A Refreshing Beachside Retreat – Calita by Frankly Interior Design
Echoing the convivial, laid-back nature of the Mexican seaside, Calita entices Bondi’s beachgoers with its spritely character. Although petite in size, the project bursts with personality as Frankly Interior Design infuses a signature sense of merriment throughout.
A feisty fusion between the fish ‘n’ chip fare synonymous with Bondi and the tantalising tacos of the Baja California peninsula, Calita’s menu and interior harmonise in a joyous homage to its coastal inspirations. Taking cues from Mexico’s fish markets, dreamy beaches and Bondi’s effervescent spirit, Frankly Interior Design delivers a paradisical place to step into as a calming retreat from the sizzling Aussie sun.
Taking cues from Mexico’s fish markets, dreamy beaches and Bondi’s effervescent spirit, Frankly Interior Design delivers a paradisical place to step into as a calming retreat from the sizzling Aussie sun.
Entering the restaurant immediately feels as though time and place melt away in a breath of fresh air. The refreshing palette of crisp ivory is imparted with a tantalising zest through a discerning choice of locally designed tonal accents. Fanciful clusters of moulded wall niches frame playful décor pieces. Vibrantly painted pottery plates, vases and sculptures peek out from their respective recesses, the irregularly shaped nooks providing an additional layer of artistic interest to Calita’s white-washed walls. Ceramic designs featured include the works of LRNCE, Natalie Rosin and BZippy speckled through the space.
Natural wooden hues are introduced with tables, MCM House chairs and the modest bar’s shelving while wicker pendant lights hang from above, adding to the rustic aesthetic. As though made to be married with Calita’s interior, the aptly selected rattan lamps from Bisque Traders and Lighting Collective are reminiscent of bountiful basketry wares peddled in markets abroad – lending themselves beautifully to the vacation atmosphere Calita imbues. By the window, a Cup & Ring wall light by Anna Charlesworth melds gorgeously into the surrounding alabaster while a quintessential cactus offers a salute to Mexico.
Grounded in the breezy beach lifestyle, the eatery welcomes hungry patrons to take their pick of sinking into its indoor cushioned benches, alfresco seating or perched atop woven stools by the window.
A staple of any seaside scene, the inclusion of buoyant stripes is not forgotten by Frankly’s design team. Clusters of plush cushions by Lucy Montgomery Collection are dotted along comfortable bench seating, while adorning the banquette below a mosaic of eclectic Bisanna tiles exude a raw tactility. Outside, tangerine chairs by Contempo & Co. give a clever further nod to stripes with piping and white structural banding down their backs.
Grounded in the breezy beach lifestyle, the eatery welcomes hungry patrons to take their pick of sinking into its indoor cushioned benches, alfresco seating or perched atop woven stools by the window. There is no wrong choice to be made as expansive glazed panels envelop the space, allowing all angles to bask in the salty sea breeze or take in stunning ocean vistas.
