DONNA’S

PROJECT SUMMARY

Client: Parkbars LLC. Typology: Hospitality. Location: Echo Park, CA  Size: 1500sf  Status: Completed 2023  Photographer: Wonho Frank Lee

Donna's Italian Restaurant brings a classic yet kitschy vibe to an ever-evolving Los Angeles culinary landscape. AERO reimagined an existing restaurant space and created a casual and comfortable environment matching the family-style menu. Custom-designed wallpaper with flowers and fruits brings to mind an Italian grandparent's home, as do the warm wooden ceiling beams and checkered tiled floor. Suede banquettes, golden-legged tables, lighting, custom millwork and the overall color palette heighten the muted elegance of the dining room. The floor plan provides guest comfort while maximizing staff efficiency. Putting all the design elements together, Donna's stands to serve as the go-to quintessential neighborhood Italian restaurant for years to come.

The reviews are in!

“Take in the retro but modern wallpaper, hanging plants, and peekaboo wall that stealthily separates the bar from the dining area.” Eater Los Angeles.

“The restaurant looks like a mid-century red sauce joint rendered in TikTok-friendly technicolor. You'll see gold curtains, teal floral wallpaper, and cool people wearing cool pants.” The Infatuation

“It’s not that we wanted to [recreate] Grandma’s house, but it is a room where someone cares about the space. It’s not meant to feel transactional, it’s meant to feel lived-in and warm and welcoming. To achieve that, Donna’s collaborated with Aero Collective on the design. The wallpaper is a colorful, maximalist print of florals, vegetables, and fruits. Glass and porcelain trinkets adorn the shelves above cozy, dark wood tables and booths. To further amp the intimate environs, the team subdivided the space into several smaller nooks with different seating areas, and built curves into the details.” RESY LOS ANGELES

“The atmosphere reminded me of the trendy Italian restaurants that are popping up in my hometown of Madrid: colorful wallpapers and cute ornaments that will make you feel as if you’re in a nonna’s kitchen. Enticed by the interior and the classic Italian comfort dishes, like spaghetti and meatballs…” MARIANNA IN LA