Grá Photos by HANNAH WILSON Los Angeles Housed within a rustic former barn, Italian restaurant Grá upcycles many original elements for a charmingly pared-down aesthetic. "Our early mood boarding evoked the streets and flavors of Napoli with a shared nod to the community aspect of Ireland," says Ciarán O'Brien, founder of global design firm Red Deer. The natural materiality includes 40,000 handlaid granite cobbles that establish a striking floor tapestry against soft finishes like slouch curtains that evoke "a casual aloofness found in streetside spaces that use whatever is at hand and, in doing so, create memorable perspectives," he says. A clandestine terrace and striking bar reveal a luxe simplicity that transports diners beyond LA's sprawl. "The act of stripping away decorative elements to achieve a bare functionality echoes a greater story of authenticity," O'Brien says. "It's less set design and more substance." hospitalitydesign.com May 2020 141http://www.hospitalitydesign.com