March 2025 – ALLFOURKIDS

Eight living areas that make a feature of exposed rammed-earth walls

From India to South Africa, our latest lookbook collects living rooms that showcase the diversity in colour and texture of rammed-earth walls.

Rammed earth is a building method that is constructed by packing soil – made up of a combination of aggregate, sand, silt, clay and gravel – into formwork and compressing it to form a solid wall once the formwork is removed.

It is traditionally a low-carbon building method when constructed in its raw form. However, it is common for the earthen material to be stabilised with a binder, such as cement, to improve its strength while maintaining its characterful look.

House in Cunha by Arquipelago — Rammed earth comes in varying tones depending on the soil. Photo by Federico Cairoli

Rammed-earth walls come in varying colours and textures depending on the soil used. The examples below range from warm oranges, rich browns, cool greys, pinky hues and sandy tones.

Their textural surfaces make striking focal points in homes, with striped patterns formed by the layered process of compacting soil.

Rammed-earth walls also have a high thermal mass, helping regulate room temperatures in hot climates by cooling them in the day and warming them at night.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with a modern take on art deco, living rooms that embrace the Mediterranean landscape and kitchens without wall cupboards.

Living space in Hybrid House by Sketch Design Studio — Photo by Purnesh Dev

Hybrid House, India, by Sketch Design Studio

Architecture firm Sketch Design Studio combined vernacular building techniques from north and south India for Hybrid House, a three-bedroom home in Rajasthan.

The home’s rammed earth walls were covered in lime plaster with some areas left exposed to reveal the earthen structure, which has a pinky tone due to the higher volume of clay found in Rajasthan soil.

Find out more about Hybrid House ›

Vipp Todos Santos guesthouse by PPAA — Photo by Anders Hviid

Vipp Todos Santos, Mexico, by PPAA

Aiming to blend the structure with the surrounding terrain, architecture studio PPAA opted for thick rammed-earth walls for this guest house on Mexico‘s Baja California peninsula.

The monolithic walls shelter semi-external living and dining areas, with the earthen material’s thermal mass helping to passively cool the spaces in the day and warm them at night.

Find out more about Vipp Todos Santos ›

House in Cunha, Brazil, by Arquipélago Arquitetos

Rammed-earth walls were built on top of a concrete foundation and married with rich, deep-toned timber for this home in the countryside of Brazil, which was designed by São Paulo-based studio Arquipélago Arquitetos.

An external rammed-earth wall continues into the interior to form the back wall for an open-plan kitchen, while in the living space, a rammed-earth wall with built-in storage is surrounded by clerestory and full-height windows.

Find out more about House in Cunha ›

Tembo Tembo lodge by Studio Asai features rammed-earth walls — Photo by Adrien Dirand

Tembo Tembo, South Africa, by Studio Asaï

Located on the edge of Kruger National Park in South Africa, French architecture practice Studio Asaï added touches of rammed earth to the Tembo Tembo lodge to emulate the materiality of the reserve’s towering termite nests.

Locally sourced rammed earth was mixed with a sealant and applied to the home’s structural skeleton throughout the exterior and interior. In the living room, the earthy shades were complemented with a dark green sofa in a nod to the foliage of the South African bush.

Find out more about Tembo Tembo ›

Rammed earth wall at Casa di Campo in Melbourne — Photo by Tom Blachford

Casa di Campo, Australia, by Neil Architecture

A four-metre-high external rammed-earth wall was left exposed in the living room of Casa di Campo, a home in the city of Werribee South that was designed by local studio Neil Architecture.

The rough texture of the grey-toned wall was contrasted with smooth wood surfaces and a tiled fireplace.

Find out more about Casa di Campo ›

Casa Franca by Déchelette Architecture — Photo by Salem Mostefaoui

Casa Franca, France, by Déchelette Architecture

A three-storey monolithic rammed-earth facade fronts this townhouse in Paris, which was designed by French studio Déchelette Architecture.

The second floor, which contains an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, was set back from the facade and clad in aluminium to create an outdoor terrace.

Find out more about Casa Franca ›

Marfa Ranch by Lake Flato Architects — Photo by Casey Dunn

Marfa Ranch, US, by Lake Flato

Marfa Ranch is a home in the desert grasslands of Texas, with two-foot-thick rammed-earth walls in a sandy hue built around a central courtyard.

Designed by American architecture studio Lake Flato, living spaces feature sliding doors made from weathering steel that open onto outdoor areas.

Find out more about Marfa Ranch ›

Living room with rammed earth wall — Photo by Lorena Darquea

Espacio Kaab, Mexico, by Di Frenna Arquitectos

Designed by Mexican studio Di Frenna Arquitectos to appear as if emerging from the ground, Espacio Kaab is a home in Comala made from a combination of stone, rammed earth, woven carrizo weaves and stucco.

The living room features a rammed-earth wall with striking grey-toned stripes and a built-in bookshelf.

Find out more about Espacio Kaab ›

The post Eight living areas that make a feature of exposed rammed-earth walls appeared first on Dezeen.

Eight Indian homes united by eclectic interior designs

Decorative rocks, discarded toys and undulating mosaics feature in our latest lookbook of richly detailed Indian house interiors with eclecticism at their core.

Eclectic design combines styles and objects from various sources, often fusing contemporary and vintage pieces to create a multilayered interior.

Known for its vast history of craft, India features countless examples of eclectic designs across the country – including these eight homes that bring together a wide range of moods and materials.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring statement kitchen islands, light-filled London basements and art deco-style interiors.

Pennyroyal Tea, Tamil Nadu, by Multitude of Sins

Known for her penchant for maximalism, Multitude of Sins founder Smita Thomas decked out this family home in Chennai with a broad selection of materials.

Two hundred skilled artisans from all over India collaborated to create the interior, which includes a 400-kilogram chandelier made of wooden beads and a printed lilac mural created to give the impression of delicate swathes of fabric.

Find out more about Pennyroyal Tea ›

Toy Storey by Wallmakers — Photo by Syam Sreesylam

Toy Storey, Kerala, by Wallmakers

Approximately 6,200 discarded toys were salvaged to decorate the perforated walls of Toy Storey – an aptly named circular home in Kerala.

Architecture studio Wallmakers combined the unusual interior detail with Japanese-style shoji screens and glass and timber accents. Light and ventilation are drawn into the home through the perforations.

Find out more about Toy Storey ›

Large living room with concrete ceiling — Photo by Niveditaa Gupta

House of Concrete Experiments, Maharashtra, by Samira Rathod Design Atelier

Local studio Samira Rathod Design Atelier cast this home’s sculptural concrete walls with waste acquired from the site in the coastal town of Alibag.

The interior is an eclectic mix of concrete flooring inlaid with black stones, colourful furnishings and distinctive geometric skylights.

Find out more about House of Concrete Experiments ›

Blurring Boundaries designs brick home nestled in Indian forest — Photo by Inclined Studio

Asmalay, Maharashtra, by Blurring Boundaries

Also in Alibag, Asmalay is a curvaceous home that wraps around lush mango trees, designed to showcase the connection between architecture and nature.

Mumbai studio Blurring Boundaries chose natural and recycled materials for the interior, including locally sourced bricks, glass bottles and stone.

Benches made from grey rocks and ferrocement wrap the rooms, mimicking the organic form of the building, while curving blue mosaics decorate the floor.

Find out more about Asmalay ›

Interior of Hybrid House by Sketch Design Studio — Photo by Purnesh Dev

Hybrid House, Rajasthan, by Sketch Design Studio

Rammed-earth walls characterise Hybrid House, a three-bedroom residence in Alwar, a city located beside the Aravalli mountains in the state of Rajasthan.

Lime plaster coats the interior walls, which complement the collection of unique pieces assembled by the clients on their travels. Terracotta floors were patterned with kolam, a type of inlay created using rice flour.

Find out more about Hybrid House ›

The Infinite Rise by Earthscape Studio — Photo by Studio IKSHA

The Infinite Rise, Tamil Nadu, by Earthscape Studio

Local architecture practice Earthscape Studio camouflaged this holiday home near the village of Anaikatti with large rocks from the surrounding area, which were suspended in the building’s gabion wall.

Inside, the rocks create a constellation effect, providing a dramatic backdrop for green oxide-painted floors and bespoke furniture crafted from scrap wood.

Find out more about The Infinite Rise ›

House of Gond, Maharashtra, by Renesa

House of Gond is an apartment in Pune, which New Delhi architecture studio Renesa created for a fashion designer who is passionate about the traditional crafts and architecture of Kerala.

The living room features an intricate tiled floor informed by the grand mansions found in India’s Chettinad region, while carefully curated artworks include paintings, pots, antique masks and statues.

Find out more about House of Gond ›

Staircase in Rain Studio house — Photo by Yash R Jain

Karai, Tamil Nadu, by Rain Studio

Clay tiles, earthenware pots and compressed earth bricks characterise Karai, a holiday home in the coastal town of Kuvathur.

Eclectic flooring was made from pieces of discarded stone and pre-used Mangalore tiles. The arrangement complements timber furniture, colourful artwork and unusual details including a courtyard swing seat.

Find out more about Karai ›

The post Eight Indian homes united by eclectic interior designs appeared first on Dezeen.

Tilt Beauty Exemplifies DEI in the Design Practice

If you’ve ever struggled to open a package—wrestling with stubborn plastic, squinting at tiny instructions, or fumbling with an awkward design—you’ve experienced the silent power of design. It’s something we rarely think about when it works well, but when it doesn’t? Frustration sets in fast. Now imagine that frustration multiplied for someone with limited dexterity, low vision, or other accessibility needs. Suddenly, what seems like a minor design flaw becomes a major barrier.

I recently attended the Pentawards New York Meetup, where industry leaders converged to discuss the evolving landscape of packaging design. The conversations went beyond aesthetics and branding, and into the growing need for inclusivity, accessibility, and thoughtful design. With consumer expectations higher than ever, brands are realizing that design isn’t just about looking good on a shelf; it’s about creating an experience that welcomes everyone. From sustainable materials to sensory-driven interactions, the industry’s biggest trends are proving that good design isn’t just about catching eyes; it’s about making human connections. As part of the event, Pentawards released the top ten trends to look for this year and next. (More on that below.)

One of the most compelling projects showcased at the event was Tilt Beauty, a brand redefining what it means to design for inclusivity and setting a standard the industry must continue to follow. This newly launched beauty brand isn’t just innovating in formulation; it’s reshaping the very definition of accessible beauty and packaging design.

Partnering with the creative agency Established—known for building powerhouse brands like Fenty Beauty, Rare Beauty, and H&M Beauty—Tilt developed packaging with universal accessibility at its core. Every design decision was made with the user experience in mind, ensuring individuals with limited dexterity, visual impairments, or other disabilities can interact with the products effortlessly.

The design team worked closely with consumers for over four years from diverse backgrounds to create an experience that is not only functional but also aesthetically empowering. Featuring ergonomic applicators, braille touchpoints, and a thoughtful color-coded system, the brand also uses the Braille Institute’s Atkinson Hyperlegible font to make reading easier for those with low vision. This holistic approach does more than enhance functionality; it strengthens consumer trust and loyalty, setting a new benchmark for what beauty packaging can—and should—be; proving that accessible design doesn’t have to feel clinical, it can be aspirational and beautiful.

DEI now includes accessibility as well.
Sebba Alqetrani, Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY)

In addition to its focus on accessibility, Tilt Beauty has also prioritized sustainability in its packaging choices. The brand uses recyclable materials and refillable components wherever possible, aiming to reduce waste while maintaining functionality. While packaging trends come and go, accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity shouldn’t be a fleeting moment—they should be the foundation of good design. The best packaging doesn’t just serve a brand; it serves the people who use it. As more brands integrate DEI principles into their design strategies, the industry will move from performative inclusivity to true representation and functionality.

This emphasis on inclusivity underscores a much larger conversation happening within the design community. Too often, DEI is treated as a buzzword rather than an essential pillar of good design. When brands prioritize accessibility and representation, that do not reinforce gender or racial stereotypes, they aren’t just expanding their customer base—they’re making a tangible impact on the lives of people who have historically been overlooked. The best packaging doesn’t just serve a brand’s bottom line; it serves the people who use it.

Events like the Pentawards New York Meetup highlight the importance of pushing these conversations forward, ensuring that the combined values of diversity, equity, and inclusivity aren’t a fleeting trend but an industry standard regardless of our political discourse. As exemplified by Tilt Beauty, when brands prioritize inclusivity and thoughtful design, they not only enhance their market position but also contribute positively to societal progress.

As we look toward the future of packaging design, it’s clear that success will belong to brands that go beyond aesthetics and embrace a more inclusive, thoughtful approach. Because good design isn’t just about looking good, it’s about making a difference.

Pentawards’ 10 Trends to Watch in 2024-25

Leave No Trace
Solo Symbolics
The Cube Effect
Designing with Impact
Back to the Archives
Art Deco Revival
The Influence of Wes Anderson
Simple Shapes Meet Stand-Out Shades
Inspired by Psychedelia
Cultural Connections

You can access the full report here.

The post Tilt Beauty Exemplifies DEI in the Design Practice appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Eight rich interiors that offer a contemporary take on art deco

Continuing our Art Deco Centenary series, this lookbook rounds up eight statement interiors that seek to incorporate a sense of 1920s glamour.

Art deco interiors can be recognised by their decorative approach – typically finished with geometric patterns, polished surfaces and extravagant materials like marble.

Below, we have compiled an eclectic list of contemporary art deco interiors, ranging from restaurants and casinos to boutique hotels and private residences.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring stylish entrance halls, brutalist kitchens and butter-yellow interiors.

Clubroom speakeasy — Photo courtesy of Carl Gerges Architects

Clubroom, Lebanon, by Carl Gerges Architects

Mirrored surfaces, geometric shapes and animal prints were used to reference Beirut‘s art deco heritage at this speakeasy designed by local studio Carl Gerges Architects.

Located in a 1930s building on Pasteur Street, the Clubroom was designed to be a haven for the city’s residents – tucked away at the rear of the building and hosting space for approximately 50 guests.

Find out more about Clubroom ›

Lalique New York store — Photo by Adrian Gaut

Maison d’Artiste, USA, by Marc Larminaux and Studio Preveza

Marc Larminaux and Studio Preveza aimed to create a residential-style setting for this flagship store for Lalique in New York City‘s Upper East Side.

Housed in a 19th-century townhouse, the Maison d’Artiste store interior was designed to evoke the glassware created by the brand’s founder and leading art deco designer René Lalique.

Find out more about Maison d’Artiste ›

Casino Royal Palm, France, by Caprini & Pellerin

Modern details feature in the restoration and renovation of this art deco casino in the French resort of Cannes, led by architecture studio Caprini & Pellerin.

Designed to reflect the architectural language of the existing art deco building, the casino’s interior is complete with elaborate details including an organically-shaped marble bar.

Find out more about Casino Royal Palm ›

Restaurant bar with lamps and stools — Photo by Matt Russell

The Dover, UK, by Quincoces-Dragò & Partners

An art deco interior was designed by Quincoces-Dragò & Partners to be “unpretentiously elegant” for The Dover restaurant in Mayfair, London.

The long, narrow restaurant comprises a series of dimly-lit spaces lined with chequered flooring and wood-panelled walls.

Find out more about The Dover ›

Smith & Mills restaurant by Woods Bagot — Photo by David Mitchell

Smith & Mills, USA, by Woods Bagot

Architecture studio Woods Bagot used dim lighting and dark tones to define the interiors of the Smith & Mills restaurant in New York City.

The restaurant is situated within the Rockefeller Center, with access to the dining space provided through a snug hallway covered with vintage elevator-cab panels.

Find out more about Smith & Mills ›

Hotel San Fernando, Mexico, by Bunkhouse and Reurbano

An art deco-style logo signposts the entrance to the Hotel San Fernando – a 19-room boutique hotel that was converted from a 1940s apartment block in Mexico City.

Designed by brand Bunkhouse and interior design studio Reurbano, the hotel is located within the largely residential Condesa neighbourhood.

Find out more about Hotel San Fernando ›

Interior in Mayfair by Tatjana von Stein — Photo by Genevieve Lutkin

60 Curzon, UK, by Tatjana von Stein

Walnut burl wood, metal, lacquers and silk wallpaper were used for this apartment in central London designed by Tatjana von Stein.

Situated within the art deco-style 60 Curzon building in Mayfair, the apartment is filled with furniture designed by Von Stein.

Find out more about 60 Curzon ›

Pelican Hotel, USA, by Andrea Rosso

The cafe and lobby of the Pelican Hotel in Miami was restored and updated by Italian designer Andrea Rosso to renew its art deco interiors.

Retaining much of the existing design, Rosso’s updates included opening up the restaurant to the kitchen, and decorating the bar area with sheets of metal.

Find out more about Pelican Hotel ›

Art Deco Centenary

This article is part of Dezeen’s Art Deco Centenary series, which explores art deco architecture and design 100 years on from the “arts décoratifs” exposition in Paris that later gave the style its name.

The post Eight rich interiors that offer a contemporary take on art deco appeared first on Dezeen.

Seven breezy living rooms that embrace the Mediterranean landscape

Living room in Estancia San José, Menorca, Spain, by Atelier du Pont and Aru Arquitectura

With summer on its way in Europe, our latest lookbook explores houses in Greece, Spain and Italy where living rooms make the most of a scenic landscape or coastline.

Rugged cliffs, olive groves and drought-tolerant plants are all characteristic landscape features of the coastal regions to the north of the Mediterranean Sea.

Some homes draw on this, combining natural stone and timber with earthy tones to create a rustic feel. Others employ white-washed surfaces and bare concrete to offer a cooling contrast.

We’ve spotlighted seven examples, including a converted farmhouse in Menorca, a mountainside holiday home in Crete and a Mykonos residence with a commanding sea view.

It is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. Other recent lookbooks explore yellow-toned interiors, concrete kitchens and soothing bedrooms.

Menorca farmhouse conversion, Estancia San José, by Atelier du Pont and Aru Arquitectura — Photo by Maria Missaglia

Estancia San José, Menorca, Spain, by Atelier du Pont and Aru Arquitectura

A linear living space fronts this vacation home designed by Paris-based Atelier du Pont and Menorca-based Aru Arquitectura, in a pair of converted farm buildings in the Menorca countryside.

Pivoting doors connect the room with the adjacent terrace, which shares the same terracotta brick floor.

A sofa is built into the wall, topped with stripy cushions, while artworks offer a flavour of the owners’ former homes in Africa, the Middle East and Patagonia.

Find out more about Estancia San José ›

Aimasia Residence by Tom Design and A31 Architecture — Photography by Mike Kelley

Aimasia Residence, Mykonos, Greece, by Tom Dixon and A31 Architecture

Framed by cast concrete walls, the living room of this hillside villa designed by Athens-based A31 Architecture opens up to a dramatic view of Mykonos’ rocky coastline.

Tom Dixon‘s interior design office Design Research Studio complemented this with sculptural furniture pieces, including Mario Bellini’s iconic 1970s Camaleonda sofa.

Dixon’s own designs also feature, including angular, disc-shaped ceiling lights.

Find out more about Aimasia Residence ›

Casa Ter by Mesura — Photo by Salva Lopez

Casa Ter, Baix Empordà, Spain, by Mesura

Two key features define the interiors of this countryside home near Catalonia’s Ter River, designed by Barcelona-based studio Mesura. The first is a terrace that bisects the building and the second is the traditional vaulted ceiling.

The living room has a correspondingly laid-back, indoor-outdoor feel.

A neutral-toned rug covers the concrete floor, while a built-in bench provides space for table lamps and terracotta pots.

Find out more about Casa Ter ›

O Lofos by Block722 — Photo by Ana Santl

O Lofos, Crete, Greece, by Block722

Stepped levels allow the rooms and terraces of this Cretian holiday home to follow the slope of the coastal mountainside into which it is built.

Athens studio Block722 brought a sense of calm to this complex arrangement by adopting a materials palette filled with neutral tones and subtle textures.

Key details in the living room include dark-toned wood furniture, an asymmetric marble coffee table and a wall relief by Greek artist Pantelis Chandris.

Find out more about O Lofos ›

Interior of Casa Maiora by Studio Andrew Trotter in Puglia — Photo by Salva López

Casa Maiora, Puglia, Italy, by Studio Andrew Trotter

The living room of this house designed by Studio Andrew Trotter features a picture window, allowing residents to feel connected to the wild Puglian landscape.

The interior features a complementary colour palette, with pink-toned limewash walls, natural stone flooring, antique wooden furniture and linen-covered cushions.

Find out more about Casa Maiora ›

Villa Mandra by K-Studio — Photo by Reiner Baumann

Villa Mandra, Mykonos, Greece, by K-Studio

This house designed by Athens-based K-Studio has a slightly more formal interior than is typical for the Med, reflecting the tastes of owners described as “a young dynamic couple”.

A sheltered terrace serves as the main living space, so the lounge indoors becomes more of a cosy retreat.

Key pieces include a pair of Børge Mogensen’s classic 1950s Spanish Chairs, a carved timber coffee table and an artfully styled wall shelf that extends floor to ceiling.

Find out more about Villa Mandra ›

Bundle House by Nomo Studio — Photo by Adrià Goula

Bundle House, Menorca, Spain, by Nomo Studio

Barcelona-based Nomo Studio gave a fully glazed base to this hillside Menorca villa, allowing living spaces to merge with the pool terrace and patios, and ensuring the sea is always in view.

The furniture maintains the clean aesthetic, with a palette restricted to cream tones and natural wood. This results in a colour-block effect in the lounge, where bouclé-fabric sofas surround a matching rug.

Find out more about Bundle House ›

The post Seven breezy living rooms that embrace the Mediterranean landscape appeared first on Dezeen.

Chef Nikki Zheng is Shaping the Future of Omakase

At Sushi Akira, the omakase experience isn’t just a meal, Chef Nikki Zheng is the maestro that makes it a symphony. With masterful, almost musical precision, she curates an intimate, transportive dining experience that blends tradition with quiet innovation; her sushi is truly a work of art. As one of the few female chefs helming a high-end sushi counter, Chef Nikki moves with the confidence of someone who has fought for her place in a male-dominated field—yet her presence is warm, her attention to detail almost orchestral.

Over the next decade, I hope to see more diversity behind sushi counters—not only more female chefs but also a shift toward valuing talent and passion over outdated traditions.
Chef Nikki Zheng

I had the pleasure of dining at Sushi Akira to get a first-hand taste of Chef Nikki’s art. From the moment she greeted me with a kind inquiry about my day to the final, delicate bite of housemade roasted green tea pudding, every interaction felt deliberate, every dish a story. Over the course of the evening, I watched as she seamlessly balanced flavors; rich foie gras tempered with bright acidity, smoky mackerel unfolding in layers of complexity, Hokkaido sea urchin melting like oceanic ice cream. In honor of Women’s History Month, I asked Chef Nikki to talk about her journey from Michelin-starred kitchens in Tokyo to breaking barriers in New York, the art of omakase, and why sushi—despite what she was once told—isn’t just a man’s game.

(Conversation lightly edited for length and clarity.)

What made you choose to pursue Omakase and Sushi as a culinary career?

When I was studying in Japan, I worked part-time as a dishwasher at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. It was there that I discovered food’s incredible power to transform perceptions and bring genuine joy. I didn’t always know this would be my path, but what kept me going was the relentless pursuit of perfection. I’ve always been drawn to precision, restraint, and attention to detail—qualities that define sushi in its highest form. Sushi may appear simple, but in reality, there’s no room for error. From the freshness of the fish and the temperature of the rice to the texture of each grain and the exact pressure of every grip—each subtle detail determines whether a single piece of sushi succeeds or falls short. I became dedicated to mastering this delicate balance, driven by my belief that creating sushi is a lifelong discipline of constant refinement.

Omakase is often seen as an exclusive, almost sacred dining experience with strict traditions. Your approach—offering a high-end yet more accessible omakase menu—challenges that notion. What was the biggest risk in breaking from convention, and how have diners and the culinary world responded?

On one end of the spectrum, Michelin-starred omakase experiences priced above $500 cater to diners seeking prestige and exclusivity. On the other, affordable omakase options sacrifice quality to attract diners looking for frequent, budget-friendly meals. Our goal is to bridge this gap by delivering Michelin-level quality at an accessible price point, ensuring our guests enjoy a refined yet approachable dining experience at $200.

We understand this middle ground involves unique challenges: diners accustomed to ultra-luxurious experiences may question our quality, while those used to budget omakase may find our prices higher. To overcome this, we remain committed to sourcing only the finest ingredients, meticulously crafting every dish, and prioritizing creativity over traditional limitations.

So far, our diners’ responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Once guests experience our omakase, they quickly realize it meets—or exceeds—their expectations in terms of quality, taste, and value, and they appreciate the balance of authenticity and innovation.

You’ve spoken about facing skepticism early in your career, with people saying, “Women can’t handle sushi knives.” Can you share a specific moment when you had to prove yourself in the kitchen, and what that experience taught you about resilience in a male-dominated space?

There have been many memorable moments in my career, but one that particularly stands out was when I first joined the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Masa. As I was carefully preparing a fish, I overheard Chef Takayama quietly observing and remarking, “She makes sushi calmly, quickly, and excellently—truly rare and exceptional. That’s how you should work.”

Receiving such praise from a master chef deeply inspired me—it was more than just a compliment; it validated that skill and dedication transcend gender. His words motivated me to continue refining my craft, reminding me that the best way to overcome biases is through consistently demonstrating excellence until these biases eventually fade away.

Your culinary background spans Japanese kitchens, classical French techniques, and your own Chinese heritage. How do those influences come together in a dish at Sushi Akira, and how does your diverse training shape your philosophy on omakase?

My culinary foundation is rooted deeply in Japanese sushi, emphasizing precision, balance, and respect for the natural flavors of ingredients. I think simplicity is the key—that every cut, every seasoning, all the technique is meant to enhance, not overpower.

My experience with French cuisine further deepened my appreciation for aesthetics and presentation, teaching me that how a dish looks can be as meaningful as its taste.

Additionally, my Chinese background adds yet another layer of depth. I thoughtfully weave in elements like aged soy sauce, fermented ingredients, or subtle touches of citrus—each evoking the delicate balance of acidity and umami characteristic of Cantonese seafood dishes.

This fusion allows me to create omakase that honors tradition while bringing a unique identity to each course. My philosophy is simple: respect the fundamentals, but never hesitate to evolve.

Luxury dining, especially omakase, can sometimes feel intimidating or exclusive. How have you designed Sushi Akira—not just the menu, but the atmosphere—to make it more inviting and redefine what fine dining can be?

I believe omakase should feel personal and immersive—never intimidating. We’ve carefully designed an experience that’s warm, engaging, and interactive. Our intimate, relaxed atmosphere allows guests to feel truly connected to the process. Instead of the traditional silent, rigid environment, we encourage conversation, storytelling, and genuine interactions between chef and diner. Our ultimate goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience that’s both refined and welcoming, ensuring every guest feels comfortably involved from start to finish.

You’re not just making waves in the culinary world—you’re creating space for future female sushi chefs. What advice do you have for them, and what do you hope will change in the industry over the next decade?

Success in this industry begins with choosing something you genuinely love and wholeheartedly committing to it. Turning an ordinary path into extraordinary success depends greatly on your ability to execute consistently and with excellence. If you pair strong execution skills with unwavering dedication to your passion, you’ll carve out a unique niche—going one meter wide but ten thousand meters deep—and ultimately become an expert in your craft.

Sushi, in particular, demands precision, restraint, and meticulous attention to detail. Stay focused, continuously refine your skills, and never let external doubts or negativity undermine your determination. Seek out mentors who believe in you, but also be prepared to move forward even when support isn’t readily available. The culinary world, especially within sushi kitchens, still harbors biases—but your skill and perseverance will always speak louder than stereotypes.

Over the next decade, I hope to see more diversity behind sushi counters—not only more female chefs but also a shift toward valuing talent and passion over outdated traditions. The ultimate goal is to normalize seeing women leading sushi kitchens, rather than treating it as exceptional. True progress happens when opportunities are awarded based on skill, passion, and dedication, not gender.

The following are images from my experience at Sushi Akira

The post Chef Nikki Zheng is Shaping the Future of Omakase appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

Seven kitchens where wall cabinets are relinquished

Our latest lookbook compiles examples of kitchens that depart from conventional storage-maximising layouts by forgoing wall-mounted cupboards.

While upper cabinets in kitchens can almost double the amount of available storage space, they can also make the room look darker and smaller.

As a result, architects and designers often do without them altogether, opting instead to use the space for lighting, artwork, shelves or simply leaving the space empty.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring feline-centric design elements, living rooms with Togo sofas and pink sinks.

Lode, UK, by Nikjoo

Exposed breeze blocks create the backdrop of this kitchen within a brick townhouse in east London by local architectural studio Nikjoo.

Simple grey base units tie in with the concrete blockwork, which is punctuated only by a small, decorative corner shelf and a distinctive sconce lamp.

Find out more about Lode ›

Estancia San José, Spain, by Atelier du Pont

Masonry walls meet glossy, acid-yellow tiling in this summer house kitchen on the island of Menorca by Aru Arquitectura.

Instead of being mounted against the textural stone walls, storage is found beneath the kitchen units and in pre-existing, niche-like shelves recessed into the fabric of the building.

Find out more about Estancia San José ›

Kitchen with beams on ceiling — Photo by Nick Dearden

Concrete Plinth House, UK, by DGN Studio

A sunken concrete extension completed by London-based practice DGN Studio houses this minimalistic kitchen, which features a trio of wall lamps above it.

The kitchen’s clean lines are echoed in the rhythmic light oak beams that are arranged across the ceiling.

Find out more about Concrete Plinth House ›

Todos Santos guesthouse, Mexico, by PPAA

Mexico City-based architecture studio PPAA created this coastal guesthouse from rammed earth – a building method made from compacted soil – and its deep brown appearance is apparent throughout the interior.

The unimpeded, horizontal bands of rammed earth in the kitchen contrast with the vertical ribbed finish on the metallic freestanding units, created by Danish design brand Vipp.

Find out more about Todos Santos guesthouse ›

Kitchen in holiday home close to Berlin — Photo by Anne Deppe

Trechwitz bungalow, Germany, by Jan Winkelmann and Julia Carloff-Winkelmann

Overhead cabinetry could have fitted above the narrow, horizontal window in this 1960s bungalow in Germany, however, its owners opted to leave space for artwork and an adjustable wall-mounted lamp instead.

Baby blue walls and baby pink cabinets give the kitchen a playful aesthetic, and contribute to the room’s colourful ambience.

Find out more about Trechwitz bungalow ›

Hoj House by Studio Merlin — Photo by Richard Chivers

Hoj House, UK, by Studio Merlin

A pale splashback culminating in a narrow shelf complements the light wooden cabinetry in this pared-back kitchen by British architecture practice Studio Merlin.

Instead of being spirited away behind cupboard doors, a series of glasses and mugs are displayed along the lipped edge.

Find out more about Hoj House ›

Well by Memo Architectuur in Mortsel, Belgium — Photo by Evenbeeld

Mortsel house, Belgium, by Memo Architectuur

Belgian practice Memo Architectuur combined two separate apartments to unify Mortsel house.

Half of the linear kitchen sits beneath the concrete ceiling, from which is hung a slimline pendant light, and the other half has a double-height void above it, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

Find out more about Mortsel house ›

The post Seven kitchens where wall cabinets are relinquished appeared first on Dezeen.

Nine dining areas styled with artfully mismatched chairs

Hatley House dining room with mismatched chairs

In our latest lookbook, we highlight eight homely dining areas layered with characterful pick-and-mix chairs in place of a perfectly matched set.

Mismatched chairs are a long-standing trend in residential interiors, often used by designers to add charm, personality and a homely informality to dining rooms.

Mix-and-matched seating can also be useful for homeowners on a budget and those who simply want to showcase the different furniture pieces they’ve collected over the years.

The eclectic examples below exemplify different methods, whether combining chairs in pairs, mixing in benches and stools, or choosing a subtle yet unifying theme for a visually pleasing blend.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides curated inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring feline-friendly interiors, butter-yellow homes and light-filled London basement homes.

Arched opening between a kitchen and dining room extension — Photo by Olmo Peeters

Sofie, Belgium, by Madam Architectuur

This cluster of mix-and-match seating includes a mid-century Cesca Chair by Marcel Breuer and a sextet of Arne Jacobsen‘s Series 7 chairs in different colours.

They help enliven the dining area of Sofie, a Belgian home recently extended by local studio Madam Architectuur to provide its owners with a space to dine while overlooking the nearby fields.

Find out more about Sofie ›

Hatley House, Canada, by Pelletier de Fontenay and François Abbot

A series of antique wooden chairs in different styles and colours animate the dining table of Hatley House in Quebec, designed by Canadian architects Pelletier de Fontenay and François Abbot.

The mismatched look adds a homely touch to the otherwise clean-cut and polished interior, which is defined by concrete, white walls and plywood surfaces.

Find out more about Hatley House ›

Mismatched chairs inside Apartment in Lapa's dining room by Filipe Fonseca Costa — Photo by Eduardo Nascimento from Do Mal o Menos

Apartment in Lapa, Portugal, by Filipe Fonseca da Costa

For Apartment in Lapa, architect Filipe Fonseca da Costa chose to combine chairs in pairs around the home’s main dark-wood dining table.

This includes rustic bent-wood and rattan chairs, alongside a duo of minimalist oak Visu Chairs created by Finnish designer Mika Tolvanen for Muuto. They add warmth and personality to the open-plan kitchen-dining area, which is lined with pared-back white cabinets.

Find out more about Apartment in Lapa ›

VitraHaus loft, Germany, by Sabine Marcelis

In this staged apartment at the VitraHaus loft, Sabine Marcelis offered a masterclass in artfully mixing and matching chairs around a dining table.

Among the seats are a bright orange Panton chair and a pair of Eames Wire Chairs with matching orange seat cushions, visually softened by one of the brand’s wooden Standard chairs.

Find out more about the VitraHaus loft ›

Haus Kaltschmieden, Austria, by Bernardo Bader Architekten

Not one chair is the same around the dining table at Haus Kalschmieden, a barn-like house in rural Austria by local studio Bernardo Bader Architekten.

Though they are all different, the muddled cluster of seats is unified by wooden frames that inject a rustic charm into the otherwise modernist, pared-back interior.

Find out more about Haus Kaltschmieden ›

Dining room with mismatched dark wood furniture — Photo by Fabian Martinez

Casa Verde, Mexico, by Chloé Mason Gray

Mexico City-based interior designer Chloé Mason Gray opted for a combination of sculptural, statement seating around this custom table, formed from green quartzite and black-stained oak.

To ensure a symmetrical look, twin wooden stools with splayed legs are placed at the ends of the table, while four matching 1950s chairs by Finnish designer Olavi Hanninen line the sides.

Find out more about Casa Verde ›

BA Apartment, Portugal, by Atelier Data

Three contrasting pairs of dining chairs take centre stage in this dining room, adding interesting pops of colour, texture and shape to the white-walled space.

They include wire-back wooden chairs and bright orange Gliss chairs by Pedrali, which tie in with the tones of two maximalist Mademoiselle armchairs by Philippe Starck for Kartell.

Find out more about BA Apartment ›

Dining room of Riverside Tower apartment by Studio Okami — Photo is by Olmo Peeters

Riverside Tower apartment, Belgium, by Studio Okami Architecten

Studio Okami Architecten founder Bram Van Cauter mixed up the seating in his dining area by combining regular dining chairs with a long grey bench.

For visual unity, he opted for a trio of chairs with a similar grey finish, allowing the statement red-and-green dining table to pop against the home’s brutalist backdrop.

Find out more about the Riverside Tower apartment ›

Red House, Portugal, by Extrastudio

Portuguese firm Extrastudio achieved a relaxed look for this bright, airy dining area by combining a homespun collection of wooden furniture.

A trio of folding wood and canvas seats are teamed with a single vintage dining chair around an antique drop-leaf table, illuminated by a delicate paper-like pendant light.

Find out more about Red House ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring feline-friendly interiors, butter-yellow home interiors and light-filled London basement homes.

The post Nine dining areas styled with artfully mismatched chairs appeared first on Dezeen.

SKF’s Brand Update Proves That Good Design Endures

Few logos can claim a legacy of over a century, but SKF’s wordmark has been a quiet icon of industrial design since 1908—long before corporate branding was even a formalized practice. Originally hand-painted by an employee, the bold, geometric lettering was a strikingly modern expression for its time, setting an example for countless industrial brands that followed. Now, more than a hundred years later, SKF has refined its identity once again, carefully balancing heritage with the demands of a digital-first world.

SKF, the Swedish industrial giant, has unveiled a refined visual identity that reinterprets its 1908 logo for the digital age. Rather than a radical departure, the update is a measured evolution, an acknowledgment of the brand’s legacy while ensuring it remains relevant in an increasingly digital landscape.

Long recognized as a pioneer in industrial branding, SKF’s original logo, over a century old, set the precedent for commercial design. Now, in collaboration with design agency NORD ID at NORD DDB, the company has rebalanced and fine-tuned its wordmark, preserving its bold, geometric structure while adapting it for contemporary use. The adjustments are subtle but significant, ensuring clarity and consistency across modern applications.

A key component of this refresh is SKF Display, a custom typeface derived directly from the logo’s forms. Created in partnership with Göran Söderström of Letters from Sweden, the typeface extends the brand’s distinctive visual language, reinforcing its heritage while offering greater flexibility in typography. Designed with digital environments in mind, SKF Display embraces movement and adaptability, core principles that align with the company’s engineering expertise in reducing friction.

Beyond typography as the central component, the updated identity incorporates refined color applications, dynamic motion principles, and a renewed focus on visual storytelling. By embracing its history without being bound by it, SKF maintains its status as a brand that moves with the times, both in industry and in design.

The post SKF’s Brand Update Proves That Good Design Endures appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

13
Mar 2025

13Mar 2025 color-&-design

Siberia Serves a Fresh Course for the James Beard Foundation

If food is culture, then branding is the narrative that elevates it. The James Beard Foundation, long considered a pillar of the culinary industry, has embarked on a visual and structural transformation that not only modernizes its brand but also reaffirms its commitment to the independent restaurant ecosystem. In a landscape where design and storytelling are as vital as the ingredients on a plate, JBF’s rebrand is a masterclass in strategic evolution.

At the heart of this shift is the Foundation’s ethos—Good Food for Good—a mission that extends beyond culinary excellence to sustainability, equity, and industry advocacy. The updated branding, developed in collaboration with New York-based design and innovation agency Siberia, distills this philosophy into a visual identity that is both timeless and contemporary. A refined wordmark exudes confidence and clarity, while a warm, ingredient-inspired color palette pays homage to the artistry of food itself.

The rebrand arrives at a critical juncture for the restaurant industry. Independent establishments continue to navigate post-pandemic recovery, rising operational costs, labor shortages, and the existential threats posed by climate change. Recognizing this, JBF restructured its digital ecosystem to better serve industry professionals and diners alike. A key feature of this transformation is the newly launched JBF Institute, a digital hub designed to support culinary professionals at every stage of their careers, offering advocacy programs, leadership training, and research-driven insights into the challenges facing restaurants today.

From a branding perspective, the most striking aspect of this overhaul is its ability to balance legacy with forward-thinking adaptability. For nearly four decades, the James Beard Foundation has been synonymous with culinary prestige, yet this redesign signals a shift from mere recognition to active mobilization. The new website not only serves as an industry resource but also as a digital gathering place for food lovers, featuring an integrated Restaurant and Chef Finder to connect diners with James Beard Award-recognized establishments.

Restaurants are culture. Food isn’t just what’s on the plate—it’s who we are.
Dave Snyder, Siberia partner and head of design

“Restaurants are culture,” said Dave Snyder, partner and head of design at Siberia. “This wasn’t just a design exercise; it was about laying a foundation that amplifies the ambitions of an industry I love. Food isn’t just what’s on the plate—it’s who we are.”

This sentiment underscores the deeper significance of the rebrand. By placing design at the service of storytelling, the James Beard Foundation isn’t just reintroducing itself; it’s redefining how we engage with food, chefs, and the industry as a whole. In an era where diners are more conscious than ever about the impact of their choices, JBF’s new identity serves as a strategic roadmap for the future of food.

The James Beard Foundation has long been a tastemaker, but with this evolution, it has also become a trailblazer in how branding can serve a greater cause. With the launch of JBF’s 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report, this rebrand is an invitation to participate in shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and dynamic culinary landscape. And in this story, design isn’t just a backdrop, it’s the main course.

The post Siberia Serves a Fresh Course for the James Beard Foundation appeared first on PRINT Magazine.

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Monthly Archives: March 2025

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