light and a bright palette offers a welcome departure from more traditional fine-dining restaurants where darker heavier tones are often found,” said Universal Design Studio, which is led by co-directors Jason Holley and Hannah Carter Owers.

“We sought to achieve these refreshing objectives all while respecting the historic and iconic location within the National Gallery which is a Colonial-era, classical building, formerly the Supreme Court House of Singapore,” the studio added.

In the main dining space grey velvet benches and chairs are placed around circular tables. A larger, more secluded table is used to accommodate larger parties.

A mobile made of butterfly-like shapes is suspended across the centre of the restaurant, created by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng.

The kitchen is fronted by glass doors, allowing diners to see the chefs preparing meals.

“This is a key feature – central to the dining experience,” said the team. “Diners have the opportunity to witness the chefs at work.”

Curved wooden panels form a backdrop for a drinks bar made from pink-coloured terrazzo. Bright green tropical plants in brass and concrete pots add colour to the space.

Universal Design Studio also recently completed a flagship store for fashion brand J&M Davidson, and has previously created two pop-up shops for a sportswear manufacturer.

Photography is by Jovian Lim

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