With summer fast on the way and the existing restaurant space in dire need of a re-vamp, the owners of Clancy’s Fish Bar, City Beach in Perth needed a quick turnaround and an eye-catching new design.

“The objective was to make the biggest possible physical change to the space – to reinvent it and make it bright,” explains architect Paul Burnham.

“We went for the richest, brightest colours we could get hold of.”

The fabric chandeliers – designed by Burnham – and corresponding chairs sourced from Byron Bay set the tone for the rest of the interior, creating a fun 1950s/1960s vibe.

The ceiling, originally white, was painted charcoal to fill the large, high space.

Together with the fabric chandeliers, this reduces the effect of the volume of the space and encourages visitors to look horizontally, toward the ocean views.

Burnham collaborated with Plumb Construction and Design to create the claypot anemone lights and floor detailing that form a key part of the interior.

“All the bits and pieces go really well together,” says Burnham of the final result, a bustling, colourful, frivolous and family-friendly seaside hotspot.

Photography by Jody D’Arcy

Paul Burnham Architect
paulburnham.com.au