In October last year, a colourful new restaurant with a playful atmosphere opened its doors in the heart of San Antonio’s historic King William district. Up Scale occupies a building built in 1884 as a family home. It changed owners and functions many times through the years, including being a beauty salon and a radio store. There were also several renovations. Texas native Crystal Sinclair led the last renovation.
New York-based Crystal, who runs Crystal Sinclair Designs, jumped at the chance to go back to her roots with this project, which is also her first commercial endeavour. The space used to house another restaurant Crystal used to frequent as a young adult.
There are three sections to the 2,476 sq ft restaurant: a lounge in the front, the main dining room and the garden area at the back. “Voges Design, the local architect, developed the layout for us,” Crystal explains. Brooklyn- based interior designer Delia Kenza, who specialises in urban renovations, also contributed to the creative process. When Crystal needed a soundboard, Delia was always available.
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Time was the main challenge of the project. They had five months to complete everything from conception to installation. Crystal says, “With all the industry’s current challenges with delays and shortages, having everything delivered and installed almost on time was quite an accomplishment.”
Pink, the restaurant owners’ favourite colour, formed the basis of the palette. Deep green and bright red also appear. Brass, marble, and velvet provide a glamorous atmosphere. “We wanted to give the space a subtle art deco vibe, but with a modern, feminine twist,” says the interior designer. “We added natural white oak finishes to warm up, modernise, and contrast with the heavier selects.”
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In addition to the wallpaper installed by Papermoon with a ribbon by Under Cover Upholstery, Circa Lighting ceiling fixtures, and banquettes manufactured by Litmus Industries, Up Scale is decorated with other elements. Each of the three bathrooms, for instance, has an individual colour theme (pink, green, and black), as well as a velvet ceiling and checkerboard marble flooring.
“We wanted to pay homage to the Art Deco era. It’s glitzy, fun, and luxurious,” Crystal says. “The zigzag cabinets and pink chandeliers marked the beginning of the concept phase. From there, the owners asked for a space where people could dress up to dine, but at the same time feel comfortable hanging out at the bar in casual clothes or reading a book in a more relaxed atmosphere – something for everyone!”
For more information, visit www.upscalesouthtown.com.
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