Joyce, a contemporary coastal Southern restaurant, recently opened its doors in the Financial District of downtown Los Angeles. Co-owner Athena Riley collaborated with LA native Lauren Waters of Lauren Waters Design to create a timeless and inviting space.
The 3,360-square-foot restaurant offers 94 dining seats, along with an additional 10 lounge seats. Infused with a classic, neighborhood ambiance, the space features textural design elements like grasscloth wallpaper and a soothing color palette of greens, natural mixed woods, and brass. Joyce also subtly nods to the Art Deco style of nearby buildings through sculptural furniture silhouettes.
The restaurant’s Southern influence is woven through the design via custom cane dividers, rattan hanging pendants, and vintage chairs reupholstered in a plush palm print fabric. Many furniture pieces were also refinished locally or handcrafted to minimize Joyce’s carbon footprint.
Outside, a green and blue striped awning-covered patio welcomes guests from the sidewalk, complete with vintage iron seating, velvet accents, and softly lit hanging lanterns, while the interior entry area begins with a bar adorned with dark red mosaic stone that complements red marble tables.
The restaurant’s centerpiece is a custom triptych portrait by local artist Shannon Scates. The artwork depicts Riley’s mother-in-law, who shares a middle name with Riley’s daughter, the restaurant’s namesake. This piece serves as the ultimate homage, encapsulating the essence of Joyce—a tribute to the influential women in the lives of Riley and her husband, Prince.
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