By Mi-Ling Stone Poole –

Those of you who have a passion for design will understand exactly where I’m coming from when I say that everywhere I go — from my doctor’s office to a theater or a restaurant — I’m constantly looking for new ideas, beautiful spaces, and creative designs.

I believe that function is the most important element in a room. A well-designed space provides the occupant with style and comfort while meeting the needs of the space.

On a recent outing, I visited chef Matthew Kenney’s restaurant, 105 Degrees.

This innovative “raw foods” restaurant in the Classen Curve in Oklahoma City needed a special design to bring all of the components of the space together to function properly.

The result is a space perfectly designed to house the restaurant’s seating area, bar and chef’s station in one open plan.

Appearing to be in the space, but separated by a glass wall, is a sustainable living boutique.

There you’ll find the chef’s cookbooks and other products that promote his passion for healthy eating and environmental concerns directed through a style of living and eating.

Just to the right of the restaurant is the cooking area for his 105 Degrees Academy and cooking classes.

From the outside it almost seems as if you’re peering into the lens of a camera positioned in the dining room. You can almost hear the conversations of the chefs or the intimate tabletop discussions of the guests as the space calls you to join in on the fun.

The choice of bamboo utilized on the 14-foot ceiling and tabletops paired with deep purple warm up the design while keeping the feel clean and modern.

The pristine detail of the open chef’s station provides entertainment and offers a glimpse of the colorful food.

It was hard not to notice the details that went into presenting this restaurant to the public. From the glass straws to the natural stones that held the orders in place, you were urged to be conscious of your environment and the choices you can make.