Oddball Bar: A Retro-Futuristic Haven in NYC
House Under Magic has transformed a former jazz club in New York City's Alphabet City into Oddball, a bar that skillfully combines retro-futurism, 1970s cosmic vibes, and classic American diner aesthetics. The design, spearheaded by Danny Taylor, draws inspiration from the Memphis Group movement, featuring bold colors, geometric shapes, and a playful yet refined atmosphere. The bar, located in a 1930s tenement building, integrates unique materials and clever lighting to create an immersive and nostalgic experience, reflecting a hopeful vision for the future.
Riverside Cafe Blends Modern Design with Historic Thames Charm
A new cafe by Cake Architecture in London, positioned by the Thames near the Millennium Bridge, merges contemporary design with the historic essence of its surroundings. The cafe features a distinctive carved ceiling, a large espresso bar, and a concrete floor, drawing inspiration from St Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, and the Thames riverbed. The design aims to capture the dynamic interplay of monumental architecture and the river's fluid atmosphere, creating a warm, tactile interior using timber and stainless steel.
SODA Studio Infuses London Office with Art Deco Flair and Modern Functionality
SODA, a London-based design firm, has revitalized the Nineteen Wells Street office space in Fitzrovia. The project, commissioned by Great Portland Estates, transformed the ground and lower-ground floors of a historic Art Deco building, originally constructed in 1929. The design seamlessly blends the building's heritage with contemporary elements, featuring a distinctive raspberry-red spiral staircase and a curated material palette to create a welcoming and timeless work environment.
Spazio Leone, a distinguished gallery specializing in collectible design, has officially unveiled its new, more expansive showroom situated in the vibrant Dalston area of East London. This significant relocation and expansion aim to provide an enhanced environment for showcasing their curated collection, allowing each piece to command attention within a thoughtfully preserved industrial setting. The founder, Gennaro Leone, articulated a clear vision: to maintain the inherent character of the former Victorian textile factory, ensuring that the space complements, rather than overshadows, the artistry of the exhibits.
Expanded Horizons: Spazio Leone's New Dalston Showroom Embraces Industrial Heritage
In a notable development for the collectible design scene in East London, Spazio Leone Gallery, under the visionary leadership of Gennaro Leone, has opened a significantly larger showroom in Dalston. The chosen location, an erstwhile Victorian textile factory, boasts distinctive features such as robust structural pillars and exquisite polished-wood floorboards, elements Leone was keen to retain. "The essence of a working building with a raw, industrial spirit, an incredible wooden floor, and a unique energy was paramount," Leone conveyed in a recent interview. Instead of an extensive renovation, the approach was one of thoughtful minimalism. Interventions were carefully limited to essential upgrades, including the modernization of lighting and electrical systems, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and a refurbishment of the kitchen area. This meticulous preservation ensures that the gallery's inherent character is not merely preserved but subtly elevated. The new showroom, now a canvas for selected works by esteemed architects like Carlo Scarpa and Alvar Aalto, alongside contemporary creations by designers such as Grace Atkinson, will welcome visitors by appointment throughout the week and open its doors to the public every Saturday, offering a glimpse into Spazio Leone's diverse and compelling collection.
This strategic expansion by Spazio Leone Gallery underscores a broader trend of growing interest in collectible design. While the market's burgeoning enthusiasm certainly provides fertile ground, Leone's decision to relocate was deeply personal, driven by a desire for a space that authentically mirrors the gallery's operational philosophy and its intrinsic connection to its surroundings. This move is not merely a business decision but a testament to an evolving relationship between art, space, and community, fostering a unique dialogue between historical architecture and contemporary design.