Dezeen Magazine

Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design

Austin eatery Hank's features "minimalist desert modern" interiors

A group of designers have collaborated on interiors for Hank's restaurant in Austin, Texas, transforming an old grocery store into a spacious, bright eatery.

Hank's is situated in a defunct 1950s shopping centre in the city's Windsor Park neighbourhood.

Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design

The space features white walls, high ceilings, and is lined with floor-to-ceiling gridded windows, with a variety of differently furnished dining areas.

Owned by Jessie Katz and Andy Means, the couple found a team of women to design the restaurant, after their first was destroyed by a fire.

Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design

Claire Zinnecker led the interior design, with stark white walls inside and out, providing a blank canvas for natural textures and various plants that decorate the restaurant.

"The pretty natural light, minimalist desert modern atheistic, placement of house plants and succulents, and attention to detail on the project has made it a perfect spot," said a statement from the team.

Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design

The restaurant has an open floor plan, with a series of light wood booths and tables at the centre of the space, creating a uniform visual.

Black steel windows have large square sections, with other steel elements include fixtures and sconces.

Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design

Overhead are globe rattan shades, adding a vintage feel to the restaurant, which is carried through to an outdoor patio decorated with wicker Acapulco chairs.

"The design intent was to make the space feel warm, comfortable, and inviting while maintaining an organic sophistication," said the team.

Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design

A separate dining area features teal coloured benches with tan cushions, and black dining chairs. A bar has a similar aesthetic in tones of green, white and black.

Other sections feature pale cane chairs, lightwood bench and peach cushions. Overall, the interiors are designed to tie in with Austin's warm climate.

Natural woods, light colours, indoor plants, and textured materials draw a connection between indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design

Branding and creative direction by Go Forth Creative, including work by Chelsea Fullerton Jones, Emma Brooks, Melina Sweet, Lauren Cunningham, Mia Carameros and Sarah Wymer.

Other illustrations were made by Rebecca Clarke, and Norma Jeanne Maloney painted the cafe's signs.

Photography is by Wynn Myers.

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Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design
Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design
Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design
Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design
Hank's by Claire Zinnecker Design and Ben May Design