{"id":97977,"date":"2026-06-15T14:05:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T14:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/?post_type=destination&#038;p=97977"},"modified":"2026-06-15T14:06:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T14:06:06","slug":"space-theory","status":"publish","type":"destination","link":"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/destinations\/2026\/06\/15\/space-theory\/","title":{"rendered":"Space Theory"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gullajonsdottir.com\/\">Atelier Gulla<\/a> takes us on a journey through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.javiersfinestfoods.com\/\">Javier\u2019s Pasadena<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"677\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3-677x1024.png\" alt class=\"wp-image-97979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3-677x1024.png 677w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3-198x300.png 198w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3-768x1162.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3.png 936w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 677px) 100vw, 677px\"><\/noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"677\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20677%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97979 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20677%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 677w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 677px) 100vw, 677px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3-677x1024.png 677w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3-198x300.png 198w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3-768x1162.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3.png 936w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers3-677x1024.png\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In a private dining room, full- height bottle displays finished in dark wood and bronze detailing extend onto the arched ceilings, with curved white plaster. Photos by <a href=\"https:\/\/artgrayphoto.com\/\">Art Gray.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe met about 20 years ago when I was designing their very first location in Newport Beach and now have collaborated on several locations, so we have established a shared language and trust,\u201d says iconic architect and designer Gulla Jonsdottir of <a href=\"https:\/\/gullajonsdottir.com\/\">Atelier Gulla<\/a>, on her prosperous partnership with Javier Sosa and his family. Now with eight locations\u2014including the new <a href=\"https:\/\/gullajonsdottir.com\/\">Pasadena restaurant<\/a>\u2014she has been instrumental not only in shaping the design but also evolving the brand into the destination for Mexican fine dining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nestled in the heart of Old Pasadena, the expansive space features multiple dining areas, a private tequila tasting and dining room and a curvaceous bar. When plotting the design direction, the clients requested that the overall experience felt immersive and transportive, moving beyond a restaurant into a destination. \u201cThey wanted a space that felt rooted in craft and heritage, yet contemporary in expression\u2014where the atmosphere could hold both intimacy and vibrancy,\u201d Jonsdottir recalls. \u201cRather than replicating a formula, we treated this location as a deeper excavation of the brand\u2019s essence. Pasadena invited a softer, more layered interpretation\u2014less about contrast and more about continuity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2-681x1024.png\" alt class=\"wp-image-97980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2-681x1024.png 681w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2-768x1154.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2.png 938w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20681%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97980 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20681%201024%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 681w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2-681x1024.png 681w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2-768x1154.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2.png 938w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers2-681x1024.png\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> The tunnel features a Pebble Oasis natural stone floor and raked white plaster walls. Photos by <a href=\"https:\/\/artgrayphoto.com\/\">Art Gray.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Jonsdottir designed the project with her team that was led by Srecko Andrijanic. They leaned into ritual, procession and material richness that takes each guest on a spatial journey while making the sweeping space feel more intimate. \u201cPasadena carries a certain quiet elegance, an architectural and cultural refinement that differs from other parts of Los Angeles,\u201d she notes. \u201cThis project responds to that context with a more grounded and timeless expression, embracing natural light, garden integration and a sense of calm sophistication that resonates with the neighborhood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the complex cuisine, the interiors layer material with light and form. Carved wine niches at the entry and a cave-like bar envelops diners at the beginning of the restaurant, while a seamless transition to the outdoor terrace, which is centered around a monumental palm, introduces a lush energy. \u201cIt is not a single element, but the choreography of architecture, light and material that defines the experience,\u201d says Jondottir. Surprising fine materials like leather-covered tabletops enhance the elevated feel while supporting the celebration of craftsmanship. \u201cThe leather was less about persuasion and more about storytelling,\u201d she proclaims. \u201cWe presented it as an extension of the tactile narrative\u2014something that would patina over time, carrying the memory of use.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-1024x676.png\" alt class=\"wp-image-97981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-1024x676.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-768x507.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-1536x1014.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-2048x1353.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-1920x1268.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201024%20676%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt class=\"wp-image-97981 lazyload\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201024%20676%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-1024x676.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-768x507.png 768w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-1536x1014.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-2048x1353.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-1920x1268.png 1920w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Javiers4-1024x676.png\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">: The dining patio, which features cozy banquettes with leather-clad tables, is wrapped around an impressive palm tree. <br>Photos by <a href=\"https:\/\/artgrayphoto.com\/\">Art Gray.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Given their long-standing relationship, it&#8217;s clear that Sosa holds Jonsdottir&#8217;s work in high regard\u2014but we had to ask what he thought about Javier\u2019s Pasadena. \u201cThey were moved by the emotional quality of the design and the sense of discovery as one moves through the space,\u201d she remarks. \u201cThey resonated with how the project elevated the brand without losing its soul. It felt familiar, yet more refined; an evolution rather than a departure.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3512,"featured_media":97978,"template":"","destination-region":[4827],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Space Theory | California Home+Design<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.californiahomedesign.com\/destinations\/2026\/06\/15\/space-theory\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Space Theory | California Home+Design\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Atelier Gulla takes us on a journey through Javier\u2019s Pasadena \u201cWe met about 20 years ago when I was designing [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" 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