Seattle's Bateau Acts on Its Farm-to-Table Menu With a Rustic Design

It's hard to imagine rolling green pastures beyond city lines when surrounded by crowds and concrete, but at Bateau, the elements of wide open spaces are on display for the discerning comforts of city folk. Set in the densely-populated neighborhood of Capitol Hill in Seattle, this bright steakhouse embraces a homespun design that's in keeping with a fresh menu. That was the intention of owners Jeremy Price, Chad Dale, and Renee Erickson, who looked to their property outside of the city — a farm romantically named La Ferme des Anes — as inspiration for the look and taste of their eatery. Erickson and Price's eponymous design firm partnered with Heliotrope Architects and Method Construction for this task, starting with the restaurant's wraparound white siding and walnut floors. Lantern chandeliers and chalk drawings continue that rustic quality, while repurposed slate tables and traditional brass fixtures keep the overall look from getting too kitschy. In the end, the Bateau is a calming blend of both worlds: it has the modernity of city living and the warm approachability of the country.