Ira and Olya Sundukovy, the founders and design directors of S+S Studio, discuss trends in restaurant design and insights and practices from their latest projects.
Sundukovy Sisters (S+S) Studio is a renowned interior design studio known for its vibrant, artistic, and innovative designs in restaurants and hotels worldwide. Boasting 20 years of experience and a portfolio featuring over 200 projects across multiple countries, the studio has garnered over 16 awards for excellence in hospitality design. Recently, the studio completed the renovation of the iconic Luna Sky Bar at Four Seasons DIFC, and the grand reimagining of Mercury Lounge at Four Seasons Jumeirah, set to be revealed this fall. New restaurant venues are set to debut soon in Dubai DIFC, London, and Los Angeles.
Avoiding Seasonal Trends
At S+S Studio, we strive to ignore seasonal trends and avoid getting trapped by them. Instead of chasing seasonal colours and fashionable materials, we want to create timeless spaces. We aim to make designs that last, skipping trends like ’emerald hues,’ ‘velvet and oak,’ ‘mid-century’ or styles that later will be labeled as “2024.” We specialise in crafting interiors that are timeless and uniquely our own.
We focus on unfading styles, continually analysing and forecasting design trends that will endure. Seasons change, and tastes evolve, yet some design themes persist and endure, standing the test of time.
Here are some key insights from S+S Studio regarding design trends and approaches.
1. The Power of Storytelling in Design
Interior designers utilise storytelling as a pivotal tool when crafting and adorning spaces, effectively conveying their clients’ messages. Integrating narrative into interior design has been a hallmark of S+S Studio. Each restaurant tells a unique story—whether inspired by history, local culture, or the personal journey of the chef or owner. This approach creates visually appealing and emotionally engaging spaces, offering guests a memorable experience beyond the ordinary.
2. Maximalism
Maximalist design isn’t just a style—it’s a lifestyle that embraces the philosophy of ‘more is more.’ After all, who doesn’t love a bit of excess, especially in these post-Covid times? At S+S Studio, we love to push the boundaries and play with design. Take our latest project – it combines French and Asian influences in an interior style called ‘chinoiserie.’ The design aims to combine the mysticism of the East with the classic and palatial spirit of France while also blending these cuisines. It is a symphony of rich, saturated details from floor to ceiling, blending maximalism charm with a touch of holiday spirit.
3. Minimalism
In a world filled with dualities and contradictions, where some embrace the wild expanses
of maximalism, others crave the refined depths of minimalism. Our latest project, an authentic Japanese restaurant in London, embodies this quest for simplicity and sophistication. Picture it: metal, rope, wood, and straw combine in a rustic yet upscale fusion, transforming the space into a modern interpretation of a serene Japanese village. Here, beauty dances through the play of light, shadows, and forms,
creating a harmonious symphony of austere elegance.
4. The Old Money Authentics
The “old-money” aesthetic is back in vogue. Unlike the flashy trends of the nouveau riche,
this style values classic, refined pieces that stand the test of time. We’re moving away from the new and flashy, embracing a nostalgic return that’s anything but boring. For those tired of constantly changing their decor with passing trends, this revival of timeless style is a welcome change.
5. Punk Luxury
Luxury is undeniably fabulous, but today’s new money craves something with a rebellious
twist—enter punk luxury. In our latest project, ‘Escape,’ we’ve created an atmosphere filled with romance under a warm sunset glow, thanks to our carefully chosen bespoke lighting. But wait—this isn’t
your typical fancy setup. We’ve added a rebellious touch with artistic flair. Joseph’s contemporary installation adds sass and irony alongside Veronique Guerrieri’s whimsical ‘Baby King’ sculpture inviting your inner child to play. It’s a charming fusion of luxury and whimsy that will make a lasting impression.
6. Picture Perfect
In today’s digital age, where Instagram reigns supreme, creating spaces that are ‘selfie-approved’ is a must. Restaurants are now designed with picture-perfect spots like restrooms, staircases, and entrances—because who doesn’t love a glamorous bathroom shot? By perfecting the lighting, angles, and highlights, we craft spaces that practically beg to be shared online, turning every meal into a viral moment and giving the restaurant that much-needed social media buzz.
7. Lighting Accents
Lighting isn’t just an afterthought in interior design—it’s the star player. At S+S, bespoke illumination is key to our designs, tailored to elevate each space. Whether it’s cozy sunset vibes, clean whites, or calming blues, our lighting solutions bring out the best in every restaurant. It’s all about crafting an atmosphere that’s not just seen but felt—a place where every corner tells a story and every guest feels the magic.
9. Sustainability and Longevity
Sustainability and longevity are crucial elements in approaching design today. Over the past decade, there’s been a global push towards practices like reducing waste, using local materials, and eco-friendly design. But we take it further by focusing on durability. For example, we select natural materials
such as wood and stone, which develop a rich patina over time, aging gracefully. This adds elegance and ensures our designs remain stunning and functional for years.
10. Artistic Interiors
Last but not least, an unfading style for all involves crafting interiors that are as artistic as they are bespoke. We are also passionate about designs that are characteristically charismatic, delightfully unexpected, and seasoned with a touch of irony for good measure. Through a two-decade-long design journey, we have perfected the art of blending flair with finesse. This approach ensures our interiors avoid aging quickly and stand the test of time, proving that originality is more than just a trend for us—it is our secret to design longevity.
