Violet Oon Singapore

YEAR: 2015-Present
CATEGORY: Dining
SIZE: 1800-2500 sqft
LOCATION: Multiple

From the first restaurant at Bukit Timah to the iconic National Kitchen at the National Gallery Singapore, LAANK has been designing spatial experiences across all Violet Oon Singapore locations and beyond.

COLLABORATORS
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lumina / Studio Periphery
BUILDER: GK Decor / Cubetopia
BRANDING: Black Design

AWARDS:
Perspective Magazine Awards – Best Restaurant
Golden Pin Design – Best Restaurant Design
IDCS DEA – Best Use of Colour
AD&D Awards – Certificate of Excellence

THE BRIEF

Akin to how the kebaya has become synonyms with Singapore Airlines, how do we create a distinctly Singaporean spatial identity for a Peranakan restaurant helmed by culinary doyenne Violet Oon? How do we create spaces for others to experience a taste of Peranakan-Singapore as the brand journeys into the world?

OBSERVATIONS

Violet’s personality was not being reflected in the original space. It’d be more befitting to design it with her character as the main focal and let her personality shine true the space.
It was also imperative to honour the rich customs and culture that inform Violet’s identity and journey as one of Singapore’s leading Peranakan chefs.

APPROACH

With all restaurants being Violet’s namesake, we wanted to prioritise and emphasis Violet’s big and outgoing personality and showcase her Peranakan heritage. Violet’s Chinese name bears the character 玉(yú) which means Jade, and the colour green holds special significance in the Peranakan culture – traditionally symbolising spring and vitality. Serendipitously, Violet’s first ever business in Joo Chiat also had a green door. We designed the spaces to prominently reflect that, weaving it into and bringing vigour to the brand’s personality.

The brand colour, Emerald Green, also reflects Violet’s Chinese name 玉 (yù) which means Jade.

INSPIRATION

We drew inspiration from heritage architectural styles, the rich tapestry of Peranakan customs and tradition and of course the dame herself. The structure of the space references colonial architectural influences, while the interior embodies Violet’s personality. Violet is the hostess with the mostest, always hosting, feeding, entertaining and we echo that into the experience of the space.

Memorabilia and other keepsakes adorn the space, just like how you’d find them at a multigenerational family home. Accolades from the recognition she’s received throughout her culinary career; photos of Violet holding a baguette while rioting in France; photo of a bird Violet gifted by a friend; heirloom recipes from her late grandaunt and much more, these design touch-points double up as talking points as Violet walks through the space, recounting stories and tales from before.

Tok Panjang – quinessentialy Peranakan long communal tables that form the heartbeat of each family.

“I love cooking things properly; traditionally, with no shortcuts.”
– Violet Oon

A GENTLER IMPACT

Just like how Violet believes in no short-cuts when it comes cooking, we used authentic tiles from demolished Peranakan houses in Penang over the replicas tiles even though it took more time and effort to salvage them.

We were mindful about being considerate and sensitive towards her existing regulars and did not want to create a space that was unrecognisable and alienating. These values guided us in creating a space that pays cultural homage through Violet herself and build a spatial identity that Violet Oon Singapore into global expansion.