Pale pink plasterwork, timber panels and simple wooden furniture were chosen by design studio The MP Shift to make this New York eatery look like an art atelier.

The MP Shift took references from 1970s Soho and the Bauhaus movement for the interior of De Maria, which serves contemporary American cuisine.

The restaurant in Manhattan's Nolita neighbourhood, opposite Tadao Ando's almost-complete 152 Elizabeth Street condo building, opened in February 2017 but recently gained a new chef.

Its walls are light-coloured, with brickwork painted white and other surfaces covered in pink-tinted plaster, intended to "replicate an artist's studio".

Thin wooden strips arranged vertically provide accent panels in a raised dining niche, and across the front of the bar counter.

"The walls, a lovely hue of light pink, are complemented by warm caramel leathers, and a mix of light and dark woods, creating a contemporary and clean canvas for the vibrant dishes," said a statement from the restaurant team.

An archway in the centre of the space divides the main dining area and the bar, along with built-in seating upholstered with tan-coloured leather.

"Long benches serve as the seating for multiple tables, maintaining the community-focused vibe of the restaurant," the team said.

The arch frames the view of the bar from the large windows on the street frontage, drawing the eye to the mosaic on the back wall.

Wooden chairs and stools accompany tables with different-coloured tops, while brass sconces provide soft lighting.

Hinting at the restaurant's name, a portrait of the Virgin Mary with neon additions hangs in the bathroom.

De Maria also offers outdoor seating along Kenmare Street in warm weather, and has an extra space downstairs that can be hired out of private events.

It has become a popular fixture on New York City's ever-evolving dining scene, to which recent additions include Italian-American joint Don Angie, Japanese offering Tonchin and poke take-out spot Humblefish.

Photography is by Nicole Franzen unless stated otherwise.