Revolutionizing Rustic Design: Farmers Fishers Bakers in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, USA

Project's Summary

Farmers Fishers Bakers, a 9,700-square-foot restaurant located in Washington, DC, is revolutionizing the concept of rustic design and redefining the farm-to-table dining experience. The restaurant emerged from the remnants of Farmers & Fishers, which suffered extensive water damage due to a floodgate malfunction in the nearby Potomac River. In an effort to pay homage to agricultural America, the owners enlisted the expertise of local architecture and design firm, GrizForm Design Architects, to create a new and inventive eatery.

The team at GrizForm completely transformed each area of the space, infusing it with a whimsical farmhouse kitsch. The main dining area sets the tone with its glass-encased, farm-themed dioramas that offer a playful twist. For instance, one diorama called "Sweet and Hoe" portrays a miniature farmer shoveling sugar into a natural cane paper packet outside of a barn. Other dioramas feature cheeky scenes such as ladies sunbathing on top of a water tower and an egg frying on the roof of a dilapidated barn. These quirky elements bring a sense of fun and lightheartedness to the space.

To further enhance the farm theme, GrizForm incorporated customized elements and commissioned artwork from local and regional artists. The restaurant boasts porcelain chicken feet, real wheat embedded in the bar's resin counter, rusty shovel blades, and rolling pins mounted on the walls of the Baker's Table adorned with Osh Kosh B'gosh overalls hardware. Even the men's bathroom includes bull-castration devices as part of the playful and artistic details scattered throughout the venue. Guests are encouraged to explore and discover these unique touches.

While Farmers Fishers Bakers embraces a folksy atmosphere, there is a thoughtful purpose behind the choice of materials, colors, and textures. Reclaimed barn wood was incorporated not only for its beauty and sustainability but also for its durability. Another interesting material used in the design is old tractor tires, which serve as wallcoverings and provide sound absorption in the dining room. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident, as it is designed to meet LEED Silver certification, incorporating numerous reclaimed and recycled materials.

The resulting design seamlessly combines form, function, and creativity, offering a refreshing perspective on the common farm-to-table aesthetic. Farmers Fishers Bakers successfully turns rustic design on its head, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a playful and inventive farm concept that celebrates the essence of agricultural America.

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