A modern interpretation of Day of the Dead through color, craft, and tile
Some restaurant interiors are beautiful. Others are unforgettable. Casa Grande in Marietta, Georgia, is firmly in the second category. Designed by Nicole West Interiors, this reimagined Tex-Mex restaurant transforms a familiar local favorite into a vibrant, immersive destination, one where bold color, layered texture, and handcrafted tile play a central role in the experience.
- A Fresh Vision for Casa Grande
- Design Rooted in Trust and Collaboration
- A Modern Day of the Dead Influence
- Why Tile Matters
- Designing Around Statement Tile Moments
- Memorable Spaces, Layered Experience
- A Space Designed to Be Remembered
Interior designer Nicole West at the bar of Casa Grande restaurant.
Photo by Ashley Smith.
“My job is to create an atmosphere that is unforgettable, engaging, and attractive to people, no matter their age or where they live! I want clients to feel WOWed when they walk in from their homes and workplaces nearby.”
From the moment guests arrive, the space feels energetic, welcoming, and full of surprise. Every design choice works together to create an atmosphere that’s just as memorable as the food.
A Fresh Vision for Casa Grande
While Casa Grande is a known name locally, this new location was designed to feel entirely new. The owner wanted an updated concept that felt elevated, vibrant, and unmistakably memorable.
Nicole approached the project with the goal of creating a destination restaurant, one that draws people in not only for the cuisine but for the experience itself.
Design Rooted in Trust and Collaboration
Striking exterior of Casa Grande restaurant. Design Nicole West Interiors | Photo by Ashley Smith
This project marks another collaboration between Nicole and the owner, built on years of trust and creative partnership. That relationship allowed the design to evolve freely, making space for bold ideas, thoughtful risks, and a cohesive vision from start to finish.
“The most amazing part is having a client like him that has confidence in me to shine allows me to design better than ever!”
A Modern Day of the Dead Influence
Day of the Dead mural. Photo by Ashley Smith
The design draws inspiration from a modern interpretation of Day of the Dead, expressed through rich color, movement, and layered materials throughout the space. Soft architectural forms, arches, curves, and rounded shapes create flow and energy, while deeply personal influences from trips to Mexico add authenticity and meaning.
Why Tile Matters
Tile plays a key role in defining Casa Grande’s visual identity. Nicole sought out authentic, Spanish-inspired patterns that felt bold yet timeless, materials that could anchor the space while standing up to the demands of a busy hospitality environment.
“I wanted to find an authentic Spanish-inspired pattern to really make a statement in the space, and this could be achieved through tile… I knew there was only one place to find what I needed…”
Clay Imports tile became an early and essential part of the design process, offering the character, craftsmanship, and quality needed to support the scale and ambition of the project.
Designing Around Statement Tile Moments
Two Clay Imports tile selections helped guide the entire design:
- The bar face tile, which anchors the main gathering space
- The VIP room flooring, which sets the tone for a more intimate, high-impact experience
Cubed Champagne Black tile adds a geometric pattern to this bold space.
Design Nicole West Interiors | Photo by Ashley Smith
These foundational tile moments add depth, texture, and pattern while supporting surrounding design elements throughout the restaurant.
Memorable Spaces, Layered Experience
From the dramatic bar area to the playful VIP room and artistic cactus room, Casa Grande is filled with moments that invite discovery. Bold color, statement lighting, and handcrafted tile work together to create a space that feels immersive, joyful, and unmistakably Casa Grande.
A Space Designed to Be Remembered
Casa Grande is a reminder of what’s possible when thoughtful design and handcrafted materials come together. It’s a space designed to be experienced, one guests return to, talk about, and remember.
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