Tannis Ling, a former bartender (and daughter of an architect), took a risk when she opened Bao Bei in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood in 2010; the area was considered dodgy and a risky dining destination. Four years later, Bao Bei is a smash hit (although some complain about the “hipster” clientele) and has been written up everywhere. The interiors, orchestrated by local design phenom Craig Straghetta of Ste. Marie Art + Design, merge grandmother chic (dowdy floral printed wallpaper) with industrial cool (Prouve-like lights)–all with an overlay of Chinese kitsch. We’re booking our flights now.
Above: “Bao Bei” means precious in Cantonese; local firm Glasfurd and Walker created the identity and brand design for Bao Bei.
Above: A row of custom lights by Ste. Marie Art + Design.
Above: The lights are influenced by the Prouvé Potence light. (For similar spinoffs, see Five Favorites: Prouvé-inspired Swing Arm Lights.)
Above: A wall paneled in whitewashed reclaimed wood and adorned with a cascade of thrift shop trays.
Above: Bentwood stools line the bar.
Above: A DIY light fixture by Straghetta.
Above: A still-life tableau.
Above: Personal design touches courtesy of Ling.
Above: White-painted cleavers as decor.
Interested in more projects by Ste. Marie Art + Design? Go to Meat & Bread and Pizzaria Farina. For another spot in Vancouver’s Chinatown that we have our eyes on, see Bestie Currywurst.
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