Local Trattoria gets a new interior design with ties to Gravina di Puglia.
The Marchetti family opened Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford, CT in 1985. Although the food and service remained outstanding, the interior space was in need of updating.
Honoring Italian tradition and culture, Karin Loglisci, owner of Creative Table, Inc., a multidisciplinary design firm, has created the new interior space to reflect the spirit and cuisine of Gravina in the region of Puglia, Italy from where the Marchetti family originate. Karin is an interior and graphic designer who applies her critical thinking skills and creativity to branding projects. The restaurant is near and dear to her, as her family is also from the town of Gravina and owned and operated a restaurant in Stamford.
The interior is light and airy, with architectural touches that are modern and sleek. The bar is crafted of white quartz and walnut stained wood. The bar back is opened up under an existing staircase creating more space, and the bronze mirror and floating glass shelves give a warm, contemporary look. A Venetian plaster technique is applied to two interior walls that add texture and the exposed brick wall; even more texture and warmth. The ceiling, that was previously dark, is light and bright with copper moldings. Accent colors of mustard yellow on the bar stools, a luxurious blue for the banquet, clay red for the dining room chairs and a soft green on the wall highlight the colors of Puglia and Southern Italy.
By combining her artistic eye and research into the cultural crafts of the region, she added meaningful touches to the interior. Most notably, a series of hand-painted terracotta ‘Cola Cola’ bird whistles that resemble a rooster and a magpie and are a symbol of virility and hope during the pre-dawn hours. Karin’s own ancestor, Vincenzo Loglisci, was the original craftsman of the ‘Cola Cola’ who made the whistles for his children. His grandsons, Beniamino and Vincenzo Loglisci perfected the craft and since 1961 have been making the beloved ‘Cola Colas’ that are distributed throughout the region.
Karin also painted an acrylic on canvas of a whimsical ‘Cola Cola’ hovering atop Gravina, which is simply magical. Like cooking, the tradition of making the birds is passed down through the generations of the Loglisci family in Gravina.
Karin’s dedication to history and design has allowed her to offer the patrons of Columbus Park Trattoria a completely refreshed interior space with a fun nod to the past.
Soon to follow, are an updated website and brand identity to complement the physical space.
