Design studio Meyer Davis has transformed a trio of Charleston townhouses into new dining destination Sorelle.
The multi-level concept embodies a contemporary take on lowcountry charm, while weaving an opulent homage to Italy across its range of spaces. “The Meyer Davis team was inspired by blending the old world with the new,” says Meyer Davis principal Will Meyer. (Senior design lead and associate Eric Appel, and Lizelle Foose, associate and design lead, were also instrumental in the project.) “The interiors of Sorelle are a direct result of respecting the existing spaces and Charleston’s deep-rooted history while fusing it with Italian detailing and contemporary spirit through elegant décor and striking stonework. A second inspiration was designing the interiors to have a distinct experience in each space, and for returning visitors to feel as if they are seeing Sorelle for the first time.”
On the first floor, the mercato—serving as a café and market during the day and a lounge and eatery after sunset—welcomes guests with a bright and crisp aesthetic. Custom millwork is accentuated by deep green hues alongside geometric Italian marble tiling, Venetian plaster walls, honey oak chevron floors, and a red espresso machine.
Crafted with Arabescato Corchia, a U-shaped bar serves as Sorelle’s social nucleus surrounded by a bespoke gunmetal bar gantry detailed with uplit fluted glass panels and leather banquettes. A stately dining room awaits, imbuing opulence with a pair of fireplaces, jewel-toned velvet chairs, and camel-colored, channel-tufted leather banquettes. An mobile pendant installed overhead romantically illuminates the room’s original handpainted moldings and trim as well as the geometric patterns of the camel- and peach-toned custom inset carpet. A landscape mural by MJ Atelier also depicts vistas of Italia across all four walls of the dining room, creating a natural backdrop of Cypress trees and lowcountry water scenes.
Ebonized oak cabinets showcase rare Italian spirits and wines in the wine room, which is anchored by a custom Italian Verde green stone table. A trio of Italian stone—Calacatta Monet, Rosa Levanto, and Verde Green—evoke authenticity at the pasta counter, while the intimate pizza bar touts a curved marble bar with fluted detailing and a midnight blue wood-fired pizza oven. “Sorelle is truly a destination that you can return to several times and experience the space differently,” fellow principal Gray Davis adds. “Yet there is a relationship and harmony between all areas of the restaurant, creating a lively and rich atmosphere.”
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