Nouveau avant garde
Luma, meaning ‘light’ in French, is the name of the restaurant at central Adelaide’s boutique Art Nouveau hotel, The Playford. Hachem reinvigorated a tired space to deliver an Instagram-worthy dining room that has
re-established The Playford as a destination venue.
Interior
Luma offers a contemporary expression of Art Nouveau through strong lines and robust materials. As the most public part of the hotel, it was essential the restaurant delivered a dramatic and compelling design to restore a sense of place to this iconic hotel.
The feature artwork is an awe-inspiring contemporary lighting piece that goes all-out to create a powerful talking point for guests and visitors.
The design of this ‘sculptural chandelier’ takes notes from the ornamental motifs contained in The Playford’s logo. The lighting’s neon glow recalls the luxurious gilt-coloured trimming of the Art Nouveau period and is dimmable at night to create an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
The freeform design of the sculptural chandelier offers a sparkling counterpoint to the rigid formation of the ceiling fenestration. The existing coffer has been rendered with a curved edge to deliver a contemporary take on this classic ceiling feature, while the columns are ribbed to complement the ceiling design. The restrained form means the columns provide an elegant backdrop to the feature artwork.
Soft, plush dining chairs feature elegant textures, while tables in traditional materials highlight flowing lines and geometric shapes to reflect the character of contemporary Art Nouveau. Rich tones of cinnamon, mocha and gold throughout the restaurant convey warmth and comfort.
