Gilt Restaurant & Bar

Gilt, which spans 400 square meters, occupies the south wing of Villard House and houses the bar, the restaurant, and a banquet hall. Its name pays homage to the golden age of the late 19th century. Upon entering, with its silver-colored glass pebbles, visitors are immersed in an atmosphere of grandeur.

The restaurant, with its dark wood paneling stretching from floor to ceiling, occupies what was originally the library. A rich palette of caramel tones ties the space together. A raised Dalsouple rubber floor is bordered by a matching Edelman leather bench running along the perimeter.

The centerpiece, however, remains the bar, where the glory of the past and the technology of the present truly come together. Housed in the former music room, the bar, with its soaring ceilings, exudes an almost sacred atmosphere. Little daylight penetrates the space, leaving the spotlight on “the oyster”: a faceted wooden structure lined with bronze-colored shagreen fabric from Kvadrat, which captures the light, envelops guests, and serves as an acoustic screen. The exterior of the faceted panels is treated with a chrome-colored paint. The latticework structure surrounding the oyster is hand-carved from solid American black walnut and hand-polished. Colored light emanates from an LED light box that runs along the floor. The benches, reminiscent of the facets of an oyster shell, are upholstered in custom bronze leather.

Taking center stage in the room, the oval bar features a white Corian countertop. Its base is made of lacquered fiberglass, and its stainless steel footrest incorporates its own lighting. Backlit acrylic resin shelves hold bottles in stainless steel holders. Stainless steel counter lamps complete the lilac glow of “the oyster.”