Tropic of Capricorn Balances Beauty and Functionality with Just the Right Plants
Discover how the design studio uses plants to add tranquility and calmness to businesses and homes
A boutique plant shop in Austin turned into a hub for design with an emphasis on tranquility and calmness — specifically how plants can positively affect a space: that’s the best way to describe Candice Bertalan’s Tropic of Capricorn design studio, which aims to transform both homes and businesses.
The firm’s recent project with Holiday, an East 7th street cocktail bar and restaurant, is inspired by a goal to create a vacation-like ambiance, a true getaway. Inspiration from vacation destinations with coastal vibes is seen heavily throughout the restaurant. Some pieces Bartana personally handcrafted are also now on display — for example, bar pendant lights and red marble tables.
“To strike a balance between the old and new, I sourced vintage dining chairs and artwork. One of my favorite highlights was the entrance lounge, where I used replica Verner Panton chairs,” says Bertalan. “The Parisian interior design sensibility with its fusion of old and new elements, as well as the use of natural materials and modern touches, greatly influences me and my approach to this project.”
Larger-scale cacti and a 10-foot Peruvian apple cactus are can’t-miss features inside Holiday. Outside the restaurant, there’s a high focus on Mediterranean vibes and an array of olive trees, yucca rostrata and Tuscan rosemary.
Every Tropic of Capricorn project starts with an onsite visit, as Bertalan works to familiarize herself with new spaces. From there, she’s able to select suitable plants that will thrive, while also getting a better understanding of each client’s aesthetic preferences and lifestyle. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance of beauty and functionality.
In addition to design, Tropic of Capricorn also offers services to help keep plants thriving for years to come. Learn more at www.tropicofcapricorndesign.com.