Josephine Estelle is the newest restaurant creation of chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman at The Standard in Germantown. The chefs describe it as “a space designed to feel welcoming from the moment you walk in,” with an atmosphere that encourages guests to linger. Designer Karen Billions of Story Design worked closely with Andy and Michael to bring that vision to life. For Karen, she “simply wanted to create a space in which I, as a patron, would want to spend time – a place you find yourself wanting to return again and again.”
At the heart of the design is a meeting of two cultures. Andy and Michael wanted to combine their Italian heritage and the influence of their studies at The Italian Culinary Institute in Calabria, Italy, with the Southern hospitality of their hometown of Memphis. Karen embraced that idea, explaining that she “wanted the space to feel rooted in old-world Italy, honoring the chefs’ heritage and the inspiration behind the menu, while also paying tribute to the warmth, hospitality and charm of the South.” The goal, she says, was to bring those influences together “in a way that feels authentic, welcoming and timeless.”
With that vision established, the team first developed the downstairs restaurant, Josephine Estelle, before turning their attention to the more casual Rosie’s Tavern upstairs. While the two spaces share a common story, each was given its own personality. “Downstairs, we wanted it to feel bright, elegant and a little feminine, since the restaurant is named after the chefs’ daughters,” Karen says. “We wanted it to feel beautiful and welcoming, with a sense of warmth and ease.” Upstairs, they intentionally took a different path, creating an environment that is “dark, moody and cozy,” inspired by memorable places they all encountered during their travels, including intimate bars and speakeasies.
The result is a natural progression from one level to the next. Downstairs, Josephine Estelle has a lighter, more polished presence suited to a leisurely dining experience, while Rosie’s Tavern feels more intimate and enveloping. The contrast gives guests a choice in how they experience the space: a leisurely meal downstairs or a more relaxed gathering upstairs. Rather than feeling like two separate concepts stacked on top of one another, the spaces offer different chapters of the same story.
The materials and finishes accentuate that distinction. In Josephine Estelle, Karen layered deep, warm green paint colors and wallpaper with hand-rubbed brass accents and herringbone flooring. Handmade tile, antique mirrors and warm tones contribute to the Old World-Tuscan character she envisioned. “At the same time, the artwork, much of it created by local artists, feels distinctly ‘Memphis’ to me,” she says.
Upstairs, Karen shifted the palette dramatically, choosing an “almost-black wall color paired with warm caramel tones to create an intimate, elevated and unexpected vibe.” The darker surroundings give Rosie’s Tavern a tucked-away quality, creating the kind of atmosphere that, as Karen puts it, “draws you in and makes you want to stay awhile.”
The personal touches are what really bring the story to life. Karen describes her collaboration with Andy and Michael as especially enjoyable because they “were on the same page the whole time!” Together, they decided to incorporate family photographs into the design, adding another layer of meaning to the interiors. “I love how the framed photo walls turned out,” she says. “There are more family photos to come, as well as images of the chefs in their younger days in Italy.” The evolving design elements help the restaurant feel collected over time rather than overly designed, reinforcing its blend of Old Italy and Memphis.
Among all the restaurant’s design features, Karen has a particular fondness for the booths. “The booths! I love all our booths,” she says. Since a booth is her first choice when dining out, she incorporated them throughout both restaurants. To Karen, their appeal goes beyond comfort. She explains, “There’s something about a booth that feels so cozy and intimate. Even though you’re in a large space surrounded by other guests, it gives you that feeling of having your own semi-private space for your group.”
Her favorites downstairs are the Pullman booths at Josephine Estelle, which feature a smaller scale, button-detailed back cushions and brass sconces that provide a warm glow. Upstairs, she is equally fond of what she calls the “big gangster-style booth” at Rosie’s Tavern. When she envisions that space, she pictures a large group of friends or family gathered in the dim lamplight reflected in the windows.
Those details ultimately capture what Karen, Andy and Michael set out to accomplish. Josephine Estelle and Rosie’s Tavern are not simply places to eat; they are settings for gathering, conversation and connection. Through family history, Italian influence, Memphis character and carefully considered design, the two restaurants offer distinct experiences while remaining part of one larger story. Whether settling into a booth downstairs for dinner or gathering with friends upstairs, guests are encouraged to linger, and perhaps return again and again.
I wanted the space to feel rooted in old-world Italy, honoring the chefs’ heritage, while also paying tribute to the warmth, hospitality and charm of the South.