Odette, Singapore
Odette – the newly refurbished Singapore National Art Gallery’s restaurant – is a space of delicacy. Designed as a work of art in itself (to tie in with its gallery context), Universal Design Studio have taken inspiration from the menu, creating a refined and elegant space that uses raw elements and lots of light.
While honouring the colonial style building it sits in, the fine-dining restaurant is something quite modern. Rather than heavy, masculine colours and materials, which are often used in restaurants of this sort, Universal have selected a pale, soft colour palette, dominated by blush pinks, warm creams and natural materials. Light timber and pink terrazzo marble is in abundance, cream is the main colour used for furnishings, and earthy tones have been chosen for the flooring – softened further by its gentle patterning.
Creating a sense of elegance is accents of nickel and brass, as well as minimalist furniture, where touches of greenery add a feeling of freshness. Windows covered only in gauzy curtains that let light stream in add to the overall calm of the place, and the open floor plan, where eating areas are separated by white pillars or simply a booth, creates flow.
Universal Design Studio have not only created a beautiful place that reflects the menu, they have created a living artwork. The feature hanging mobile, made in collaboration with Singaporean artist Dawn Ng, is an example of art in the space, but Odette as a whole is something to admire, and to be inspired by.
Credits: Universal Design Studio and Retail Design Blog
Photography: Jovian Lim
