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# Paperfish Sushi: Japanese-inspired Interior Design
April 4, 2023
If you are into Japanese culture this is definitely up your alley! Join us on a tour of our work for Paperfish Sushi Bar in Brickell and South Beach.
In 2021, Paperfish opened its doors to offer a unique dining experience in the heart of Brickell, Miami’s financial district. Our goal was to develop a contemporary “izakaya” concept to stand out amidst the impressive corporate and residential skyscrapers. Have you heard of “izakaya”? (居酒屋). These Japanese bars serve alcoholic beverages and a variety of small, flavorful dishes to share.
![Paperfish Sushi bar with sake barrels
Japanese Restaurant Decor
#### Mood boards
After meeting with the client, we began creating the mood boards. They are valuable tools that help us organize our ideas and maintain a coherent focus throughout the entire creative process. Additionally, clients consider mood boards an essential aspect of comprehending our proposal. They provide a clear visual reference that enables them to easily identify the design elements they appreciate and those they don’t. This way, we can guarantee that we are aligned and working together towards a common objective.
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#### A Bit of Japan in Miami
Aiming to surprise diners with an immersive experience, we designed a “torii” entrance to transport them to a completely different place. “Torii” (鳥居) are wooden gates located at the entrance of Shinto shrines. They symbolize the division between the earthly and sacred realms and are a recognizable feature of Japanese architecture.
We took inspiration from some spectacular Japan’s shrines, such as the Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) in Kyoto and the Hie Shrine (日枝神社) in Tokyo, and designed a “torii” staircase leading to a terrace decorated with white paper lanterns and a wall of wooden tablets called “ema” (絵馬). These wooden tablets are hung at Japanese shrines for making wishes and are particularly popular among students preparing to take exams to enter university.
We adorned both the terrace and interior with cherry blossom trees, or “sakura” (桜) in Japanese. Those who love Japan and dream of visiting are familiar with the tradition of enjoying the cherry blossom blooms between March and May. In parks all over the country, people gather for picnics with their family, friends, or co-workers. This centuries-old practice holds deep symbolism; the fleeting beauty of the blossoms, which only last a week or two, serves as a reminder of the ephemeral and transitory nature of life itself.
Light wood floors and furniture create an inviting atmosphere in the dining area, while a group of bamboo lamps adds warm lighting to the living. To infuse more Japanese elements into the decor, we placed a row of ‘taru’ (樽), traditional Japanese sake storage barrels on the top of the drink bar.
![Japanese Restaurant Decor - Paperfish Sushi Bar salon and living area
The brand’s original wallpaper adds personality and vibrancy to the room, while the fabric on the ceiling and walls creates a stunning effect, especially at night when the cherry blossom motif reflects above diners like a painting.
![Paperfish Sushi salon with contemporary  interior design  with Japanese accents by Mico Design Studio. Light wood furniture and fabrics on ceilings and walls.
#### Paperfish Sushi and Its Nighttime Magic
When night falls, the paper lanterns illuminate the area and create a unique ambiance.
Paperfish had a standout year in 2021, earning the title of Best Japanese Restaurant at the annual Best of Miami Eat and Drink event organized by the Miami News Times magazine. Building on this success, Paperfish opened its second location on Española Way at the end of 2022, bringing its acclaimed menu and stylish ambiance to a new neighborhood. This location features semicircular booths upholstered in soft, light-colored fabrics, surrounding cherry trees, and a panel of paper lanterns that spans an entire wall.
Paperfish Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine and cocktails deserve special mention. The restaurant’s two locations offer a range of delicious bento lunch boxes and convenient pickup and delivery options, making it easy to order your Japanese food online!
*Photos courtesy of Paperfish Sushi Bar*
As a parting recommendation for those planning to travel to Japan and visit an “izakaya”, we suggest ordering “nihonshu” (日本酒), the Japanese rice-based alcoholic beverage. In English, this beverage is commonly referred to as “sake,” but in Japanese, “sake” (酒) actually means “alcohol” or “alcoholic beverage” in general. If you are looking for traditional Japanese rice wine, you are after “nihonshu.” So if you would like to give it a try, just tell your bartender:
“日本酒をお願いします!”
*“Nihonshu o onegai shimasu”* It means“Nihonshu, please”
Until the next post!
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## Mico Design.
Interior Design is more than what meets the eye. This isn’t just a job for us, it’s a passion. We live and breathe interiors and always see project details through until the end.
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# Design Stories: Wallpapers and Wallcoverings
May 25, 2023
We want to talk about this decoration trend that has made a strong comeback in recent years and explore its origins and evolution. To make the reading smoother, we made a bulleted list with the key facts
🌸Wallpaper has been around for centuries! It all started in China, where people invented paper around 105 AD. They were the first to use paper to decorate walls.
🌸In the 16th century, wallpaper made its way to Europe. Initially imported from China, it carried a hefty price tag and was regarded as a symbol of status. As a result, it was primarily embraced by the aristocracy and the upper class, who had the means to afford such luxury.
🌸The first European factories opened in France and England in the 17th century.
🌸The introduction of mass production and innovative printing techniques, such as block printing and screen printing, contributed greatly to making wallpaper more affordable. It became a practical option for decorating middle-class homes, opening up new possibilities for creative expression and adding a touch of style to everyday living spaces.
🌸At the beginning of the 20th century, it was common to see wallpaper in homes throughout Europe. It was also highly popular in the United States, especially in Victorian houses.
🌸In the 1950s, a new player entered the wallpaper scene: vinyl wallpaper. Vinyl offers several advantages, including increased durability and resistance to moisture and stains when compared to traditional wallpaper. It is easy to clean (with a sponge or damp cloth) and install, making it a convenient choice for commercial venues.
Before we move on, let’s clear up something important about “Wallpaper” and “Wallcovering.” People often use these terms interchangeably, but there’s a difference in what they’re made of. Wallpaper is made of paper, while Wallcovering is crafted from sturdier materials like vinyl, fiberglass, cork, wood veneer, textile, and more. Another thing to keep in mind is that while you can tackle wallpaper installation on your own, wallcoverings typically call for a pro installers’ touch.
**Wallpaper:** This is the traditional type made just of paper. It has low resistance to rubbing and washing and needs more frequent replacement.
**Non-Woven:** It is made of cellulose and polyester fibers that mimic the appearance of the fabric. Resistant to water and easy to clean, it is more expensive than the paper one but has greater durability. It is easy to apply and remove without leaving residues on the wall. Another benefit is that it allows the wall to breathe, preventing moisture and condensation issues. Additionally, it has a similar appearance to traditional paper, with matte or slightly textured finishes.
**Vinyl:** It shares similarities with non-woven wallcovering, but it features a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coating. The key benefits of vinyl wallcovering include the opportunity to incorporate captivating textures and finishes, including glossy variations and intricate reliefs that cannot be achieved with the regular or non-woven wallcovering. It cleans effortlessly and has exceptional durability. However, it’s worth noting that vinyl wallcovering is less breathable and can be more challenging to remove.
**Paintable**: It is a type of wallcovering that can be painted over. Due to its thickness, it is excellent for concealing wall imperfections. One of its main advantages is that it can be customized according to individual preferences. It can also be repainted multiple times.
**Contract:** Specifically designed for commercial use or institutional and public environments, this type of wallcovering is suitable for high-traffic areas and withstands wear and tear. It is washable and often fire-resistant as well.
Check out these photos of Mico’s projects where we combined two wall coverings. Our goal is to show you how different styles can come together in perfect harmony, to create a unique personality for commercial spaces. [Click on the pics to enlarge them].
#### Say Tea and Smile
At Say Tea and Smile, we used a matte finish vertical striped design that adds an elegant and timeless accent, along with a non-woven wallcovering featuring detailed Chinese-inspired floral and bird motifs. Chinoiserie is an artistic, architectural, and design style that originated in Europe in the 17th century and is characterized by the use of Chinese motifs, particularly in furniture, porcelain, and wallpapers. The result is a chic and inviting ambiance that reflects Say Tea and Smile’s brand. What do you think? More Photos: 
#### Cafe Americano
For Cafe Americano, we selected a palm tree design to infuse the lounge area with Miami’s vibrant spirit. Additionally, in the bathroom, we opted for a vintage arch pattern that harmonizes beautifully with the project’s overall concept. More photos: 
#### In Closing: One Recommendation
We’d like to recommend you the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Located in the Carnegie Mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York, it houses a permanent collection of over 210,000 objects, including furniture, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. One of its notable highlights is its extensive collection of wallpapers, showcasing unique designs from the 18th century to the present day.
Its website provides access to the digitized collection, and we particularly recommend exploring the “Women Making Wallpaper” exhibit, which celebrates over 100 years of wallpaper design by women.
In addition, the museum features an Immersion Room, an interactive space that allows visitors to experience the extraordinary wallpaper collection in a unique way. You can select wallpapers to be projected on the walls, from floor to ceiling, creating an immersive experience. There’re also explanatory audio guides for each piece with details about the designs and their authors. You can find more information at: <
####
  June 21, 2023
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