A Taste of Design: Inside Inhouse’s Vision for Villa 47

In the heart of Cape Town’s bustling Bree Street, a culinary hotspot has captured the city’s imagination. Villa 47 is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant, multi-levelled celebration of Italian cuisine and culture, a concept brought to life through the visionary interior design of Inhouse Design Studio. This project stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can elevate the dining experience, transforming a meal into a memorable lifestyle event. Villa 47’s unique proposition lies in its three-restaurants-in-one model, each with a distinct identity. Inhouse was tasked with creating a cohesive yet varied journey for patrons, a challenge they met by masterfully weaving a narrative of modern Italian living through different aesthetic lenses. The overarching concept draws inspiration from the classic Roman villa—a place of gathering, celebration, and epicurean delight—reimagined for the contemporary Capetonian.

Locanda: The Heart of the Villa

On the ground floor, Locanda welcomes guests into a space that feels both refreshingly modern and comfortably familiar. This is the laid-back Italian bistro, the heart of the Villa. Inhouse opted for a sophisticated, neutral colour palette, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The design is a masterclass in material harmony. Light terrazzo floors are paired with the warmth of natural timber on tables and shelving, all framed by the clean, strong lines of black steel. The effect is contemporary and chic, yet unpretentious.Statement lighting, including clusters of striking globe pendants and minimalist cylindrical fixtures, draws the eye and bathes the space in a warm glow. A long, inviting banquette provides a central seating spine, while the open-plan kitchen offers a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary action. It’s a space designed for lingering, where the clink of glasses and the hum of conversation are the perfect accompaniments to authentic Italian fare.

A Tale of Two Moods: From Tapas to Fine Dining

Ascending through Villa 47 reveals Inhouse’s remarkable versatility. The design narrative shifts to suit the different culinary offerings. The trendy tapas bar, Stuzzico, embraces a more intimate and elegant aesthetic. Here, darker tones, exposed brickwork, and stylish furnishings create an inviting and sophisticated ambiance perfect for after-work drinks or a prelude to dinner. For the fine dining eatery, simply named ‘Restaurant’, the design takes a turn towards the dramatic and upmarket. The space features a stunning exposed dark timber roof structure, creating a sense of volume and history. This is complemented by artisanal pendant lights and subtle hints of a Neo-African theme, seen in carefully selected artifacts. The result is a moody, sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly complements the elevated menu, proving that a single building can house a world of different experiences.

The Inhouse Signature

The Villa 47 project is a quintessential example of the Inhouse Design Studio philosophy. With a reputation built on a meticulous work ethic and an ability to deliver commercially effective and aesthetically powerful solutions, the studio has once again demonstrated its prowess. The design for Villa 47 is not merely decorative; it is integral to the restaurant’s function and identity. It guides the customer experience, shapes the atmosphere, and ultimately, contributes to the venue’s resounding success. In a city that loves to eat out, Villa 47 offers a masterfully designed destination where food, culture, and style intersect. It is a powerful reminder that when visionary design meets culinary passion, the result is an experience that nourishes not just the body, but the soul.