Blue Ocean | Bells & Whistles

In presenting a redefined notion of Japanese cuisine, the owners desired an equally unexpected design, offering an exciting opportunity to complement their progressive food program with an equally innovative space.  The team responded with a fresh, linear and distinctively oceanic design.

The experience begins upon approach, where drought tolerant landscaping mimics a rocky shoreline and coral beds, and surface-grazing minnows swim across an exterior wall alongside origami-inspired signage - an ocean implication woven throughout the project.

A sculptural, angular fish-shaped entryway constructed of ash wood beckons guests indoors along with the adage “Swim Against the Tide,” inlaid in the concrete walkway. From there, a wondrous undersea world awaits inside, with French oak flooring in the shade of a sandy ocean bottom, sea urchin lamps lingering over tables, and delicate glass bubbles of air floating above to meet the refracted light of the ocean’s surface. Dark porcelain tiles offer a mysterious dimension to the bar face, juxtaposed with a delicate and playful, triple-layered starfish and flora inspired screen dancing above. Custom alder stools and a wall fashioned from 4”x 4” wood blocks of various species and depths depict the ever-changing ebb and flow of the tides.

The modern, geometric design is inspired in no small part by its proximity to the tidal plains of Carlsbad State Beach and the rich marine ecosystem that inhabits the coastal kelp beds. The sunlight, energy and colors of Southern California provided a rich tapestry of tones and shapes that drove the design process.