Elevated Thai restaurant.Cold Spring Harbor, NY Horst Design International (HDI), a retail and restaurant design firm, has transformed a vanilla box space within a retail strip center, into one of the metropolitan areas’ most dynamic Thai cuisine environment.
Recognized for its design and interior brand image creations worldwide, HDI has renovated the existing 2,400 s/f footprint into a stylish and unique new BRAND Image for these emerging restauranteurs. The principals, John Conrad and his wife Walailak (a native of Thailand) have developed an authentic Thai cuisine assortment. Referred to as Elevated Thai, it exudes authentic spices/recipes that are not generally accessible to the New York area. They asked HDI to develop a contemporary environment for this high end culinary establishment strategically located in the affluent Nassau County. In addition to developing a dramatic look, HDI was tasked with creating comfortable dining and bar areas for 75 guests.
The environment consists largely of white and shades of purple, with accents of polished steel and neutral materials. HDI developed a clean, modern, contemporary interior that would appeal to a variety of customer age groups. “As guests arrive to the site, they are greeted by an all glass storefront which provides a dramatic welcoming view into the modern Thai-Inspired bar/lounge area. We feel this entry exudes the essence of the word Sawasdee,” said Doug Horst, president – creative director, HDI. “Sawasdee translated from Thai is a greeting of welcoming respect & gratitude. Typically combined with a slight bow and palms pressed together.”
Carrying the Thai theme into the interior, diners are welcomed by an impressive undulating mahogany ceiling treatment leading from the front entry to the back wall of the dining room. “This is an abstract form of the celebrated Thai Dragon – which is believed to represent magic, protection, wisdom and longevity,” said Conrad, owner & culinary director. From here the guests will enjoy a view of the curved LED lit bar with a large display / assortment of house spirits reaching 15’ high up along the wall. Additionally the wall displays several colorful photo images of Thailand which are reminiscent of both owner’s time spent in that country.
The dining room and this lounge area are informally separated by two 14’ tall sheer curtain murals flanking the walkway. Depicted on the murals are the famous CHANG THAI (elephants) which have a spiritual significance associated with strength and good fortune.
The artwork was created by the owner’s family member, Raul Jimenez – and can be viewed from both sides of the dining room and lounge.
The main dining room is flanked on both sides by two large 12’ tall seating pods. Each pod can accommodate several individual tables for two or a large party of 10 persons. These pods are lined ( inside & out ) with an sound absorbing modern wallcovering that dampens the noise levels throughout the restaurant. The rear walls of the pods are lined with dramatic 14’ x 7’ photo images of Thailand ( the famous River Food Market and a Temple from the owner’s home province ) highlighted with both spot lighting and LED strips.
The north and south walls of the restaurant have been styled in contrasting materials. The south wall is finished with a rough natural elongated brick reminiscent of some Thai architecture, while the north wall is adorned with very contemporary high gloss white panels backlit with LED lighting and inlaid with a sound absorbing acoustical wall carpet. This north wall reflects the modern and energetic side of Bangkok.
At the rear private area, guests are invited to chic individual toilet rooms that complement the overall environment, with frosted glass graphic paneled doors depicting artistic Thai images with the artwork by the same artist - Jimenez.
Lighting throughout the space is predominantly 3000 K, LED sources in various forms ( track heads, strip lighting, recessed luminaries, cove lights, etc. – all dimmable & adjustable thru-out the course of the day, at the press of a button ).