Designing an eco friendly bar in London full of vintage finds, up-cycled artistry and clever use of materials was a thrilling challenge. However, it was the start of 2020...of course it never got to see the chink of glasses on opening night!
MOODBOARD
I'd completed a bar in Manchester's Hatch 2019 and then at the start of 2020 the client asked me to design his next bar, this time in London. Oh god hindsight; If only we knew then what we know now what would happen to the hospitality industry!
Due to the sensitive nature of the topic I've edited the name of this bar. Lets call it 'Nought' bar which reflects the clients brief:
'Eco friendly, aiming for minimal wastage and carbon footprint for the environmentally conscientious young professional. We still want the bar to be sexy and opulent with a twist of fun, which matches the cocktails and bar food styling. We want a talking point.' - Client.
Sustainability is the topic of the moment in the world of interior design, this was an opportunity to explore what we can do to make the industry more environmentally friendly.
Up-cycled palettes had been the go to material source for many environmentally conscientious bars and restaurants and those wanting a cheap fix for a new look, instead I wanted to create a soulful space that shines a light on how the interiors industry can combine environmentally conscious practice with making wonderful spaces. I started with deciding to source beautiful antiques for the most attractive, high end and sustainable way to furnish the bar. Then keeping 'sexy and opulent' in mind I decided to go with a dark pallet and highlights of jewel colours, with green and blues being dominant for a nod to natures favourite colours. The design ultimately developed into a speakeasy style concept; A place for dimmed lights, whispers in ears, and raucous laughter. Lighting was key to create just the right ambiance.
FLOOR & LIGHTING PLANS
All products needed to be carefully sourced to ensure they fit the brief even down to the lime wash paint and long life lightbulbs. Up-cycled furniture by local artisans, reclaimed and vintage furnishings from local dealers, then recycled materials were to be used to create countertops, bench seating and bar fronts, whilst panelling was to be made by the team using wood from local and environmentally responsible family-managed sustainable woodlands sourced materials.
SOURCING
Our relationships with artisans and craftsmen, extensive resources and continual research play an integral role in developing each project. A love of objects that have stories helps create characterful, comfortable, spaces with a sense of honesty; spaces that are full of interesting pieces which will accompany a clients space for years to come.
I wanted people to be surprised by the ethos of the bar and delighted by discovering the stories of those local artisans and suppliers behind the finished look. All sourced pieces come with a story and would provide plenty of lovely details for the environmentally conscious client. I suggested adding these stories onto the website and menu, and also on little plaques around the bar; 'Panels salvaged from the demolition of Hurst Place', 'Furniture up-cycled by local artist, Anya Thompson' or 'Counter made from recycled glass'.
SOURCING
I even went sourcing at Retrouvius Architectural Reclamation & Design for accessories and the reclaimed leather. Retrouvius are driven by the belief that good materials and well-made things are precious. I loved the marble lamp bases they had on display, so unusual with gorgeous colours, I'll be keeping these in mind for a future luxury project.
I'd designed the space, sourced and commissioned all the F,F & E and the clients team had started to take delivery of the goods ready for the installation phase. We were both excited about the progress and direction of the project and were practically penciling in the launch night. In the background the chatter on Covid was building, but at that point everything was just carrying on everywhere as normal. No one could have ever foreseen what was about to happen; Lockdown and we came to a screeching halt! What we initially thought would be a few weeks on pause, became months, and finally the realisation that proceeding any further wasn't an option. As for many businesses it was absolutely crushing for the client, and for myself so disappointing to not see my vision become a reality.
I have to admit; On writing the post for this project and looking back with fresh eyes at the designs, the now more experienced and visually more literate designer has...made a few tweaks! This was 3 years ago... I've just added a little extra flair to what was already a great project (The perfectionist in me couldn't resist), but who doesn't reflect on their previous work and think 'I could do that even better'? The sad beauty about this project is that because it was never installed I have the opportunity to do so. It was also really good to look back on this and see how much I've developed as a designer.
Since launching Magpye Creative Interiors I've been inundated with mainly residential projects; you do a great job, word gets out and then more clients want you too for similar projects. I used to work at Harrods styling and designing the windows, and then at Selfridges as the Creative Manager, so I have a strong commercial design background; it was really good getting back to my roots on this project. You can be creative on any project, however on commercial projects you can really let your imagination go wild! I loved working on this.
WALL A
WALL B
WALL C
WALL D
WALL E
As you can see by the visuals the bar would have been great (I say so myself), alas, it was never meant to be. Don't worry I'll be having drinks at the next bar I design...to make up for the lost ones on this project!
At Magpye Creative Interiors we create unique space for unique clients. To enquire about working with us to create your dream interior please get in touch.
Katie
Katie Longshaw-Pye
Creative Director | Magpye Creative Interiors
Ribble Valley
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