Aalto Lounge Redesign

This local bar named for Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, needed a refresh. There were many layers and levels to the walls, metal I-beams were showing, and mini-blinds were used as wall covering.

Our intention was to really clean things up, utilize and focus on the good elements that were already there—aged Nelson bubble lamps and vintage and custom art—and to get this bar ready for the next chapter.

The design we came up with brought in the long clean lines associated with mid-century architecture and furniture, and a panel configuration to resurface and level the walls. We selected warm grey for the panel walls, and balanced that out with the wood grain of clear cedar. The vertical wood lines, as well as the high angular mirrors and light boxes really worked to bring attention to the height and depth of the space—a classic vaulted shotgun bar space.

Working alongside a couple of very talented local contractors, we completed the interior and moved on to bring our patio design to life: also featuring clear cedar, and with a unique angular design referencing the angular sculptures and mirrors in the main space.