Last night I attended an event at the Museum of Art & Design (MAD) in New York City to celebrate the opening of Robert, the museum’s new restaurant that opened mid-December on its ninth floor. From the time I walked off the elevator (which opened exclusively to the restaurant as it takes up the entire floor) to the farthest corner of the space, I was continuously amazed at not only the gorgeous design elements but the intricate way all the colors—some of which were extremely bold to the point where they would be borderline obnoxious in any other setting—blended together to resemble a warm nighttime glow that could only be likened to New York City.
Here are some of the photos I took to give you a closer look:
Entering from one of the floor's two elevators (to the left in the photo), guests first see a lunge-like seating area with glass-topped aluminum tables (by Philip Michael Wolfson) and colorful chairs by Vladimir Kagan. The metal table bases reflect the light and colors in the room to create a soft glow of intermingling hues.
The lighting system, designed by Johanna Grawunder, features LED panels that emit a pink glow that fills the room with a warm hue to resemble the nighttime lights from the city outside. The ceiling is also covered with black textured tiles to add depth and appeal even at ceiling level.
Looking closer at the seating designed by Vladimir Kagan and the aluminum base table by Philip Michael Wolfson, it's interesting to note how the pieces can be so different yet work so well together. As an added bonus, the seats are exceptionally comfortable, which will allow for long periods of comfortable conversation.
This communal table by Philip Michael Wolfson was inspired by sound waves in music and is a part of his Soundform series. The coloration and metallic hues blend well with the gold lighting from the LED lights along the wall.
Philip Michael Wolfson took some time to speak to me about his designs for the tables and reception desks, as well as discuss some of the challenges he faced in working with so many other designers on the project. Wolfson expressed how much fun he had and looks forward to exhibiting his Soundform line.
Small glass orbs filled with water and a single pink flower added a touch of class and lightness to the tables. There's just something about a single flower that, for me, always takes a space to that next level of sophistication.
The carpet in the "lounge" area was soft and plush with a velvet-like texture. The block pattern of bright red and deep purple works well with the muted lavender tone, which matches the matte silver wall shades.
Intimate dining lines the outerwalls of the restaurant and provides diners views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. The floors are covered with silver tile decorated with a small square pattern for a distinct yet not overpowering sense of texture.
Perhaps the most important feature of any upscale dining venue for serious foodies, the impressive refridgerated wine rack casts beautiful illumination upon the grand piano. (If you go, try the Isabell wine. It's absolutely wonderful with its hidden notes of florals.)
