Carmel*

Commercial Restaurant Design
*Designed under Smith Hanes Studio

While working at Smith Hanes Studio, project manager Janine Mackenzie lead the design with designer Patrick Di Rito. Located in Atlanta's vibrant Buckhead Village, Carmel evokes the serene, breezy charm of a coastal retreat. With a design that transports diners to the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean, Carmel embodies a laid-back, beachside atmosphere through its natural color palette and material selection.

Upon entering Carmel, guests are greeted by a U-shaped bar wrapped in rattan, reminiscent of seaside cabanas. This inviting space seamlessly blends with the cobblestone street outside, thanks to a large folding wood window, opening the bar to additional outdoor café seating. Above the bar, a rattan light fixture mirrors its shape, casting a warm, welcoming glow.

Founder Tal Baum of Oliva Restaurant Group (ORG) envisioned a space that would encapsulate the calm and expansiveness of the Mediterranean coast. Interior designer Janine MacKenzie brought this vision to life with a palette of natural hues and textures, conjuring the essence of places like Tulum and Puerto Escondido. Lime plaster walls, hand-applied by local artisans Super Delicious Walls, add a tactile, coastal aesthetic, while custom fiber installations by Sonya Yong James accentuate the space with artistic flair.

Dining Room

In the dining room, woven pendant lights hang from the ceiling, emitting a sunset-like warmth that bathes the space in a soft, golden light. Mossy green banquettes, wood tables and chairs, and sheer curtains enhance the room's inviting ambiance, creating a sense of comfort and relaxation. The back bar, framed by an arch of textured white and smaller reddish tiles, stands as a centerpiece, evoking the handcrafted charm of Mediterranean basketry.

As guests move deeper into the 1,600-square-foot dining area, they discover niches carved from the walls, housing cozy booth seating. Sage green tiles around the kitchen passover window and additional tilework throughout the space contribute to the harmonious, coastal-inspired design

Every element of Carmel is a testament to the craftsmanship of local artisans and the thoughtful design. From the amber-tiled barback to the glowing drink rail and sculptural lighting, Carmel offers a dining experience that feels like a Mediterranean escape, right in the heart of Atlanta.