Nar Social, Motor City

While the original Nar Café primarily focused on a lounge experience, Nar Social in Motor City shifts its attention towards a more casual and laid back dining concept. The ground floor features a wood-fired oven, boldly clad from floor to ceiling in brick to create a dramatic effect. The oven is flanked by a customized wooden sculpture hand-painted in gold and black with abstract shapes that mimic that of flickering flames. Tying back to the smoke inspired concept, as well as adding to the rich warmth, dark smoked oak was also used throughout.

With contracting work executed by ItalDeco, Brand Creative incorporated design elements of the original café, however, unlike the former dark pipe pillar cladding design, gold leaf paint was used to add to the overall warmth of the space. For the flooring, handmade imported Turkish tiles were used intermittently to create a traditional feel, but with a bold and contemporary flair.

Using exposed raw finishes while making use of the architecture of the existing space, a staircase became a central feature of the design. Concrete steps were partnered with smoke-infused glass panels and a unique combination of metal rods, enhanced with oversized beadwork, inspired by traditional jewelry. The staircase creates a smooth transition from the dining area to the top level and includes a bar with flexible seating for large groups to socialize. Pops of color from the initial design along with the arabesque pattern installations were included but toned down with a black metal mesh as a nod to the more industrial inspired features.