Interior Design Firm: Solid Design & Build
Project Designer : Ricardo Polanco
Location: Toronto, Canada
The total space measures 800 sq. ft., with 580sq.ft.  belonging to the bar and 116sq.ft. belonging to the rug shop at the entrance to the bar; the remainder is allocated for the back of house. Patrons enter the space through vintage carpets repurposed as curtains at the back of the restored rug shop. This element, coupled with the dim lighting that is consistent throughout the shop and main bar, creates the cozy, speakeasy vibe of the space. The main design objective was to create the city’s premium cocktail bar, loaded with tons of storage space and available seating for patrons, within the limited physical space. This was achieved through design features such as the cages that wrap around the bulkhead of the bar which double as storage for staff. Additionally, a steel ledge lines the wall opposite the bar to create additional space for patrons to rest their drinks on in addition to the 40 seats within the bar.
The materials used are a mixture of steel, treated copper, and stained wood which coincide to create a sleek, industrial look. The bar is defined by a pronounced bulkhead with an amber fiber glass ceiling, allowing the light to filter through and create silhouettes of the eclectic bottles, highlighting their unique shapes and colours. The cages which wrap around the bulkhead and provide additional storage also accentuate the bar and create geometric patterns that are a nod to the patterns that can be detected throughout the whole space. Additionally, these cages are used to enclose the banquettes offering a certain degree of privacy and intimacy.
The resulting design choices create a high functioning premium cocktail bar in the limited space. Every inch of the bar and rug shop are maximized without feeling overcrowded and without losing its sexy atmosphere.
Pretty Ugly Bar
Published:

Pretty Ugly Bar

The total space measures 800 sq. ft., with 580sq.ft. belonging to the bar and 116sq.ft. belonging to the rug shop at the entrance to the bar; the Read More

Published: