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Enjoy Some Mexican Food

Once a restaurant and later a real estate office, this 4,000-square-foot property required a complete transformation. Small fluorescent lights, stark white walls, and dusty concrete floors overwhelmed the expansive space. By refining the layout, incorporating reclaimed wood accents, and selecting lighting that matched the scale and architecture, the design was elevated into a cohesive, inviting environment with a sense of sophistication.

Location: Denver, CO

Designer Credits: Sandy Schuster BBA, MBA

Project Overview:

I began with a detailed floor plan, carefully mapping table placement, booth sizing, and traffic flow. To define the bar and entry areas while adding interest, I incorporated Tableaux panels, also using them to carve out discreet wait stations. The furniture layout guided the lighting design, which featured eight different fixture styles. Natural rattan, copper, gold, and black metal created variety, anchored by three dramatic 48-inch rattan-and-gold chandeliers that emphasized the grandeur of the dining room.

The client wanted to include Talavera tile, so I refined the hundreds of options to a selection that coordinated with the custom paint palette and subtle blue accents. Inspired by the Mexican state flower, the dahlia, I sourced three-dimensional blue dahlias to complement the walls and enhance the décor. For the flooring, a gray epoxy with subtle rust undertones was chosen to add warmth and movement. This finish inspired the palette of gray dining tables, rust-colored chairs, and mustard booths. In contrast, the bar area featured more vibrant tabletops paired with sleek black booths for a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere.

Enjoy Some Mexican Food
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