Mexican architecture and materials have informed the interior of this restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, designed by LA-based Jordana Maisie Design Studio.
On the corner of 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue, Ánimo! is a 2,394-square-foot (222-square-metre) eatery that utilises material and culinary references from Mexico, especially its breakfast culture.
Jordana Maisie Design Studio (JMDS) envisioned the space as a respite from the commotion of the business-focused neighbourhood it serves.
“In Spanish, animo signifies the act of reassuring, of encouraging someone to overcome a challenge; not to give up,” said founder Jordana Maisie.
“This is a sentiment intended to liberate you from the day-to-day grind of a bustling city like Manhattan,” she added.
A facade of reeded concrete tiles, chrome sconces and white awnings over the large windows and doors invites passersby.
Inside, a row of semi-circular booths below the windows creates a wavy line that’s replicated in a dropped ceiling above.
“We wanted to break from the linear grid of Midtown, and introduce flow, play and texture into a space that pushes out into the city grid from the corner, inviting people in,” said Maisie.
The undulated upper area and leather seat cushions below are coloured pistachio green, matching the Heath Ceramics tiles laid along the rounded banquette backs and bases.
Between each alcove is a curved terrazzo counter, reflected in the mirrored panels that wrap the columns between each window.
Contrasting the otherwise muted palette are the rich sapele wood tables and the deep red tiles laid across the front of the service counter.
Arranged vertically, these handmade Fireclay Tiles surround food and beverage displays set into the curved volume.
More black and white speckled terrazzo tops the point-of-sale counter and forms another high-top dining area along the front wall.
“Inspired by the dynamic curves and fluid lines found throughout Mexican architecture, each piece is a testament to the beauty of craftsmanship and attention to detail,” said the design team.
Born in Australia and now based in Los Angeles, Maisie has completed multiple projects in New York City.
A store for shoe brand Feit, a pizzeria with a “deco meets industrial” aesthetic and a boutique filled with white scaffolding are among her studio’s portfolio.
The photography is by Seth Caplan.
