Aster Dining Brings Celestial Design to the Table

Aster, a new dining destination led by chef Joshua Paris, has opened with an interior concept that draws directly from its botanical namesake. The aster flower, whose name also means star, provides both narrative and structure for a space that translates natural form into a highly considered spatial experience.

At the centre of the restaurant is the floral heart. A circular bar and wraparound dining counter encircle the open kitchen, forming a unified stage that enables continuous 360 degree service.

GALLERY  

Guests seated at the counter are positioned within arm’s reach of the chefs, allowing for a direct connection to the culinary process. A soft halo of light at the base of the bar mirrors the ceiling installation above, reinforcing the sense of immersion. Hand modelled clay finishes on the bar and counters introduce a tactile quality, with textures that recall stratified rock and ground the space in craft.

Overhead, the ceiling becomes the flower’s crown. Thirty nine modular frames are arranged in a gentle spiral, each holding a translucent violet petal made from recycled xuan paper. At night, perimeter lighting grazes the edges of the petals, transforming the ceiling into a drifting nebula. Sustainability is embedded in the system, with petals designed to be re dyed and frames intended for long term reuse.

Along the perimeter, layered pendant lights continue the floral language. Carefully aligned with the building’s structural beams, the pendants introduce subtle variations in height, turning repetition into rhythm. Beneath this decorative layer, discreet downlights provide precise illumination for each table.

The material palette of oak, stone and concrete converges like a calyx cradling a bloom. A herringbone oak floor radiates outward from the central bar, evoking roots spreading through soil. Rounded timber and stone edges prioritise comfort, while clay reliefs at key touch points reinforce the hand crafted sensibility. The space feels anchored, with roots below, structure at the sides and the flower overhead.

A more intimate experience unfolds upstairs. A secluded mezzanine lounge, finished in walnut and velvet, introduces a shifted geometry. Above, a mirrored antique bronze canopy etched with abstract floral motifs expands the room visually, creating a quiet elevated sky. In the private dining room, a stardust installation of smoky violet petals hangs in loose constellations above the table, set against dark textiles that draw focus back to food and conversation.

Images by Wen Studio via ArchDaily

Aster, a new dining destination led by chef Joshua Paris, has opened with an interior concept that draws ...