Yuan Chinese Cuisine
Yuan Chinese cuisine - nestled on the busy area of Yonge and Finch at North York, Canada. A modern Chinese-style dining space inspired by the beauty of natural materials, textures coupled with the humanistic feel of Chinese ink and wash painting. The design aspires to blend the rich characteristics of these elements into the interior space.
In the vestibule area, an elegant white veined black marble stone dresses up the walls. The eye-catching veining of the material was meticulously selected to symbolize water flowing thru a small stream in a valley. Adjacent to this material is a wood finished accent wall with a circular back-lit niche, within it is a wood branch décor symbolic of the nature inspired design concept.
Interior Design Awards
Our Success
The east and west end wall of the interior serves as a huge canvas and backdrop for the entire design. A monochromatic mural artwork reminiscent of an old Chinese calligraphy was created to express an appreciation of Chinese culture in a modern setting.
A stunning custom-built counter acts as the main focal point of the interior space. This feature is a curated masterpiece, a subtle green leaf silhouette backlit with a frosted glass front can be seen carved within a rich black marble. The idea was to pay homage to traditional Chinese landscape painting.
The color palette of neutral greys and rich walnut wood exudes warmth and sophistication. This high-end modern Chinese restaurant is a true feast for the senses, offering a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking an elevated dining experience, where artistry and culinary mastery come together in perfect harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to the pandemic, the restaurant was on the verge of closing. Our design transformed it into a renowned modern Chinese fusion restaurant. The refreshed interior created a memorable experience that attracted new customers and generated social media buzz, significantly increasing foot traffic.
The client wanted a simple, straightforward design for a modern Chinese fusion restaurant targeting a younger demographic. The challenge was balancing traditional Chinese elements with contemporary aesthetics to create an Instagram-worthy space that would appeal to young customers and help the business recover from pandemic losses.
We visited the site to assess the space and understand the restaurant's flow and functionality. After confirming the modern Chinese fusion direction, we developed renderings that balanced traditional elements with contemporary design for the younger demographic. We selected materials that were visually striking yet durable for restaurant use. Once approved, we created construction drawings and specifications, then coordinated with contractors to ensure proper execution within budget.
This renovation occurred during COVID. Despite lockdowns and rising costs, we controlled budget and timeline by sourcing materials early to lock in prices, scheduling flexibly around restrictions, and maintaining clear communication with contractors to quickly adapt to challenges.
Timing was the biggest challenge for this restaurant project. To minimize disruption to business operations, we sourced all materials, fixtures, and furniture well in advance of construction. This prevented delays from backorders or long lead times and ensured a smooth, efficient renovation process.
This project earned our client four international design awards. I remember at the Best of Canada Award ceremony, one of the judges said, "It's rare to see such an outstanding modern Chinese restaurant in Toronto. They achieved something remarkable by expressing a grand cultural narrative through the simplest design approach. Very few designers are able to do that."
We'd be more than happy to take on projects like this. We love hospitality projects where design resonates with culture, and it's one of our areas of expertise. Our experience with modern cultural fusion spaces allows us to create authentic yet contemporary environments that appeal to today's customers.
Photos of your space and any existing architectural drawings or lease plans - phone photos work perfectly for this initial stage. This gives me a head start on understanding your space before our site visit, so we can spend that time discussing your brand, operational needs, and vision rather than just surveying the space. The more prepared I am, the faster we can move from concept to execution.
Email us at info@dexignmatter.com with your location, space type (retail, office, hospitality), timeline, and budget range. We'll schedule a consultation to explore your brand vision, assess your space's potential, and see if we're the right fit. No obligation, just a conversation about possibilities.
Live beautifully.
Work brilliantly.
Dexign Matter is an independent creative interior design studio based in Toronto.