How to create a lounge

How To Create A Home Cocktail Lounge

Hello Design Lovers! Entertaining at home has never been so chic! Homeowners are turning outdated rooms into cool cocktail lounges complete with a well stocked bar and a funky stylish room theme. In 2019 we received more requests than ever for home cocktail lounge projects. This trend seems to be growing, especially at the moment. Now more than ever, people are looking to have ‘at home’ gatherings, smaller gatherings with family and friends in their homes due to sheltering in place. Also, with an increase in people working remotely, there is more time to head over to someone else’s place for a cocktail and snack, or to have a last minute get together at their own home. Incorporating a bar and social gathering spot that is ready to be used at any time, is key! There are many ways to achieve a home bar and hangout area. Some of our clients have us re-design a room for this sole purpose, and some want to incorporate it within a room that functions as something else; like a dining room or living room. We thought it would be fun to share some ‘must have’ ideas if you are looking to add a fun spot in your own haven!

MUST HAVE ITEMS

Mini refrigerator

The best host has a chilled beverage ready to go for any guest!
Countertop with wall outlet

A clear tabletop space for hot and cold food, as well as for a blender and coffee-maker, make acting as a bartender or barista easy!
A seating area for conversation

People will want to keep coming back when they know there is a cozy spot for them to chill out in.
Mood lighting

Overhead lighting on dimmers and a mix of lamps give a warm glow any time of day, creating a dreamy bar feel.
Cabinet or cart to hold bar and glassware.

Incorporate an organized piece of furniture, shelving, or built-in cabinet, that make finding your cocktail tools easy!

BEST SEATING AREA IDEAS

Create a conversation area

Replace a large dining table or oversized single sofa with various chairs and accent tables; place them in an L-shape, U-shape, or across from each other. The goal is to face your guest so you have eye contact and can be at a comfortable distance.
Lots of pillows

Loose pillows give physical support to someone’s backside, as well as emotional support and stress relievers when hugged.
A variety of accent tables

Having a low table near your seating area is key because it allows you to place a drink or food down without having to get up.

OUR CLIENT’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE RENOVATION

We recently renovated a traditional dining room into a swanky cocktail lounge. We made sure to incorporate all of the ideas we listed above. Here is the background story for the project, the steps we took, and photos of the cocktail lounge that were photographed by professional photographer Alyssha Csuk.

THE STORY

Our clients, a beautiful family of five, moved into a spec home in Emmaus, Pennsylvania after the custom one they were building, did not work out. They hired us to transform a room meant to be a dining room, into a moody and glamorous cocktail lounge to entertain friends in. They wanted something dramatic; the wife is fashionable and modern, so this room called for an over-the-top elegant vibe. The husband requested a television in the room, and the wife asked us to put it somewhere it would not be the focus of the room. We also wanted to add a dry bar and seating for their guests. Since we already worked with this client before, they were very open to our ideas, and the design thru construction of this room, went quickly and smoothly.

Before

We wanted this room to be luring and flirtatious; A ‘come hither’ space that made you want to throw a party, and never want to leave! This room is all about shiny texture, vibrant color, and pattern.

OUR DESIGN COMES TOGETHER FOR THE CLIENT

The first thing we did, was wallpaper the room’s ceiling in a glitzy metallic Brewster paper. We installed a sparkly chandelier in polished nickel with crystals and mesh chains in the center of the room. Layering the reflective wallpaper with the new crystal light, made the ceiling come to life! Soft lighting is important in a cocktail lounge. We controlled the natural light by using black silk drapes and satin roman shades. Two tall gold floor lamps with black shades give off a warm glow in the rooms’ corners. Every piece of furniture you sat on needed to feel a little formal and special, so it had to be velvet and tufted! And every table surface had to have shiny metal. The zebra patterned rug is actually indoor/outdoor, so if you spill a drink on it, no worries!

The back wall draws you in with its oversized floral wallpaper from Brewster. To keep both clients happy, we added the television by placing it on a wall that keeps it discreet. It is installed using a wall mount that has an articulating arm so it can be adjusted in multiple positions for viewing pleasure!

We designed a modern dry bar to hold a plethora of liquor, wine and bar tools. It was custom created to work around a long intake vent. The slab cabinet doors are finished in an ebony stain, and we used crinkle glass for two of the upper cabinet doors. For the hardware, we kept it clean and contemporary by using round glass knobs.

The counter top is Marquina Midnight Quartz, and has beautiful white large veins. We created a book-matched effect by mirroring the counter surface with the back splash so the veining looks like it runs all the way up the wall. Very opulent looking!

After we completed this project, our client said “This room is my favorite place to be in my house. Our guests have the biggest crush on it; and I love to sit in this room all by myself in the evenings. It has become a favorite spot to unwind after the kids go to bed.”

For more cocktail lounge ideas, go to our Portfolio and check out our Rutherford and Sheffield Projects!

How To Be Successful in Opening a Lounge | Small Business

By Ruth Mayhew Updated April 09, 2019

Becoming a lounge or nightclub owner is a dream for entrepreneurs who enjoy the combination of nightlife, business and hospitality. Aside from usual business startup steps, to be successful in opening a lounge requires other specific activities for an exciting grand opening. Below are a few things to consider when opening your lounge.

Business Location Selection

Select a location based on the type of business and the clientele you want to attract. Check your jurisdiction's zoning regulations to determine if the area allows lounges, nightclubs or establishments that serve alcoholic beverages. Opening a lounge in an established entertainment district might draw clientele that migrate from nightclubs to lounges; lounges near business districts could appeal to after-work clientele from nearby workplaces or business travelers.

Proper Licensing and Permits

Obtain appropriate business and occupational licenses from state, county or municipal government agencies. Always check the time frame for securing a liquor license – some lounge and nightclub operators have to delay their grand opening due to not having a liquor license. There could be local politics that affect whether your local government will expedite the processing of your application.

Planning for Startup Costs

Base your projections and expenditures on up-to-date research. Startup costs include fees to establish the business structure and organization; fees for an attorney, accountant or business adviser; money for a lease and security deposit; and, starting inventory costs and grand opening expenses. If you are seeking financial backing, construct a business plan that appeals to investors interested in the entertainment, restaurant or food and beverage industries.

Theme Your Lounge

Generate a theme for your lounge. Use resources and talent from the food and beverage industry to design cocktail menus, drink specials, wine collections and nonalcoholic drinks. Based on your kitchen facilities, space and city regulations regarding food service, determine whether you'll provide hors d'oeuvres, small plates or appetizers.

Determine whether to offer live entertainment and work with a booking agent or contact performers on your own to conduct auditions. Feature new acts whenever possible to support emerging talent. Consider having karaoke and open mic as a way to entertain guests free of charge during the weeknights and save the expense of professional entertainment for weekend nights.

Marketing Your Business

Create fanfare about your grand opening through radio, television and print advertising. Construct your lounge's website and blog, with a calendar of events for musical features and special events at your lounge. Carve out time in your schedule for maintaining a blog or contract a professional blogger to maintain it with regular entries.

Furthermore, focus on using social media, as the Pew Research Center says that 65% of adults now use social media. This is an easy, cheap and effective way to promote yourself. However, try focusing on just one or two social media platforms that you like by putting up fun and interactive content.

References

Food and Beverage Underground: Restaurant Owner Information Paradise
Cocktail Mixing Master: Welcome To Your Guide on Opening a Bar
Pew Research Center: Social Media Usage: 2005-2015
Forbes:How To Quickly Master Social Media Marketing For Small Business

Resources

"Entrepreneur" magazine: How to Start a Bar/Club

Writer Bio

Ruth Mayhew has been writing since the mid-1980s, and she has been an HR subject matter expert since 1995. Her work appears in "The Multi-Generational Workforce in the Health Care Industry," and she has been cited in numerous publications, including journals and textbooks that focus on human resources management practices. She holds a Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Ruth resides in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.

How to create a living room in a modern style: interior features 0 Comments

The living room is the center of any home. It performs several important functions at once: it serves to receive guests, plays the role of a place for spending family leisure time and unites family members for common activities. That is why the living room should be as cozy and comfortable as possible. The ideal solution when choosing a design for this room is a modern style. So, let's figure it out with you, what does the interior of the living room in a modern style include?

What is modern interior design?

Modern style is a combination of different directions. In this case, only one direction dominates, and the rest complement it. The result is a harmonious and functional space. The main principles of modern style can be called:

Plenty of free space. Decor and embellishments should be used with great care. Do not overload the living room with details.
The predominance of calm colors and shades. Preference is given to natural colors. Beige, white, brown and earthy shades are in fashion. You can also use bright color accents, such as textiles or jewelry.
Straight lines. Do not use complex patterns. If the house has doors with mirror inserts, then they should be of clear geometric shapes. Ornate patterns and stucco are considered unacceptable.
Light curtains. Heavy pelmets and layered curtains are good in a classic style, but unacceptable in a modern one. Curtains should be light, made from natural materials.
The functionality of each element. All items, including furniture, located in the living room, should be as functional as possible and benefit their owners.
Only quality materials. When choosing furniture for the living room, pay attention to the materials of manufacture. Modern style is first of all quality and durability. The materials must be wear resistant. Pick up items in such a way that they serve you faithfully for several years.
Flat ceilings. Stucco and multi-level ceilings have long been out of fashion. When decorating a living room in a classic style, you can give preference to ceilings painted both in white and in various shades. Most importantly, remember that all elements must be combined with each other.
Emphasis on the walls. Very often in modern interiors the following approach is used: all walls are painted in one color, and one is highlighted, making it bright and saturated. If desired, you can use paintings or collages with photographs. The most important thing in this case is to observe the measure.

An excellent solution for the living room will be comfortable and functional storage systems. They are a great replacement for outdated cabinets. In this case, do not forget about lighting. It is best to use several light sources at once in different parts of the room.

How to start decorating a living room in a modern style?

Before you design a living room in a modern style, you need to decide on the design direction that will dominate. At the same time, it is important to focus not only on your own tastes, but also on the architectural features of the room. Pay attention to the shape of the room, the height of the ceilings and the size of the windows. If it is very difficult to make a decision on your own, ask a professional designer for help. Below are the most popular design trends that are perfect as the basis for a modern living room.

Scandinavian style

Scandinavian style suits any apartment. It will be appropriate both in a small Khrushchev and in a modern new building. However, it should not be used to decorate expensive penthouses and premium apartments. If you want your living room to look really modern, forget pure white. Do not be afraid to add bright colors, highlight walls or individual interior items. Natural wood is considered an ideal option for finishing. Wood imitation materials are best avoided as they can cheapen the overall look of the room.

Hi-tech

This style will look good in large and spacious rooms. A significant advantage for the high-tech direction are panoramic windows. It is very important that every detail of the interior carries a functional load. All elements must be combined with each other. If the hi-tech style was chosen as the basis, take care to purchase modern technology that will decorate your living room. Remember that savings in this case is unacceptable.

Retro

Very unusual and original style. It is suitable for any apartment, but it looks most advantageous in rooms with high ceilings. When decorating a living room in retro style, it is very important not to overdo it. Otherwise, the room will quickly turn into a "grandmother's house." It is best to use colors for decoration, fashionable at the peak of the 60s. Prefer blue, orange, yellow and mint colors.

What should not be in a modern interior?

To avoid common mistakes when decorating a living room in a modern style, you need to remember the things that are best left out. These include:

Set and furniture, made in the same style. This is usually done by people who are not sure of their taste and are afraid to make mistakes. The modern style is characterized by a combination of different directions.
Complex structures of ceilings and walls. Stucco ceilings, photo wallpapers, complex patterns on the walls - all this is considered a sign of bad taste. It is best to stick to the principles of simplicity.
Skirting boards made of plastic. Plastic skirting boards made in the same color scheme with doors or floors look even worse. If you want to get a beautiful room, stop at wood or MDF skirting boards. As for the color, choose it to match the walls.
Stained glass. Stained glass windows and doors are suitable for a classic style, but will be completely out of place in a modern living room.

When decorating a living room in a modern style, remember that savings in this matter are unacceptable. Use only natural and high-quality materials, remember the functionality of every detail. Only in this case you will be able to get a truly decent room.

Stylish living room: 7 simple tips

TipsRooms

1. Complete order

Properly and intelligently organized space with a minimum of unnecessary things and carefully selected details is a must have for any beautiful living room. Get serious about storage, get rid of small things that clutter up the room, and you will get a living room that looks both clean and stylish.

Photo: Maksim Maksimov

2. The Right Curtains

The Right Curtains are one of the tricks that will make a room look bigger than it really is. Hang them near the ceiling and let the fabric flow down to the floor.

3. Mix different textures, styles, and materials

There's nothing wrong with staying consistent, but don't be afraid to mix styles, materials, and textures to create a dynamic interior. Cold marble with crumpled linen, graphic black details and romantic velvet? Why not! They are so different, but together they form an elegant, stylish whole.

4. Don't forget the carpet!

A well-chosen rug helps hold furniture together and can really spice up a living room. Smooth, long-haired, patterned or unpatterned, there are many options. Choose the one that suits you personally!

House in England. Project by Oleg Klodt and Anna Agapova.

Photo: Simon Upton

5. Correct lighting

Of course, the chandelier is the main character of any living room. However, just as earrings complete a luxurious necklace, smaller light sources like floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces are the perfect complement to overhead lighting.

Bet on "atmospheric" lights that illuminate different parts of the room. Why not place one lamp on the bookshelf, another on the windowsill, and a third on the floor next to the sofa? All ideas are good!

Project by Sergey Ogurtsov.