The Potting Shed

Name: The Potting Shed (at the Grounds of Alexandria)
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Acme & Co

It looks like The Grounds of Alexandria has been growing; both literally & figuratively. One of the newest additions to their already beautiful space (Check out photos of their roaster and cafe, here.) is The Potting Shed. This patio addition does a great job blending into the grounds and creates a welcoming retreat.



Check out the custom draft tower and more images after the jump-




As the name implies, The Potting Shed was designed to resemble just that. Warm shades of green, mismatched patio chairs, and potting tables all help tie the theme together and give you the impression you truly are enjoying your beverage in their garden.


We love the shed itself, with it's operable windows opening up to become the bar and custom draft tower. The brick backdrop and tractor stools add one more layer of warmth to this local watering hole. 


Image 1, 4 @ The Grounds of Alexandria
Images 2, 3, 5 © The Daily Addict



Wallace & Ed


Name: Wallace & Ed
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Architecture: Woods Bagot


Trends have funny way of always coming back. Wallace & Ed, located in a former Hard Rock Cafe, showcases this phenomenon perfectly with the updated use of wood panels, wrought iron, and simplicity.




Keeping the material palate simple and lines clean allows the play of geometric pattern to take center stage. 


By limiting the use of the panels and incorporating exposed concrete and warm wood floors, the space remains industrial and modern.


All images © The MP Report

Death & Taxes

Name: Death & Taxes
Location: Reno, NV
Design: Unknown


Death & Taxes is a craft cocktail bar, located in a converted bungalow, and was one of our favorite stops during a whirlwind trip to Reno this past weekend. 





With an almost all black interior, attention was paid to the subtle details. These details; high gloss trim against matte walls, subtle pattern, and hidden storage are what make this space a cohesive space and a great experience. One of my favorite details within the space was the hidden passages to the back of house. These are hidden within the bookcase and are located behind the far bay of shelving on either end of the bar. Hidden hardware and the level of finish detail makes them invisible to the naked eye. 


All images © Death & Taxes Facebook, Kaper Design, LLC





Ranger Station

Name: Ranger Station
Location: Snowmass, CO
Design: Scout Regalia

   



As quickly as winter has appeared, so too have the thoughts of a snowy mountain getaway. New Belgium's Ranger Station, located near lifts at Snowmass Village, has the rustic yet contemporary vibe that is the perfect aesthetic for it's mountain local. 





Balancing a utilitarian and rustic interior creates a modern take on the traditional ski lodge. 


I love the simple but bright color palate and blonde wood; a true 180 to the ski lodges commonly found.
By not only designing the interior but also crafting some of the furniture within, the designers were able to create a fully cohesive space. 





All images © Scout Regalia

Essex

Name: Essex
Location: Seattle, WA
Design: tbD


Essex, located near the Ballard area of Seattle, is a bright and inviting space that has quickly made it on my 'I need to get there' list. Playing with contrast to create balance created a welcoming space.









While utilitarian in nature, playing with geometrics and warm colors woods helps the interior come alive. 


The contrast between the warm woods and bright whites of the back bar and countertops helps to maintain the brightness within the space while also creating a balanced and cohesive interior. 




Mikkeller Bar

Name: Mikkeller Bar
Location: San Francisco, CA
Design: Martin heid design/build


An American take on a Copenhagen brewery, Mikkeller is as much a standout for it's location as it is for the design. 







With blond woods, exposed brick, and industrial charm the space perfectly blends the Scandinavian lightness with the gritty and raw location.  Many of the design components remind me of Torst beer bar, located in Brooklyn.


 Teaming up with The Trappist of Oakland and Mikkel Borg, who opened the original Mikkeller Bar in  Copenhagen, the bar has high standards to be the best beer bar in the US.


The large scale of the two story space is accentuated with large scale graphics, heavy steel posts and an all encompassing bar surrounded by minimalist bar stools.




All images © Eater SF

The General Muir

Name: The General Muir
Location: Atlanta, GA
Design: Square Feet Studio; http://www.squarefeetstudio.com



As a modern take on a Jewish deli, the interior of The General Muir looks just as appetizing as the food. With classic details like subway tiles and checkerboard floors, the space feels rooted in tradition while still keeping a firm grasp on the dining pulse.





Keeping the color palate restricted helps keep the interior feeling modern while the bronze details help add a classically aged note. The marble toped bar, vintage inspired bar stools, and globe lights all work together to create layers within the space. 


All images © Eater Atlanta

A Concept Divided; Origo

Name: Origo
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Design: Lama Architectura


A trend I've been watching for a while now is duel-concepts under a single roof. If done well, they can offer the owner maximum ROI, attract a larger demographic, and merge interests. Origo, in Romania has done just this by splitting their space and concept by time; coffee shop in the morning, cocktail bar at night. 





Keeping the space minimal allows for both concepts to operate within the space space, utilizing the same fixtures and furnishings. A heavy handed use of wood and raw metal are contrasted by cups and saucers artfully displayed from the ceiling. Once again proving the benefit of repetition with a everyday object.  By keeping all art limited to the cup/saucer installation, it allows the space to remain focused and draws the users eye up to the original beam ceiling uncovered during construction.


Maximizing seating using bar height and banquette styles also keeps the space open and draws the eye through the space, downplaying its lack of width and focusing on its exaggerated length.


All photos © We Heart


Black Jack

Name: Black Jack
Location: Washington, D.C.
Design: CoreDC


While in DC last week, I had the opportunity to visit Black Jack, located just above Pearl Dive Oyster Bar on 14th street. The attention to detail and reigned in circus theme created a great bar environment that felt fun, but not over the top.






With the front of the space dedicated to a sideshow, circus-esq concept, the back of the space personally stole the show. A full bocce court, old bleacher seating, and barstools created a fun and unique bar experience.


Keeping the color palate reigned in and using images of sideshow acts, helped keep the theme from being over the top while still allowing for key features of traditional circuses like red velvet curtains, draped string lights, and hand painted bar details. 


Images © CoreDC

Mosto Tequila + Botanas Bar

Name: Mosto Tequila + Botanas Bar
Location: San Francisco, CA


Tacolicious, a San Francisco favorite, created it's fourth locations recently in the Mission. Located at the back of the Tacolicious space is tequila bar, Mosto. The narrow bar maximized it's small footprint with minimal seating and eye catching details.





Using over 3,000 Mason jars, the bar created a texture and pattern along the ceiling, drawing your eye up towards their display of extensive Mexican liquors. 

Utilizing the bar height banquette and backless stools allows for minimal interruptions along the narrow space while maximizing seating.



Image 1 © Inside scoop SF
Image 2 © Bon Appetit
Image 3 © Sosh
Image 4 © Scout