A Monochromatic Washington, D.C. Restaurant Makes Timeless Look Trendy

Javier and Christiana Candon had a familiar plan when they chose to open a restaurant in Washington, D.C. — they wanted it to be all about family. But when others may have accomplished this goal by ordering more chairs and cooking larger portions, this couple decided to take this plan literally. Their Spanish eatery, named Joselito Casa de Comidas has a design that uniquely reflects this family's storied history, from the personal touches to the Spanish-sourced materials. The name itself is an homage to Javier's father, who may be seen in an intimate collection of black-and-white photos that feature beloved relatives on the main wall. That throwback collage is accompanied by curved bistro chairs and beadboard panelling, which help create the feel of a midcentury diner. But the space isn't entirely from a bygone era: floor-to-ceiling windows, a monochromatic palette, and clever pops of color provide of-the-moment finishes, giving the locale a mix of modern and traditional style. It's proof that a black-and-white color palette will always be a safe bet for a look that's effectively timeless and trendy.