THE BRIEF
Donna’s Table is a fine dining restaurant in Forbes, NSW. The interior design concept was designed by MARG. Studio.
When I first spoke with Donna on site we established that the interior design style of the new, fine dining experience she wanted to create was to be:
- Comfortable by day and intimate by night.
- Not to be a space that is “full of old stuff ”.
- A space that is a balance of minimalist/clean lines and more traditional decorative styles.
- Not to feel overcrowded with products, nor will it feel cavernous.
- Airy + not too enclosed.
- To have a touch of industrial (but not too “meshy”) and not too frilly.
We decided that being called Donna’s Table, the table really needed to be the hero of the design. Very early on we got Tom, a timber craftsman from Thomas Keith on board to create a large, custom, reclaimed timber dining table that was 5m long. This is the first thing you see when you walk in the front door. The idea was to make it feel like you were sitting around Donna’s kitchen table, sharing a meal on a table that had been in the family for generations.
Donna made some brave choices, like letting me paint the back of her restaurant in a rich burgundy colour to contrast with the soft, cosy Porter’s Paint colour in the front.
THE CLIENT
Donna's Table is the culmination of years of Donna’s hard work and dedication to her vision for fine dining in Forbes, NSW.
Just like a nice wine glass adds to the experience of a good wine, a welcoming interior adds to the experience of a space. I worked with Donna to create something that is welcoming and cosy but also has a touch of glamour to reflect the culinary experience she wanted to create for her restaurant interiors.
“I have such a connection with food; it is who I am. Food is pure joy - I want produce that is well cared for and crafted and I want the love that goes onto that plate to be an absolute experience. It encompasses everything that is good in life.”
Donna’s ethos on food was an inspiration within itself and I think part of the reason she resonated with MARG. Studio. Bookings are taken via email which can be found on Donna's website.
THE SPACE
The project went through a few different iterations based on how the restaurant would function which was a testament to Donna’s understanding of what really excited her and what she wanted to offer. Initially we designed a whole series of shelving units for deli style products like lavosh bread, take home meals and a space for people to sit and have coffee and cake during the day.
Donna quickly realised as the designs came to life that what she really loved was spending time crafting a menu, balancing flavours and putting all her effort into creating a dining experience. The design process helped her to strip back and refine what it was she wanted to offer.
Fast forward past opening (including building delays and a record breaking flood in Forbes) and Donna is now creating beautiful seasonal menus for meals that are designed to be enjoyed with your nearest and dearest over a glass of wine or two. Donna also tells me she has regulars who come back with every menu change which sounds like the best review you could ask for. I’ve already enjoyed one lovely, long Sunday lunch on a rainy day in August and will be back for many more.
- Emily
