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Jialun Xiong creates intricate Sichuanese restaurant in LA
CategoriesInterior Design

Jialun Xiong creates intricate Sichuanese restaurant in LA

By Zarkon Group,

Subtle nods to traditional Chinese architecture can be found throughout this restaurant in California, designed by LA-based Jialun Xiong.

Sichuan Impression‘s third outpost, located in Alhambra, occupies a 2,000-square-foot (186-square-metre) space that “takes an elegantly pared-down approach to family-style dining”.

Restaurant interior with a pared-back paletteRestaurant interior with a pared-back palette
Jialun Xiong chose a pared-back palette for the Sichuan Impression interiors, creating a relaxed atmosphere

Jialun Xiong took an equally relaxed approach to the interiors, combining warm and soft colours with walnut furniture and metal accents.

“For Sichuan Impression, I chose a muted palette and natural materials to encourage guests to look a little longer and see the intricacies and textures that aren’t so obvious at first glance,” said Xiong.

A free-seating area beside a bar featuring walnut furniture and floating metal cabinetsA free-seating area beside a bar featuring walnut furniture and floating metal cabinets
A free-seating area beside the bar features walnut furniture and floating metal cabinets

The restaurant is roughly divided into four dining areas, each open to one another but defined by the style of seating.

To the left of the entrance is a sequence of partitions that alternate between heavy grey plaster and delicate metal mesh screens supported by antique brass frames.

Plaster partition separating different sections of the restaurantPlaster partition separating different sections of the restaurant
Plaster partitions separate the various sections of the restaurant

Each has a circular opening, which align to provide a continuous view along the minimalist walnut tables and benches that run along the same axis.

One table extends through an opening, accommodating larger parties when needed, and each compartment features an oversized, raw silk cloth light shade suspended above.

Restaurant interior with walls and screens of different heights and thicknessRestaurant interior with walls and screens of different heights and thickness
Walls and screens of different heights and thickness create a hierarchy of spaces

“The custom chandeliers nod to traditional Chinese lanterns and reflect Xiong’s skeletal furniture designs,” said the restaurant team.

In front of the bar is a free-seating space furnished with more wooden tables and chairs, which match the cabinetry against the far wall, while glass-fronted metal cabinets are mounted above.

A pair of chunky plaster-wrapped columns and low partitions separate a collection of booths with leather seats and upholstered cushioned backs on the other side.

The green fabric was chosen to resemble bamboo – a common material used in Sichuanese design.

Two rows of booth seating either side of a walkwayTwo rows of booth seating either side of a walkway
Booth seating is upholstered with a green fabric chosen to evoke bamboo

At the back of the restaurant is the private dining area, which can accommodate 16 guests altogether, or two groups of eight when a sliding partition is closed.

A circular window offers a glimpse into the private space, where the pared-back material palette is continued.

Private dining room with an intimate feelPrivate dining room with an intimate feel
A private dining room at the back has an intimate feel and can be spied through a circular window

“The secluded space is designed to feel like home with its bespoke circular dining table and ambient lighting,” said Xiong. “I believe good design doesn’t always have to be instantly recognisable, it can simply blend in.”

Xiong, who is originally from Chongqing, has also completed the retro-futuristic Chinese restaurant 19 Town close to Downtown LA. The designer recently showed her furniture and lighting pieces as part of the INTRO/LA showcase in November 2023, and at the Alcova exhibition during Art Basel in Miami in December.

Reference

Jialun Xiong balances contrasts at “retro-futurist” 19 Town restaurant in LA
CategoriesInterior Design

Jialun Xiong balances contrasts at “retro-futurist” 19 Town restaurant in LA

By Zarkon Group,

LA-based furniture designer Jialun Xiong has completed her first restaurant interior in the city for 19 Town, achieving a retro-futurist look by pairing soft hues and metallic surfaces.

Serving Chinese fusion food, the 19 Town restaurant is located in an industrial area close to Downtown LA.

Entry with stainless steel and Formica counter
Upon entry to 19 Town, diners are met at a stainless steel and Formica counter

The name is a play on words from a phrase in Mandarin, signifying a venue that has food and wine according to Xiong, who is originally from Chongqing.

She used a variety of materials and her own furniture designs to give the space a sense of “lavish restraint”, through the combination of minimal forms and rich details.

Lounge area with metal seating
Designer Jialun Xiong aimed to create “high-drama interiors” through the use of contrasting materials

“Crafted with rigorously minimal forms balanced by rich materials like Venetian plaster, silver, and leather, the restaurant’s high-drama interiors create an elevated dining experience where connection around food takes centre stage,” said a statement on behalf of Xiong.

The 4,200-square-foot (390-square-metre) restaurant is divided into five areas, which include the main dining space, a bar and lounge, and three private rooms.

Lounge area behind glass block wall
Glass block partitions define the spaces

Each space is designed with its own identity, including the entry, featuring a custom brushed stainless steel and Formica reception desk.

Behind, the wall is covered in Venetian plaster and plywood cabinets offer storage, while a series of circular Vibia pendant lights hang above.

Furniture detail
Xiong used multiple pieces from her Building Blocks collection to furnish the restaurant

Glass block partitions define the perimeter of the main dining area, comprising a central seating area with round tables, and custom banquettes made from brushed stainless, green leather and vinyl.

“Overlooking an open kitchen, the main dining space evokes an aura of retro-futurism,” said the team.

Stainless steel banquette
The main dining room features custom stainless steel banquettes

The lounge is located on one side and the screened bar is situated on the other – both continuing the same design language as the central room, but with their own twist.

Xiong used multiple pieces from her Building Blocks collection to furnish these spaces, such as a silver powder-coated metal bench with off-white leather upholstered seats.

Other items also combine industrial and natural materials, creating a balance between soft and hard, shiny and matte, and heavy and light.

A variety of lighting designs with disc-shaped elements are installed throughout, adding to the retro-futurist appearance.

Private dining room at 19 Town
The restaurant has three private dining rooms, all with a restrained aesthetic

The private dining spaces are decorated using a monochromatic palette and a restrained approach, with green providing a subtle injection of muted colour.

The overall result is a series of “balanced spaces where furnishings, lighting, and spatial volumes are considered together as a total composition”.

Bar located in screen porch
The bar also features custom furnishings

Minimalism has become an increasingly popular style choice for Chinese restaurants, both in China and around the globe.

Others include a hotpot restaurant with thick stucco walls in Qinhuangdao, a muted monochrome space in Ontario, and an eatery featuring stainless steel, brass and polycarbonate in Manhattan.

The photography is by Ye Rin Mok.

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