Kiin is an Adelaide restaurant that combines Australian and Thai design elements to create a warm and inviting space, featuring texture-rich interiors, a vibrant street theatre experience, and a celebration of local talent and craftsmanship.
Architecture & Interior, Travel, Australia
A place to enjoy good company, great cocktails and innovative Thai-fusion cuisine – Adelaide restaurant Kiin is the brainchild of two friends, renowned chef Ben Bertei and sommelier David Wickwar.
Relaxed and convival, the interior designer, Georgie Shepherd Interior Design (GSiD) worked closely with the founders to design a space that distinctly blends Australian vernacular with classic Thai motifs.
Kiin reimagines what a modern Asian-Australian restaurant can be. Warm and inviting, it blends classic elements of Australian and Thai design- earthy tones, natural timbers and raw plaster that evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity. Muted green and terracotta accents, reminiscent of Thai cooking pops, add a pop of colour and connect the space to its culinary inspiration. With its 80-seat capacity, Kiin offers a venue that is open and comfortable, allowing guests to relax while immersing themselves in a truly transportive dining experience.
Texture plays a central role in the design, transforming the previously dark and drab space into a captivating and immerse environment. The exposed ceiling is adorned with fire-rated stucco, while hand-trowelled plaster columns add depth and character. The seating features tactile, linen-covered upholstery, creating a cozy yet raw interplay of materials.
Located in a former Chinese restaurant off the beaten track, Kiin needed to capture the attention of passersby and entice them inside. A generous, bi-fold window was incorporated, providing a front-row seat to the sights, sounds, and smells of the cooking action. This street theatre experience mimics the vibrant atmosphere of Thai food markets, drawing in curious diners.
Inside, the interior maintains a deliberately simple and raw aesthetic, preserving many of the property's original features such as the concrete floor and exposed ceiling, adding to the laid-back and authentic vibe that the owners desired. A sophisticated lighting scheme enhances the textural effect and allows for a seamless transition from day to night, setting the perfect ambiance.
The design of Kiin also celebrates local talent and craftsmanship. Beautiful bespoke joinery, artwork, and ceramics created by South Australian artists take center stage, reinforcing the restaurant's deep roots in the local community. Handcrafted timber furniture and artisanal touches by local makers anchor the venue in its locale, creating a sense of familiarity for customers. This warm and bespoke atmosphere serves as a neutral backdrop, allowing the adventurous cuisine to shine and take center stage.
Words courtesy of Georgie Shepherd Interior Design (GSiD) | Photography by Jenah Piwanski
Related Content
Bund's flagship club in Madrid showcases a harmonious blend of classicism and spontaneity, offering a unique and captivating experience through meticulously crafted spaces, personalized attention, and exquisite design details.
CS13 by Maximale, a fusion of past and present, pays homage to the building's rich heritage while embracing the aspirations of its transient inhabitants.
The SJ71 project by Maximale is a poetic tribute to minimalism. This residence aims to redefine space and its flow, emphasizing the inseparable bond between simplicity and harmony.