For 14 years,  “Saskatoon” has been one of  Greenville’s favorite restaurants.  Specialties of “high-plains game” such as elk tenderloin, buffalo, venison and ostrich fillet have been their claim to fame throughout the Southeast.  Due to their success, Yash Patel  and Edmund Woo decided it was time to expand this dining concept to Atlanta.  They enlisted the help of interior designer, Wendy Beville of Defining Spaces, Inc.  Her challenge was to transform a traditional Buckhead restaurant space into an “upscale woodland experience” . . .  on a deadline for opening and within budget!

The Design Process:

The original Saskatoon decor in SC is very rustic . . .  similar to a North Woods hunting lodge.  Wendy’s  goal was to incorporate elements of that style but compliment it with a  sophistication that honors elegant dining in Atlanta.

Just like any design project, you must first identify the focal point.  At Saskatoon, the menu is the true art!  Simplicity of crisp white table linens offers the perfect backdrop.  This allows each entree to be the center of attention.  In contrast, the surrounding decor embraces patrons with the warmth of organic materials such as stone, wood and antlers.

For the walls, Wendy’s vision was to continue incorporating natural elements.  Her description was very specific.  “I want a faux finish on the walls that will offer the illusion of being in the North woods surrounded by nature.  But, we don’t want it so realistic that it looks like a theme park.”  A collaboration of our creative ideas led to a very custom recipe.  The texture of this faux finish gives the illusion of tree bark.  But, done in different colors, it offers a departure from the expected and subtly blends with the other decor.  Turning our attention to the basic architecture of the space, specific surfaces were chosen where the  finish would be applied.  Resisting the temptation to incorporate EVERY wall allowed this unique finish to have more of an impact.  The columns, focal wall and select cross beams are representative of a clearing amongst a canopy of trees. . . the perfect place for an intimate picnic adventure.

Congratulations to Wendy Beville for this clever blending of rustic style and big city elegance.  You can see evidence of her thoughtful and detailed planning throughout the space.  It is an enhancement to the Saskatoon dining experience.  Wendy Beville, Defining Spaces, Inc. 770 378 1861 www.definingspacesinc.com

FYI, Wendy and I have had the privilege of sampling some of the exotic delicacies at Saskatoon as well as their “tame game” offerings (steaks and seafood).  Be sure to put it on your list of places you MUST try!   For more information visit: www.saskatoonatlanta.com.