Yakinau Izakaya was designed to be a bold and contemporary Japanese restaurant.  The clients selected a colour scheme that would be easily recognisable by their patrons.  A characteristic striking neon pink colour is their themed colour, and this was used as decorative lighting within the restaurants.

The clients’ vision was an eye-catching restaurant that can also be easily recognisable as a Japanese restaurant that serves authentic Japanese cuisine.  Responding to the younger and trendier demographics in the Melbourne CBD, the interior design scheme needs to be trendy, at the same time, retaining some of the traditional Japanese architectural design.

A darker, moodier colour scheme was used for the internal walls and ceilings, which combined with the bright neon pink lighting, creates a living and trendy atmosphere.

Traditional Japanese elements like paper lanterns and latticed ceiling grids, and partition door panels, characteristic of Japanese architecture, immediately transport the patrons to Japan whilst enjoying their meal. 

The presence of Japanese characters on the lanterns and the timber finishes for the sushi bar adds an element of visual interest and cultural authenticity, appealing to those who appreciate the traditional culture within a modern space.