Chardon
HOUSTON, TX
A Parisian thistle blossoms in Houston soil
THE ASK
To distill the essence of Paris’ intimate neighborhood bistros into a visual identity for Thompson Houston’s French bistro, complementing AvroKO’s elegant archways and brass-accented interiors.
SERVICES
BRAND STRATEGY
- Naming
BRAND DESIGN
- Visual Identity
- Collateral Design
- Signage & Wayfinding
- Production Management
CREDITS
AvroKO, Interior Design
David Varley, Photography
The Approach
We wandered Paris in our imagination, collecting visual whispers from neighborhood bistros. The name Chardon emerged organically, French for “thistle,” a bloom that represents protection while turning faithfully toward light—like this Houston establishment rooted in French soil yet reaching toward Texas skies.
The Expression
The thistle’s distinctive crown inspired a purple palette with lavender highlights and subtle creams and blues—colors that translate Montmartre twilight through Houston’s golden hour lens. Typography dances between architectural structure and ornate flourishes, crafting an expression where celebration and daily ritual become one.
The Space
A circular monogram becomes a stamp of authenticity, while the refined, architectural logotype anchors menus and signage. Patterns ripple across staff attire and gift certificates, extending Chardon’s essence beyond the plate to transform each moment into a Parisian reverie.
