Located in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Capitol Riverfront, GATSBY is the latest restaurant creation—a reimagined American diner—from KNEAD Hospitality + Design. Marking the fourth collaboration between KNEAD and local architecture and design firm //3877, the restaurant is directly opposite Nationals Park—its corner location anchoring the newly-developed West Half building of which it occupies.
Upon entering, patrons pass through a glass vestibule, whereby GATSBY envelops the clientele in a contemporary twist on Art Deco and the roaring '20s. The ceiling height expands, revealing an oval-shaped bar—the primary focal point of the first floor—and overhead perforated bar canopy. The overhead bar structure acts as both a decorative element and a functional lighting piece, highlighting the top of the bar. These materials complement the color palette of black, white, jewel tones of red, blue and green, and dark walnut tones.
The decorative wood back wall in the first floor dining area, inspired by what is likely one of the Art Deco movement’s most renowned buildings—New York City’s Chrysler Building—utilizes fumed aspen wood, providing movement and warmth to the space. On the wall adjacent to the decorative wood wall, a hand-drawn mural by Brush Decor depicts a lively social scene—dancing, drinking, and merriment—of the typical post-war, roaring-20’s dining experience. GATSBY’s first floor seating is located along the perimeter of the space, simultaneously providing a cozy atmosphere while allowing circulation flexibility for pre- or post-event sports-goers at the opposite Nationals Park ballpark.
Front-of-house stairs lead patrons to the mezzanine and second floor levels. Views from the mezzanine overlook the first-floor bar, providing a visual connection between the multi-level restaurant. Continuing up the winding staircase to the second floor, oxblood tile-clad walls, walnut trim, and warm, cream-colored wall paint divide and define the dining areas, as do the accent walls featuring murals and textural wallcoverings. Through the center of the space, a metal structure sits above the plush shagreen booths, evocative of a vintage bird cage. Above the booths and ‘bird cages,’ a celestial ceiling, designed by Kalisher and printed on acoustic fabric, features the Zodiac, adding accents of blue and gold to the length of the room.
For the lighting program, the design team worked with Flux Lighting to create an atmosphere that is warm and dramatic, favoring multiple layers of lighting throughout the space; dramatic chandeliers, 20’s era sconces, and integrated strip lighting enhance the overall mood. Dim to warm LED technology was used throughout the restaurant, providing the flexibility to balance natural daylight or easily transition into cozy, atmospheric mood lighting for the evening.
Fitting for a restaurant opening in the contemporary '20s of the 21st century, GATSBY’s Art Deco, roaring 20’s design scheme promises a restaurant experience that celebrates the details, calling out what is most important in life—an authentic, approachable food and beverage experience that is best enjoyed amongst good company. GATSBY’s flexible layout prioritizes the experience of the guest, whether they are looking for a casual dining journey, or one steeped in nostalgia and old-school glamour.
Material Used :
1. Flooring: Black Herringbone Tile Restroom Floors by Tile Bar, Custom black and White Mosaic- Daltile
2. Doors: Double Pocket Arched Doors and entry doors custom by Woodsmith -
3. Interior lighting: Chandeliers, Sconces, Strip Lighting. From various vendors including but not limited- Qtran, Restoration Hardware, Mitzi, Custom. Central illuminated bands at the bar with perforated metal by Art Display.
4. Interior furniture: Booths, Banquettes and Tables from Soft Touch Furniture, Chairs from
Sandalyeci, Millwork by Woodsmith
5. Ceiling: Celestial print artwork by Kalisher, printed on acoustic fabric by Fabritrak, Wood PDR ceiling by Wood Grid, Acoustic spray on first floor by Sonkrete
6. Walls: First Floor Mural by Brush Décor. Second floor murals by Kalisher. All murals printed on Vinyl wallcovering by Astek. Decorative fumed aspen veneer on the decorative wall panels by Doge Veneer assembled by Woodsmith Millworkers. Tile on bar- green marble basketweave by Tile Bar
