Negative space is an incredibly powerful tool in design. Our expertise tells us that this space is just as important as the substance, creating space for release and reflection. Glow must be given room to breathe. In the grand scheme of life, time spent appreciating the little things is never wasted. Deliberately and forcefully, TAVRA with Andrea Cornilla makes good use of our short time here on earth, imbuing tactile materials with an expertly rendered sense of volume.
A single but defined skylight dominates the room, bathing the interior in a concentrated beam of light. Soft, delicate spheres decorate the surrounding walls, offering a small but seductive warmth to the burgundy-filled room. The walls, chairs and upholstery of the booth reflect this rich hue, adding an elegant opulence to the space.
The highly lacquered sheen of the tables contrasted with the warm pile of wallpaper creates an impressive tablescape. Clean glassware and minimal setup leave room for the food and ambiance to take precedence, focusing on what’s most memorable about a meal.
The bar features generously curved chrome trim, a mirror finish and reflective herringbone underfloor. Inset wine glass shelves hang above, suspended in space by a striking built-in cabinet that creates a surprising height despite its size. Cornilla is very invested in the dynamic between the volumes, and it really shows in her work.
The kitchen is intentionally open, guests are invited to watch the action and watch the process. Anyone who dines out often really wants to see what goes on behind the curtain, whatever that is. With this honorific placement, the back-of-house/front-of-house divide is blurred, focusing the act of service. “Every gesture at Tabra, from the tactile portals to the curated textures and contrasts of spatial moods, is designed to inspire the senses. It is a space that honors history, embraces contemporary elegance and celebrates the art of gathering,” states the designer.
These fabric gates echo the Art Deco influences of the time, this space was originally used as living quarters. Wanting to maintain the natural flow of the cellar, the wallpaper adds a new weight to the simple transition. As the original enclosures could not be preserved, these golden arches pay homage to the decades of history that shaped these walls and will continue well into the future.
Andreea Cornila, founded in Bucharest in 2019, is a Romanian interior and product designer. With a strong attraction to shape, balance and color, her mastery of these design principles is evident in her work. Unafraid of a pop of color or a pop (or room) of red, her style is bold, sophisticated and quite unique.
To know more about Tabra Restaurant by Andreea Cornila, visit andreeacornila.ro.
Photo by Vlad the Four & Andrei Vidila.
