Design

Built in 1908, the Fairview Inn is a boutique bed and breakfast within a converted mansion in the historic district of Jackson, Miss. Its fine dining restaurant, Provisions 1908, opened at the top of 2016 after a gut rehab of existing space.

Built in 1908, the Fairview Inn is a boutique bed and breakfast within a converted mansion in the historic district of Jackson, Miss. Its fine dining restaurant, Provisions 1908, opened at the top of 2016 after a gut rehab of existing space.

In just one month, the design and construction team had to redesign an iconic restaurant in a historic district on a tight budget. For Barrett Design Studio, the challenge was to reconfigure the existing space to create better flow patterns and encourage patrons to engage with the bar. The aesthetic had to relate to the historic building but not look overly traditional. It also had to appeal to younger patrons.

The reconfiguration of the space involved moving the bar from the back of the restaurant to the front and making it longer. Reconfiguring the space also freed up room for additional dining tables.

To connect the design to the building itself, the designers picked up on an existing pattern in the building. “Across the top of the exterior façade is a gallery with the Saint Andrews Cross or British Flag pattern,” says Celia Barrett, principal and owner, Barrett Design Studio. “It was very popular in 1908 as an architectural pattern. We repeated it in several elements: the design of the new bar, on frosted glass patterns, and on the fabric of the dining chairs.”

Local artist Don Jacobs was commissioned to create a painting of the hotel for the dining entrance area.

Overall, the palette is simple and clean — neutrals, black and gold accents.

Photos courtesy of Barrett Design Studio