For a neighborhood staple in Dallas’ Lower Greenville area doing triple duty as a restaurant, market, and gathering space, Kevin Klein Design deployed a highly personal approach.
Founded by siblings Rosemary Walker-Greene and Russell Walker, Walkers’ Bar & Market was conceived as a destination rooted in hospitality. Spanning 3,310 square feet, the space transitions throughout the day, operating as a market and sandwich shop by day before evolving into a wine-driven restaurant and bar in the evening. This duality forms the foundation of the design approach, requiring a space that is both flexible and cohesive.
Klein’s response is grounded in the idea of quiet luxury, creating an environment that feels elevated yet approachable, layered but never ostentatious. The design reflects the dynamic between the two founders, a balance of precision and warmth, structure and spontaneity. Rather than imposing a singular aesthetic, the space is conceived as an extension of their personalities, histories, and shared vision.
Materiality plays a central role in shaping the atmosphere. Italian Dilegno wood flooring anchors the space, while a sculptural curved bar made from Italian Calcutta Olivia marble serves as its focal point. Custom Ciam refrigeration units from Italy are integrated into the market as functional yet visually striking elements. Heath tile, a specialized stone-coat wall finish, and carefully selected marble surfaces contribute to a palette that is both tactile and restrained.
A layered lighting approach further defines the environment, with vintage fixtures sourced from across Europe introducing a sense of history and character. Dining chairs, refurbished by Dutch atelier Morentz, sit alongside fully custom furnishings including banquettes, booths, dining tables, service stations, and bar stools, upholstered in Moore & Giles leather and textiles from Lulu & Georgia and Schumacher. Integrated sound by JBL completes the sensory experience.
At its core, Walkers’ is a reflection of its founders. The design captures their shared ethos through a careful balance of intimacy, material richness, and subtle playfulness, resulting in a space that feels both deeply personal and effortlessly inviting.
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