Hakatai Enterprises Inc., importer and distributor of glass mosaic tile since 1997, was recently specified for the 170-seat, upscale renovation of the Mio Restaurant in the heart of Washington D.C.’s Midtown.

Mio serves American cuisine with global influences, and the casual, yet elegant atmosphere is enjoyed by politicians, businessmen, and local connoisseurs. With the added design feature of an elevated section and private room for 75 people, this fine dining destination hosts meetings and seminars for a variety of clientele. The architectural firm of Grupo7 Design Studios, comprised of Jim Cronenberg, Principal, José Tohá, Principal, and Emily Furr, Designer, spearheaded the restaurant’s unique, Mediterranean-inspired design.

“We wanted to construct an area with a slightly Mediterranean feel using light surfaces and dark woods,” said Cronenberg, architect and principal of Grupo7 Design Studios. “We chose glass tile because it bounces the light upward and creates animation at table level. The chef is the central figure of the restaurant and our goal was to generate the sense of hand-made craftsmanship throughout the space, from the food to the overall design.”

Having had success with Hakatai products in the past, Grupo7 Design Studios brought samples to the owner of Mio with the idea of crafting custom-made tables using the white glass mosaics tile in the color “Porcelain” supplied by Hakatai. Tile craftsman Juan Arce created the stunning table tops that were used in conjunction with the custom-constructed table frames and bases created by table fabricator, Alejandro Puebla from Bruno and Bunker Contractor.

“The natural aesthetic appeal of the white, brown and blue tile transformed the area into a comfortable, yet stylish environment with a unique design,” said Miguel Iguina, owner and president of Mio Restaurant, Washington D.C. “All the senses worked together for very modern and elegant space.”

The ¾” x ¾” Classic Series from Hakatai is available in a variety of colors and blends. The versatile and durable glass tile is available mesh-back mounted on 1.15 square foot sheets, and is ideal for interior and exterior use, walls, countertops, backsplashes, light residential floors and pools. Go to www.hakatai.com to view the Cartglass Classic Series and to utilize Hakatai’s innovative custom design tools to create glass tile blends and gradients with Classic and other select glass tile lines.

For more information, please contact Hakatai Enterprises at: 701 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, Oregon 97520, or by phone: 541-552-0855, fax: 541-552-0861, or email: info@hakatai.com. Check out the Hakatai Enterprises website at: www.hakatai.com.