The Little Black Door by Bishop Design | Mineheart Designs

Please tell us more about this project the "Little black door":

The Client brief required the Interior to be a ‘gateway’ of expectation to the service and product all the while expressing a quiet confidence. The Interior was to be a mix of classic and contemporary, an Italian Milano’s gentleman’s living room combined with a New York speakeasy. Nestled on the ground floor of the Conrad Hotel, comprising of 260 sqm, the venue is a refreshing departure from the city’s existing bevy of nightspots. The name Little Black Door, and the overall concept, was about wanting to create something understated and elegant and “Little Black Door” suited exactly what was wanted. Knock to enter, cross the threshold and you’re guaranteed a different experience.

What brands did you use in this project?

Mineheart

Koket

Studio Art

Carlucci Di Chivasso

How would you describe the look and feel of this project?:

The Interior is a mix of classic and contemporary, an Italian Milano’s gentleman’s living room combined with a New York speakeasy with the soul of Kate Moss as its muse. She walks into the place, lights a cigarette and enjoys the libations of a martini as she stares at the photography. It has a colour palette of sumptuous earth tones, rustic bronze and predominate metals that demonstrate a connection with black and white photography that adorn the walls, whilst the lighting is ornate yet with an urban touch. The Interior oozes a ‘provocative exclusivity’ whilst full of atmosphere offering a refreshing approach to the suggested “speakeasy”. We find the interior to be unique to the region, current and refreshing in its use of the specified Interior finishes and design styling. We consider the Interior aesthetics to be exciting and evocative whilst offering an eclectic intoxicating mix of comfort, intriguing surface textures and a diversifying use of materials urban and raw, yet elegantly sophisticated, all culminating in the creation of the venues ‘original style’.

What are some of the functional aspects and rational thinking behind decisions like the room layout, choice of storage, and type of furniture and lighting that were made from a practical standpoint?

The materials to be used were to be durable and cost-effective. Easy to maintain and/or touch up if necessary. They should evolve well with time and with the general expected wear and tear. It was a specific requirement that the materials in general especially tables should avoid being easily scratched, dented or marked. Similarly, the floor finishes should be such that the rigors of a busy night would not show any dirt or footprints and/or wear and tear.