INTERIOR
Jean-Christophe Burckhardt the leading specialist in French provincial and Tuscan interiors was commissioned to design the interior of the Sugo restaurant. Having lived in Italy and studied history of Art in Rome, Jean-Christophe seemed the perfect choice.
It all started with a chat over a glass of wine. Antonello Brocca and Marco Acquaviva, who run an Italian cheese import business, have always wanted to open a restaurant where their passion for fine Italian food and hospitality could find expression.
The location was an existing restaurant in Paddington. I was commissioned to radically change the existing rather cold modern look. Antonello's and Marco's brief to me was: "We want something really warm and inviting that reflects the spirit of Tuscany; the colours, the art, and authentic Italian cuisine..."
Special Paint Effect
The antique glaze on the walls reflects the aged ochre patina on the old houses of Tuscany. It is hand-rubbed with five different layers of colour to create the Tuscan look and feel.
Buffet
I have always loved the look of Tuscan 17th century painted furniture, for it combines beautifully the Louis XV shapes together with the colours and decorations from the Italian Renaissance. I took great pleasure in painting these buffets for the restaurant myself. If you would like to have one of these buffets in your home, please contact me.
Wall lights
For the wall light I wanted something a bit different and whimsical. These are based on a French provincial design that is part of the Jean-Christophe chandelier and wall lights selection.
Deruta
Deruta is a small town in the Province of Perugia, in the Umbria region of Italy. It has long been known for its colourful majolica ceramics, which are exported worldwide. I introduced them to the restaurant in order to bring their colourful and joyful quality. For me they represent the quintessence of the Italian artistic spirit.
Tiles
These Italian Renaissance inspired tiles are based on designs found in Tuscan art and the surrounding regions in the north of Italy. The Flute Player is based on an Etruscan fresco from the tomb of the Leopards, in Tarquinia and is over two thousand years old. If you want to know more about artwork for your walls, please feel free to contact me at Christophe Living.