A TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTS FOR THE RESTYLING OF A HISTORIC LOCAL
Nick Maltese Studio
Restaurant
The Notorious Frank
Milan
Inspired by that chic and informal style,
animated by the spirit of artists and creatives,
typical of the Village and Downtown Manhattan in New York,
The Notorious Frank conveys an idea of welcome with vibrant notes.
To get to know the thousand faces of Milan, you have to go to the Porta Venezia area: among the splendor of the Liberty architecture of the early twentieth century, the groves of the Montanelli gardens, the rainbow bars, the trendy boutiques of Corso Venezia, the restaurants of international cuisine and clubs , temples of the Milanese aperitif and happy hour, the district brings together all the aspects that animate a metropolis and which are able to coexist and complement each other.
In this setting, the restyling of the historic bar The Notorious Frank focuses on the definition of a style able to keep up with the changes in the city, embracing a clientele that has expanded over the years, diversifying by background, culture and age. According to the architect Nick Maltese, who took care of the interior design, the key is a design with character, with a strong recognition, combined with the possibility of reconfiguring the room during the day, creating a different mood that is suitable for an informal lunch as well as an evening drink.
Inspired by that chic and informal style, animated by the spirit of artists and creatives, typical of the Village and Downtown Manhattan in New York, The Notorious Frank conveys an idea of hospitality with vibrant notes. On a functional level, the project develops according to two distinct macro-areas: the entrance, a small foyer that welcomes customers, with high tables for quicker drinks and an area where you can taste crustaceans on the right, the pride of the kitchen of the chef, and on the other side the dinner-club area, dedicated to dinner and private events.
The interior design is played on an increasingly intense gradient of colors and finishes, as in a climax that leads from the entrance to the largest room, according to a rhythm punctuated by low-arched arches that pierce the space and give depth to the volumes. creating theatrical backdrops to which the subsequent environments form the background.
The chromatic palette modulates colors ranging from warm and soft shades to intense Prussian blue, in a game of complementary rather than contrasting combinations. The finishes give the environment an idea of three-dimensionality: from the large black & white wallpaper with naturalistic views, designed by the architect himself, to the floor with geometric designs, up to the 3D covering of the counter and the large perforated metal wall that acts as a background for the interior. last room. The textures are material and create relief effects: from the stoneware wall tiles with a cement finish in pearl gray, to exposed concrete, to finish with the furnishing fabrics, full-bodied cream, gray and midnight blue velvets.
Lighting is the element through which Nick Maltese wanted to modulate the character of the rooms, highlighting unexpected details and emphasizing that sumptuous atmosphere typical of the musical productions of the last fifty years. The place is in fact a tribute to the many artists named Frank, protagonists of the international music scene: Frank Sinatra, Frank Zappa ... Their presence hovers in the rooms, animates the rooms of this club that wants to welcome anyone, from lunch until late evening, for a meeting with a friend, a little relaxation after work, a good cocktail or a chat at the counter.
