This week on my trip to Atlanta I met designer Smith Hanes.  He is the talent behind Atlanta’s hottest restaurant, OPTIMIST. The space is fabulous; open, modern, relaxed with an industrial and vintage twist. High ceilings, warm wood, linen curtains and layered textures make this grand space warm and friendly. In addition, Smith has created a divine bar where hanging out with friends, eating oysters and having a drink is a wonderful experience.

Most recently he designed the new restaurant 246, also in Atlanta. He used Waterworks Grove Brickworks in this space and the application is great. Sugar White 2 x 8 bricks are behind the open kitchen set in a brick bond pattern and on an adjacent wall he laid them stacked vertically. The choice of the textured brick set with a dark grout joint adds dimension and interest to a prominent wall. While there are many great details at 246, I love the Grove bricks as does Smith.