The 25th Annual Rhode Island Design Awards

Nat Rea

Awesome Sauce

The project: A rib joint on Thayer Street has a smoking hot transformation.
What the judges liked in 2017: The smart, consistent use of inexpensive materials and the well-composed layout beckon diners to step inside almost as much as the menu does.
Why we like it now: The lighting over the bar creates a backyard party
atmosphere perfect for comfort food. It’s down home, a little lowbrow, not too fancy — a place where it’s okay to eat with your hands. And you can’t go wrong with twinkle lights, which we’re assured will make the trek, along with many of the other kick-ass design elements, to Durk’s new location downtown.
interior designer: Libby Slader Interior Design, Providence
Contractor: Stem Contracting and Design, Lincoln
Millwork Contractor: Jutras Woodworking, Greenville
Artwork: Mark Freedman and James Reynolds
Photographer: Nat Rea