Savor Coastal Modernism with Moroccan Twist at Light Years Asian Diner

Light Years Asian Diner is an Asian restaurant owned by James Sullivan and Kim Stephen in Byron Bay that was built in 2017. This restaurant offers a unique shopping and dining experience due to its location in a coastal town at the tip of the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, known for its spectacular beaches. Therefore, the restaurant is designed with a "coastal modernism" atmosphere to respond to the surrounding location.

The Interior Design of Light Years Asia Diner Restaurant

The interior design of Light Years Asian Diner was designed by Studio Plenty in collaboration with Sarah Ellison for the furniture. The layout of the room follows the shape of the building, like the letter L, by dividing it into a dining room and a bar. The visualization of the coastal atmosphere is applied by designers by displaying peach shades, earth reds, and clay colors on some elements of the space.

The warm textures and earthy tones of the restaurant

Furniture specially designed by Sarah Ellison in the dining area showcases a distinctly Moroccan style. The bench placed next to the wall is made using a soft material and covered with thick awning-striped fabric so that it seems to add texture to the furniture. The long bench surrounds the dining table with a capacity of 2 people, spread out in the dining area. In designing this furniture, Sarah Ellison was inspired by the Yves Saint Laurent Museum opened in Marrakech and displays similar colors and textures.

The furniture in the dining area with a Moroccan touch was designed by Sarah Ellison

Detail of dining table and benches

Another dining area is devoted to entertaining guests: a larger circular table and several stools for six people. Above it, a chandelier with yellowish rays will give a warm impression to this dining area. Curved walls mark the transition from one area to another. The use of soft shapes and curved profiles creates a sense of flexibility throughout the restaurant, while terracotta shades provide warmth and comfort. 

Dining area for six people with circular table and stools

This shape is also applied to the bar area precisely on the terrazzo table as its countertop. The bar area features a backdrop of display shelves of beverage bottles illuminated by warm white light bulbs. In addition, this area is equipped with several stools to accommodate visitor activities when ordering drinks and enjoying them while watching the bartender show.

The use of curved shapes and profiles gives a soft impression

Studio Plenty also invited Melbourne-based artist Heath Wae to create an original mural in the interior of Light Years Asian Diner. This mural is displayed on the dining area's wall, providing contrast thanks to its bold pellets and channeling positive energy to diners. With a unique design and concept applied, Light Years Asian Diner has just been shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Interior Design Awards in the Hospitality Design category.

Light Years Asian Diner was shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Interior Design Awards