Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi should take most of the credit for the interior design at Solera, Minneapolis' new restaurant and tapas bar. Shea Architects Inc. channeled key elements from Gaudi's style to create a richly textured environment. While the budget was small — only $850,000 — the designers used playful, economical materials to pull the look together. Plush pillows, broken mosaic “art glass” tiling and wrought iron are just some of the materials used. In the “Alhambra Room,” located in the back dining area, cushions are used instead of chairs, giving the space a Moorish feel while keeping the design lighthearted and exotic. “[The interior] has a nice color palate that's warm and fun,” says Jack Gatto, of Carroll Associates Architects.
Project Name: Solera
Location: Minneapolis
Architect: Shea Architects, Minneapolis
Client: Josh Thoma and Tim McKee
Construction Cost: $850,000
Credits
General Contractor: Schreiber Mullaney Construction
Electrical Contractor: Standard Electric
Mechanical Contractor: CMS
Booths, Banquettes and Kitchen Equipment: Strategic/Palm Brothers
Millwork: Aaron Carlson
Furniture: Baker Furniture Woodgoods Gordon International
Tile: Tile by Design
Light Fixtures: JTH Lighting Blue Fish Lighting
Iron and Metal Work: M&O Fabricating Architectural Iron
Specialty Sculpture Items: Themescapes