Asian Fusion

Nothing about the newest Wok ‘N Fire restaurants plays out as typical. Eastern culture aesthetics and contemporary drama create the perfect modern twist for these avant-Asian hotspots.

With two restaurants opening in a 12-month period, owners Siri Lanpouthakoun and Mark Bartlett turned to Faux Design Studio’s Sheri Zeman to inject the design plan with the perfect level of eclectic funk. She embraced the project from the start. “The design team gave me carte blanche on hot, new effects,” said Sheri. “It was a welcome challenge to create finishes that would add to the edgy vibe.” On her first visit to their original location, Sheri was itching to add some additional elements to play on the impact of the space. “I was so excited to work with the creative forces behind my favorite Asian-inspired restaurant.”

Guests are dazzled by the black-on-black shimmering glass highlights of the Calliope stencil pattern that soars over 18 feet. The hostess area is flanked by over 800 traditional-styled medicine boxes, distressed and embossed with a basketweave pattern and given a stained antique effect. Sleek skins are introduced on the ceilings and columns using Venetian Gem®. Sheri brought in many finishes directly from her Production Skins class. “These dynamic exotic textures can be done in a quickermore cost-effective method perfect for these large scale applications.”

The entry area is bordered by a 15-foot gong, one of the stunning handcrafted elements created by talented sculptor, Jim Kearns. The hammered gong’s inner ring was gold leafed and washed with Stain & Seal™ to create an aged, yet contemporary treatment. To bring out the intensity of the gong, a three-layer process was applied to the backdrop using Ruby Venetian Gem®, MetalGlow® and Venetian Gem® Finish Coat.

Increasingly opulent options became the norm as the Wheaton location took shape. The oversized domed light that anchors the bar is covered with the Calliope stencil incrusted with amber glass over MetalGlow®. From the delicate preparation of sushi rolls to the dynamically elegant ambiance, owners Siri and Mark paid close attention to the minute details of the space. They wanted their guests to have their senses awakened by the visual surroundings with unexpected elements.

The hand-sculpted oversized abacus was backlit and anchored with the skin treatment that mirrored the entry columns and ceiling. A faux crocodile roller with used to apply Venetian Gem® to create the pattern through the plaster. The application was finished with layers of a toning glaze.

The bar’s back scape has an iridescent quality. The multi-layered plaster effects are intensified by highlight colors playing off the glass decanters. Sheri designed the pattern for the bar walls, creating a twisted woven feel using LusterStone® and MetalGlow®. The pattern has now evolved into one of the newest stencils in the LOFT 101 line.

In the central dining area, the sushi bar is defined by a school of paper fish swirling just below the Venetian Gem® deep blue ocean surface. The walls display a simple, yet effective treatment using Rs Travertino® and MetalGlow® to continue the linear qualities and give an exquisite visual appeal and texture.

This room’s star truly is the 18-foot dragon donned “Denny” by the Faux Design Studio team. The dragon lived at Faux Design while the restaurant was under construction. Taking one look at this enormous structure intrigued students Joy Phillips Blocki, Mark Russell and Artur Zalewski who eventually joined the project. They were thrilled to take their newly honed skills to the site. “The training I received from Sheri enabled me to apply many different finishes I learned and work with a great team of artists,” saysMark. “I enjoyed the variety because they sure had a lot of finishes going on,” added Joy.

Metallic linen started the seven-layer process that began “Denny’s” permanent showcase. The background of his cove is layered with several textures, starting with a linen effect using PlasterTex® and tinted Venetian Gem®.

The surface was then skim coated vertically and highlighted with FauxMetal™. A staining glaze was then applied. “Denny” himself was given an all-over silver cast and glaze.

“We were looking for a hip, more modern vibe, and these designs gave us a look for a new generation,” adds Suri. With the successful opening in Wheaton, Sheri and the restaurateurs are already excited about their next challenge with many more “Dennys” in their future.

DECORATIVE ART BY: SHERI ZEMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: JOSEPH OLIVERA

WRITTEN BY: DENISE CARNEY

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