Come Behind the Scenes at Subourbon, a new Whisky Bar in Wheaton
The opportunity to be involved in a restaurant or event space is always a treat. Generally you can approach the design more like a theater space - focusing on creating a feast for the eyes and prioritizing fixtures and finishes that delight visitors and communicate a mood. So when the folks behind the new members' only whiskey bar in downtown Wheaton tapped us to help out we were stoked.
A note about all the pictures in the post - they are all in progress as seen from behind our iPhone. Stay tuned for professional photos.
SUBOURBON is a mashup between the uber talented folks from Blackberry Market, 302 Wheaton and Common Good. Located in the basement of a historic bank building in downtown Wheaton, the raw space had original rough cut limestone foundation walls, concrete floors, an existing bar and lots of potential. The aim was to keep the history while adding in a healthy dose of color, drama and pattern. A palette of rich blue with punches of raspberry and gold, along with green leathers and velvets brings energy to the moody space but keeps the old school club vibe so perfect for an evening of whisky tasting.
We leaned into wallpaper and modern lighting to add doses of funk and whimsy, while antique mirror walls and bar cladding bounce light around. Creative synergy amongst the owners and design team netted us perhaps the coolest feature of the space - a custom ceiling treatment that evokes rivers of light washed gold running through deep blue water.
These are the moments that make commercial design so enjoyable - getting to concept and execute features that might not be right for everyday living but are perfect for public experiences. A giant custom banquette weaves through adjoining spaces and a collection of vintage mid-century furniture and finds play nicely with the owner's collection of historic photographic prints. Truly, a space to be experienced and of course - the place to GRAB A COCKTAIL.
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