Summer Salt by Perry Drakopoulos and Larissa Leigh Interiors

Saturated in blue hues that echo the expansive horizon beyond, the recent redesign of Summer Salt by Perry Drakopoulos and Larissa Leigh Interiors is a study in bold contemporary design that is unapologetically Australian.

Located on a pristine waterfront site in Cronulla in Sydney’s south, the design for the Italian restaurant with a seafood focus is grounded in a simple yet playful approach that perfectly responds to its coastal context. Led by Perry Drakopoulos of Sydney Restaurant Group, the entire renovation was overseen in-house, the brief calling for a design that wasn’t the traditional beach aesthetic but incorporated a visual language that aligned with the views and lively Summer Salt ethos.

Located on a pristine waterfront site in Cronulla in Sydney’s south, the design for the Italian restaurant with a seafood focus is grounded in a simple yet playful approach that perfectly responds to its coastal context.

Upon entering, a myriad of textures and bright blue hues create an immediate impact. “Our aim was to source materials that were bold, confident and even futuristic, all while maintaining a subtle glamour that wouldn’t overpower the iconic views,” says Drakopoulos. Marmoleum vinyl flooring and a recycled wood wool ceiling mirror the sandy shore, while vibrant fabrics including metallic, velvet and Strange Loves striped acrylic imbue a sense of luxe comfort.

Throughout the space, there are distinct moments of drama that underscore the otherwise pared-back layout. For example, the host desk by artist DenHolm, sprayed in blue and tiled with their custom Bobster tiles, acts as a functional hub as well as an artistic centrepiece. Meanwhile, columns clad in Royale Blue Zellige tiles from Tiles of Ezra are complemented by the high-gloss tabletops of the bar, which are held up by stainless-steel trumpet bases. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sheer curtains frame uninterrupted vistas out to the sea, and soft lighting and Murano glass sconces nod to the shades of blue that dominate the palette and add a subtle elegance to the space.

Walking through the space, the vibrant hues, dramatic features and simple layout create a lively energy that encourages a sense of fun and relaxation.

Walking through the restaurant, the vibrant hues, dramatic features and simple layout create a lively energy that encourages a sense of fun and relaxation. It is a place where one is tempted to stay a while and is perfectly suited to a long leisurely lunch against the backdrop of the ocean and jazzy tunes. An inspired rejuvenation, Summer Salt is reborn as not just a dining venue – it’s an experience that seamlessly merges the sea, the menu and the interior.

Interior design by Perry Drakopoulos and Larissa Leigh Interiors. Build by Sydney Restaurant Group.