The Wayfarer | Meyer Davis Studio Inc

The Wayfarer is a celebration of “old meets new”, mixing the high points in design from the 1800’s and 1970’s. Decadent details and surprising contemporary elements are scattered throughout.

Combining elements of grandeur and modern design, the main dining room recalls social clubs of the bygone era. Comfortable dining arrangements range from tufted straight and circular upholstered banquettes, studded leather dining chairs, and a custom chocolate brown serpentine banquette that literally hugs the floor to ceiling windows. All tabletops are custom finished with cerused wood tops.

Look up and the design team’s lighting choices will entertain you. A mix of contemporary lighting and antique finds, large fixtures are surrounded by small brass fixtures strung throughout the space. A collection of lighting pieces at varying scales and in varying styles creates numerous moments within the space that allow a guest to feel tucked beneath something special.

An expertly stocked grand pewter bar is lined with textured mid-century style bar stools and intimate bar-height dining banquettes. The bar boasts a display of fresh seafood and brass detailed shelving above. Central POS stations are well stocked with found curiosities.

Not to be forgotten, a corner hall leading to the restrooms comes alive with a commissioned street-style mural by a local graffiti artist. Each restroom is fitted with subway tiles, curved mirrors, and brass hardware.

Hanging from the stairwell is a larger than life graphic fabric curtain with a collage of contemporary art floating in front. This tongue in cheek salon-style collection is mimicked in the main dining room and upstairs lounge, where the artwork goes from colorful bold choices to clubby black and white shots.

Upstairs, expert detailing can be found in custom tufted dining chairs with velvet patterned backs and brass detailing. Seating wraps around the walls and bar – a playful metal screen separates guests from a view over the edge of the stairwell where a focal chandelier is hung.

The ceiling is bejeweled in a decorative pattern of light bulbs, based on the design of a vintage theater marquee. Neon signage floats in the windows, and retro spiked chandeliers hang from a cork ceiling in the private dining room. Illuminated wine cases line the hallway leading from front to back of the second floor. The private dining room is open to interpretation in terms of its configuration, but large dining tables are broken up with residential style wingback chairs, an inviting couch, and custom designed credenzas.

The Wayfarer is located at 101 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. Design work for this renovation began in 2012, with construction beginning in 2013. The project was completed in January, 2014. The clients - ESquared Hospitality and The Metric – are both located in New York City. Both floors total over 4,400 square feet, and accommodate 290 guests total.