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Location: La Jolla, California, USA

Architect/Interior Designer: Studio UNLTD

Photography: Zack Benson

Designed by Studio UNLTD, Fleurette is a sophisticated restaurant located within a freestanding building on a corporate office campus in La Jolla, California. The project involved a complete transformation of the interior, creating a dining destination that balances elegance with comfort while fostering a meaningful connection between guests and the culinary artistry taking place within the open kitchen.

Inspired by the client’s personal heritage and culinary vision, the design draws parallels between the coastal cultures of Southern California and the Côte d’Azur, celebrating their shared appreciation for relaxed luxury and understated sophistication. Fluid geometry, sculptural forms and a rich palette of travertine, walnut, copper and terrazzo combine to create an environment that feels warm, refined and full of character. Vintage-inspired panelling, influenced by antique yacht detailing, reinforces the coastal narrative, while marine blues, sand tones and subtle copper accents echo the surrounding landscape.

The spatial planning prioritises both guest experience and operational efficiency. Curved banquettes and intimate booths create welcoming islands within an open-plan dining room, encouraging natural circulation for guests and staff alike. At its heart, the open kitchen is anchored by a bespoke Athanor cooking suite finished in the hue of fresh-pressed olive oil, allowing diners to engage directly with the craftsmanship of the culinary team.

A striking suspended lighting installation, visible from both the interior and exterior, introduces a sense of movement throughout the space. Composed of flowing fabric panels reminiscent of ship’s sails, the feature forms an elegant wave that contrasts beautifully with the building’s minimalist architecture. Through carefully layered materials, sculptural interventions and thoughtful planning, Studio UNLTD has transformed a dramatic glass-enclosed volume into an intimate, highly functional restaurant that embodies the quiet luxury and timeless appeal of coastal living.