Interview with Dottie Butler (designer of Red Table Restaurant) by Red Table
Introductory comments by Red Table Restaurant
In the six weeks we’ve been open we have received loads of feedback from our lovely restaurant guests. There is one thing everyone agrees on. The Red Table is one of the best designed restaurants they’ve ever seen. We could not agree more and are thrilled to bring you an interview with Red Table’s designer, Dottie Butler. Before we get started, we want to let you know that Dottie is accepting new clients (she also designs homes!) and can be reached at dot@dotbutlerdesign.com
Red Table: "How did the restaurant partners communicate their vision of the restaurant’s design to you?"
Dot: "As we processed the vision of what Red Table was hoping offer to the community, and as I got to know the partners, I looked to fold all of the priorities into a beautiful cohesive design. When I joined the team the partners already had a sense that they wanted to leave certain elements “raw” hearkening to a more urban modern aesthetic, such as leaving the brick walls and seismic beams exposed, while at the same time maintaining warmth and throwing back to classic, traditional elements. I understood that the desire was not to create a restaurant around a genre of design, but instead, to design around the concept of appealing to the aesthetics of the generations and tastes reflected in the community of Huntington Harbor, and indeed the partners. And most importantly creating a space that puts people at ease, but maintains style and beauty that people will enjoy repeatedly."
Red Table: "What design pieces represent each partner and why?"
Dot: "Because this project is a partnership in the truest sense of the word, the design decisions had to please everyone or I would not move forward with them. And each partner does have a very distinct aesthetic. I consider the softer feminine touches to reflect Cozette, who is a romantic and lover of flowers and European landscapes. There is the oil painting of an Italian vineyard that I call “Ode to Cozy”. At the same time, Cozette loves that touch of funk, reflected in some of the photography, such as the “eat your vegetables” image, that was taken by her son Josh. The antique brass chandelier in the center with the hanging crystals also reflects her love of timeless classics. Sandy is more tailored and with a love for simple elegance, while still very feminine. The linen of the drapes and the antique round brass pendant with uniform crystals laced together speak to her sensibilities. Louie, of course brings in the rugged masculine aspect, that leans heavily towards urban industrial, which I played to heavily in the design of the wine towers, the roman shades and the zinc bar, as well the use of hand scraped walnut table tops. Louie, whose heritage is a meld of Asian and European influences, also relates deeply to the antiques we brought in and the comfortable elegance they afford. All three partners are ultimately interested in hospitality, and what will excite the senses, while at the same time offer comfort. That is what we looked to achieve on every level at the Red Table.reflected in the community of Huntington Harbor, and indeed the partners. And most importantly creating a space that puts people at ease, but maintains style and beauty that people will enjoy repeatedly."
Red Table: "What was your favorite part of the project?"
Dot: "Seeing all of the elements converge after months of envisioning, collecting and fabricating. Working tirelessly as a team to reach the goal of bringing a wonderful experience to the community. It is very gratifying to see a project converge and even surpass the original expectation. It is always a profound and evolutionary process."
Red Table: "What piece or part of the restaurant are you most proud?"
Dot: "There are so many elements that just “please me” as Sandy would say. I honestly cannot decide on one. I imagine it is the fusion of so many diverse elements working harmoniously together. I am proud that the design is being enjoyed."
Red Table: "What inspires you for your design projects?"
Dot: "I am inspired by bringing vision to fruition, and in identifying what my clients are really after that they may not even be able to articulate. I look to deliver the best possible version of that back to them. If I have a signature to my design, I would say it is to draw out my client’s highest taste and create a reflection of their individuality. It is not about serving the aesthetic alone, but context as well. I look for the result to celebrate who they are such that others get to know them by entering their space. I am also deeply committed to authenticity. To real. I look for this in all that I create or purchase. I grew up in Spain, and my father in the jungles of Venezuela, so have always been surrounded by interesting and meaningful elements that were hand crafted and had inherent value."
Red Table: "What is your design background?"
Dot: "I studied design, photography and journalism in college. Subsequent to that I have been mentored by some of my all-time favorite designers, as well as apprenticing with my father, a mechanical engineer by training and an avid craftsman. He taught me fabrication, mechanics and wood crafting from the time I was young. I bring all of those elements into design, with the journalistic approach of getting the story out of my client so I can tell it in design."
Red Table: "How and when did you decide to design as a career?"
Dot: "It more decided on me, I would say. I initially resisted focusing my energies on design as a career, thinking, when I was young that it was more meaningful to cover a contra war in Nicaragua (thus, the journalism focus) than to design beautiful spaces and things. As life would teach, however, I have come to see design work as a sacred rite. Environment has an incredible impact on our lives, and many know that life is so improved when our surroundings create a sanctuary, or facilitate our goals well, but have no idea how to achieve it. I have realized that in this light, design is as important an endeavor as any, and because it is to what I my mind goes to when it has a moment to wander, I would do well to merge my passion for design with my passion for facilitating positive change in places with intense need. About a decade ago my husband and I had started an import business bringing global antiques to the high end market throughout the United States, as a means to create sustainable business opportunity for people in remote villages around the world, ultimately opening a showroom in Scottsdale Arizona. Doing design work for others grew out of those beginnings as I was asked to transform spaces as I had in my showrooms. I loved to facilitate the repurposing of antiques and architectural elements into fresh contexts. The design work began to take on a life of its own as I was approached to design for increasingly involved projects."
Red Table: "Do you have any tips for people who want to decorate their homes to look like the Red Table?"
Dot: "Look to contrast textures that play against each other. Like chili on the chocolate truffles. Silver Satin with burlap. Bring in authentic elements that anchor the space and give it soul. Real wood. Hand crafted elements and antiques. They can be very simple designs, or primitives that still lend to the modern aesthetic, but bring in a sense of history and timelessness. Make yourself smile, by bringing in unexpected elements. We all love to be surprised by beauty in unexpected places. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous, but keep the big picture in mind and make sure all the elements work together to create a cohesive story."