Maru Ramen

We began the design process by concentrating on the experience of eating ramen, – the focus down on the bowl, the warmth of the steam rising from the noodles – which inspired the cozy, warm spaces developed in the design. We then looked to traditional forms – a low bar with a wall separating the kitchen, the wood screening – and developed modern details around them. Finally, we met the challenge of designing in a small space by working closely with the owner to lay the kitchen out to maximize both efficiency and the show of cooking. 

The restrained palette of warm, white oak, light walls, and dark, tile flooring creates a clean, modern, aesthetic. The neutral background allows it to fade away while the white oak bar, tables, bar ceiling, and hand-turned light shades create low, soft, warm spaces to consume bowls of steaming ramen. Finally, the planes of the bar and bar ceiling frame views into the kitchen.