Pecado Bueno is a new restaurant in the Upper Fremont area of Seattle. We were asked by owner, James Schmidt, to design the logo, signage, interiors and art for a very fast remodel of an existing Italian restaurant which had closed in late August this year. One of a series of Mexican projects for us this fall, this one is the smallest and by far the most funky, in the best sense of the word. This neighborhood is part of my regular stomping grounds so I felt very confidant in steering the look of the place toward something more arty than your typical owner operated Mexican restaurant. James was unconcerned about even referencing Mexico at all in the decor but I find so much visual inspiration there that it seemed crazy to do anything else. By choosing inspiration from the Lucha Libre wrestling culture, which while well known by now still maintains a certain surreal and mysterious air about it, I got to create a central visual piece for the main room which is unlike anything most people ever seen outside of a gallery setting. Then the freedom to use color with wild abandon, even in a small space, felt like a welcome relief from the now ubiquitous, restained neutral palettes on display in most new restaurants on the local scene.
The lighting could use a few upgrades and the rather ugly, old chairs are badly in need of replacement, but this is all being done as a pay-as-you-go project, so more will happen as the venue finds its legs.
Wall sculpture, El Azul, on main dining room wall
Mens' Room - bananas on upper wall
Los Siete Pecados Mortales
Bar Counter with menu board still in progress