“And when they come in to inquire about the menu, that’s where you make the sale or not. Previously the bar was curved, which just wasn’t practical, and there wasn’t a decent waiting area. So the refurbishment included a complete redesign of the existing reception and bar.”If the eight-day refurbishment was intense, there’s little evidence of it once youstep past the threshold. Contrary to today’s ‘eat and get out’ motto, the old-world overhaul recaptures an era when dining out was a glamorous event that whiled away the evening. In fact, sinking into its Art Deco-style seating, lit by luxe chandeliers andenveloped in plush mink tones before tucking into a plate of French-inspired cuisine, diners might not alone feel they’re in a different restaurant - but a different age and city as well. ‘’The design has subtle influences from the Art Deco period reflecting the style of the 1920s and 1930s,” explains Denise. “The décor combines the glamour of this original movie star era with luxurious touches. The restaurant, while reminiscent of New York and Parisian elegance, maintains a relaxed atmosphere.’’ The laid back atmosphere belies the back-breaking planning that went into the record-shattering refurbishment. “We had five months to conceive the project and spent that time making sure we got it right,” she says. “Everything was meticulously planned and fine-tuned - we ordered seven different sample chairs and used three different lighting suppliers. Nothing about the design was overlooked or left to chance.” Even chef O’Reilly got in on the act to ensure the design did justice to his food. “I have huge respect for Eamon,” she adds. “He’s such a perfectionist. When choosing flowers for the tables, he even sent me images of three different vases and asked which one I wanted.”

The budget was as water tight as the time frame, admits Denise. But with everything from hints of crocodile leather to an antique Art Deco console and custom-made carpet, there’s nothing plain about the restaurant’s new look either. “We have a motto in the office: ‘Save where you can and spend where you want’. It was about putting the money into things that are going to have the most impact, such as the bar and the chandeliers. ”In keeping with this mantra, the sophisticated designer also revamped some of the restaurants more frustrating features such as obtrusive pillars and a pokey stairwell into visual standouts.

“It’s an old building, so you tend to work with the natural idiosyncrasies,” she says. “The limitations of the building can actually become the highlights. For instance, originally the stairs were very narrow but by putting in glass instead of the wall, it became a feature in itself.” Everything from restaurant’s window-boxes to the waiters’ chic pink shirts down to owner O’Reilly’s business card has been considered by the all-encompassing makeover But One Pico’s Fineline effect doesn’t even end with its aesthetics. The tasteful soundtrack tinkling away in the background as you break bread with friends is also the brainchild of designer Denise. The company has just launched ‘Fineline Sounds’, a harmonising bespoke music package, as part of its creative services. “Fineline Sounds launched last October and One Pico is the first project to carry it out. Basically, we designed a play-list of 500 tracks designed to suit the ambiance of the venue so that it’s a complete package. “I’ve always been passionate about music and for years it’s bothered me that after you design an interior they play totally unsuitable background music.

“Going out for something to eat should be a total sensory experience.” Despite the big ‘R’, Fineline Design Creative Director Denise says the company is busier than ever between new builds and refurbishments. “We’ve probably got more projects on than we’ve ever had - the market place has definitely turned a corner. “There’s not as many new builds, but we’re getting a lot of inquiries about refurbishments.” For those who aren’t so flush right now, don’t think that the elegant revamp means One Pico is now out of your league. With affordable menus and a chilled out vibe, there’s never been a better time for foodies to spoil themselves. “Our brief was ‘luxurious but relaxed’,” adds Denise. “If anything, the restaurant is slightly more informal than it was. We wanted to make it accessible to people but still give them movie star glamour.’’