Neiman Marcus

This 4,320-square-foot restaurant and bar is part of an expansion and renovation of the Neiman Marcus Store at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California. We designed the Mariposa Restaurant using an overall theme of a more relaxed design that we call “casual luxe.” A new grand window in the main dining area opens onto a garden terrace with outdoor seating and a distant view to the ocean. An open, yet intimate bar is situated outside of the restaurant entry and is effective as a social gathering place for customers as they look out over the three-level atrium and store.

The restaurant floor plan draws the customer into a focused entry sequence, then dramatically opens up to the main dining area flowing toward the grand window and the terrace. Large framed mirrors along an interior wall reflect the grand window and expand the sense of the outdoors and the unique Southern California light. Color, motif, and pattern are utilized on custom-designed area rugs, mirror frame details, and the main carpet as a subtle recall of the lush vegetation and hues found in the region.