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Dulux Desert Cocktail Bar
For this project in the first semester of my second year at university, I was tasked with designing a commercial space with a terrace. The space had to be an eatery of some sort, I decided to create a cocktail bar. The space I was given is a straightforward rectangular shape with an indoor surface area of 140m² and a ceiling height of 4m, which leads out to a 120m² terrace space through a wall of bi-folding doors. I was allowed to select the placement of the entrance as well as add any extra doors/ windows and this is why I played around with many different layouts to find the one that provided the best flow through the space. The main challenge of this design was the incorporation of the Dulux Colour of the Year 2020, Bright Skies, on at least 50% of the space. The final design was required to be fully furnished and accessorised with all appropriate decorations.
For my concept, I took inspiration from the desert, in particular cactus flowers and the desert landscape which are reflected in my colour scheme. I was pushed to come up with clever ways of incorporating Bright Skies within the space without it feeling bland or overwhelming. An easy way to do this was to use it on the walls and ceiling as well as on the upholstery of the indoor seating. However, I needed to break it up and incorporate other bold colours to help link back to the desert concept. Making half the booths pink and orange made the space more fun and interesting.
To add some natural elements, I incorporated lots of wooden finishes as well as a stone countertop on the bar and finally wicker and bamboo accents in the lighting and mirrors. I spent a lot of time figuring out the best seating layout to maximise the number of potential customers and provide a variety of seating types. These include stools at the bar, large booths that can seat up to six people, smaller booths that can seat up to five people, round outdoor tables for up to five people, outdoor banquette seating for up to four people, and a variety of comfortable outdoor sofas and armchairs for a more laid back atmosphere. I wanted to ensure there were lots of options for groups of people as cocktail bars are a very sociable place.
Lastly to create a more bespoke space I created three surface designs that specifically fit the theme of the space. The first is the cactus wallpaper used inside. The second is the geometric wallpaper used in the bar area. And lastly the terrace floor tile. To find out more about the surface designs please click on the surface designs button above, or go to the surface design tab.
Visualisations
Scroll to see the research and inspiration
Research
Desert Concept Board
This is my concept board focusing on the ideas around the desert environment and plants found within it. These images all represent an aspect of the desert that I found inspiring. For example, I like how vibrant and bright the different coloured flowers contrasted against the green of the cactus. I wanted to replicate the feeling of sitting under a clear sky by painting it the same colour as the walls. This was also a good way to incorporate more of the Dulux Colour of the Year Bright Skies and help me meet the brief. I like the juxtaposition of the delicate flowers on the spikey cactuses and wanted to somehow incorporate this contrast within the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Mood Board
I created this mood board to help me during the design stages so that I knew what atmosphere I was trying to create within the space. Each of the images was chosen because there were elements I was inspired by. For example, I liked the use of arches in contrast with more rectangular furniture. I liked the idea of adding booths or banquette seating upholstered in faux leather materials for practicality. I wanted the bar to be a focal point in the space with some sort of bottle display on the wall behind it. I also further explored colours and the use of accent lighting to complete the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on more neutral shades as well as exploring adding blue since this is a colour that needs to cover 50% of the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on bright sunset colours such as reds, oranges and yellows to add warmth to the space.
Terrace Design Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored various terrace designs, including different seating options, use of plants, pergolas and lighting to make it inviting.
Desert Concept Board
This is my concept board focusing on the ideas around the desert environment and plants found within it. These images all represent an aspect of the desert that I found inspiring. For example, I like how vibrant and bright the different coloured flowers contrasted against the green of the cactus. I wanted to replicate the feeling of sitting under a clear sky by painting it the same colour as the walls. This was also a good way to incorporate more of the Dulux Colour of the Year Bright Skies and help me meet the brief. I like the juxtaposition of the delicate flowers on the spikey cactuses and wanted to somehow incorporate this contrast within the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Mood Board
I created this mood board to help me during the design stages so that I knew what atmosphere I was trying to create within the space. Each of the images was chosen because there were elements I was inspired by. For example, I liked the use of arches in contrast with more rectangular furniture. I liked the idea of adding booths or banquette seating upholstered in faux leather materials for practicality. I wanted the bar to be a focal point in the space with some sort of bottle display on the wall behind it. I also further explored colours and the use of accent lighting to complete the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on more neutral shades as well as exploring adding blue since this is a colour that needs to cover 50% of the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on bright sunset colours such as reds, oranges and yellows to add warmth to the space.
Terrace Design Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored various terrace designs, including different seating options, use of plants, pergolas and lighting to make it inviting.
Desert Concept Board
This is my concept board focusing on the ideas around the desert environment and plants found within it. These images all represent an aspect of the desert that I found inspiring. For example, I like how vibrant and bright the different coloured flowers contrasted against the green of the cactus. I wanted to replicate the feeling of sitting under a clear sky by painting it the same colour as the walls. This was also a good way to incorporate more of the Dulux Colour of the Year Bright Skies and help me meet the brief. I like the juxtaposition of the delicate flowers on the spikey cactuses and wanted to somehow incorporate this contrast within the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Mood Board
I created this mood board to help me during the design stages so that I knew what atmosphere I was trying to create within the space. Each of the images was chosen because there were elements I was inspired by. For example, I liked the use of arches in contrast with more rectangular furniture. I liked the idea of adding booths or banquette seating upholstered in faux leather materials for practicality. I wanted the bar to be a focal point in the space with some sort of bottle display on the wall behind it. I also further explored colours and the use of accent lighting to complete the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on more neutral shades as well as exploring adding blue since this is a colour that needs to cover 50% of the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on bright sunset colours such as reds, oranges and yellows to add warmth to the space.
Terrace Design Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored various terrace designs, including different seating options, use of plants, pergolas and lighting to make it inviting.
Desert Concept Board
This is my concept board focusing on the ideas around the desert environment and plants found within it. These images all represent an aspect of the desert that I found inspiring. For example, I like how vibrant and bright the different coloured flowers contrasted against the green of the cactus. I wanted to replicate the feeling of sitting under a clear sky by painting it the same colour as the walls. This was also a good way to incorporate more of the Dulux Colour of the Year Bright Skies and help me meet the brief. I like the juxtaposition of the delicate flowers on the spikey cactuses and wanted to somehow incorporate this contrast within the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Mood Board
I created this mood board to help me during the design stages so that I knew what atmosphere I was trying to create within the space. Each of the images was chosen because there were elements I was inspired by. For example, I liked the use of arches in contrast with more rectangular furniture. I liked the idea of adding booths or banquette seating upholstered in faux leather materials for practicality. I wanted the bar to be a focal point in the space with some sort of bottle display on the wall behind it. I also further explored colours and the use of accent lighting to complete the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on more neutral shades as well as exploring adding blue since this is a colour that needs to cover 50% of the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on bright sunset colours such as reds, oranges and yellows to add warmth to the space.
Terrace Design Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored various terrace designs, including different seating options, use of plants, pergolas and lighting to make it inviting.
Desert Concept Board
This is my concept board focusing on the ideas around the desert environment and plants found within it. These images all represent an aspect of the desert that I found inspiring. For example, I like how vibrant and bright the different coloured flowers contrasted against the green of the cactus. I wanted to replicate the feeling of sitting under a clear sky by painting it the same colour as the walls. This was also a good way to incorporate more of the Dulux Colour of the Year Bright Skies and help me meet the brief. I like the juxtaposition of the delicate flowers on the spikey cactuses and wanted to somehow incorporate this contrast within the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Mood Board
I created this mood board to help me during the design stages so that I knew what atmosphere I was trying to create within the space. Each of the images was chosen because there were elements I was inspired by. For example, I liked the use of arches in contrast with more rectangular furniture. I liked the idea of adding booths or banquette seating upholstered in faux leather materials for practicality. I wanted the bar to be a focal point in the space with some sort of bottle display on the wall behind it. I also further explored colours and the use of accent lighting to complete the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on more neutral shades as well as exploring adding blue since this is a colour that needs to cover 50% of the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on bright sunset colours such as reds, oranges and yellows to add warmth to the space.
Terrace Design Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored various terrace designs, including different seating options, use of plants, pergolas and lighting to make it inviting.
Desert Concept Board
This is my concept board focusing on the ideas around the desert environment and plants found within it. These images all represent an aspect of the desert that I found inspiring. For example, I like how vibrant and bright the different coloured flowers contrasted against the green of the cactus. I wanted to replicate the feeling of sitting under a clear sky by painting it the same colour as the walls. This was also a good way to incorporate more of the Dulux Colour of the Year Bright Skies and help me meet the brief. I like the juxtaposition of the delicate flowers on the spikey cactuses and wanted to somehow incorporate this contrast within the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Mood Board
I created this mood board to help me during the design stages so that I knew what atmosphere I was trying to create within the space. Each of the images was chosen because there were elements I was inspired by. For example, I liked the use of arches in contrast with more rectangular furniture. I liked the idea of adding booths or banquette seating upholstered in faux leather materials for practicality. I wanted the bar to be a focal point in the space with some sort of bottle display on the wall behind it. I also further explored colours and the use of accent lighting to complete the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on more neutral shades as well as exploring adding blue since this is a colour that needs to cover 50% of the space.
Desert Bar Aesthetic Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored the desert modern aesthetic and looked at various ways of incorporating it into a cocktail bar space. I explored materials and colours which would work well with the style to create my desired atmosphere. Here I focused on bright sunset colours such as reds, oranges and yellows to add warmth to the space.
Terrace Design Research
This is a page taken from my sketchbook where I explored various terrace designs, including different seating options, use of plants, pergolas and lighting to make it inviting.
Scroll to see the development
Development
Final Floor Plan
Floor Plan Experimentation 1
Floor Plan Experimentation 4
Final Floor Plan
1/5
Floor Plan Development
Scroll through this gallery to see the development and various furniture layout experiments.
Final Floor Plan Rendered
This is my final floor plan rendered using colouring pencils to show the various colours and textures used within the space.
Scroll to see the final presentation boards
Presentation
Desert Concept Board
Here is my concept board presented alongside my colour scheme.
Desert Mood Board
Here is my refined mood board along side my colour scheme.
Desert Cocktail Bar Floor Plan
This is a presentation board showing my final floor plan for the space in black and white to show the furniture placement of the interior and courtyard.
Lighting Plan
This presentation clearly shows the lighting plan. As well as showing each type of light that is used throughout the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Material Board
For the material board, I used a rendered floor plan so that the various materials are easy to identify within the space.
Interior Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside a few materials that I have specified for the space. Two of which are bespoke surface designs that I designed for the inerior, both designs are to be used as wallpapers within the space.
Terrace Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside images of some of the furniture that I specified. The tile design is a bespoke pattern that I created to match the colours in the space.
Desert Concept Board
Here is my concept board presented alongside my colour scheme.
Desert Mood Board
Here is my refined mood board along side my colour scheme.
Desert Cocktail Bar Floor Plan
This is a presentation board showing my final floor plan for the space in black and white to show the furniture placement of the interior and courtyard.
Lighting Plan
This presentation clearly shows the lighting plan. As well as showing each type of light that is used throughout the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Material Board
For the material board, I used a rendered floor plan so that the various materials are easy to identify within the space.
Interior Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside a few materials that I have specified for the space. Two of which are bespoke surface designs that I designed for the inerior, both designs are to be used as wallpapers within the space.
Terrace Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside images of some of the furniture that I specified. The tile design is a bespoke pattern that I created to match the colours in the space.
Desert Concept Board
Here is my concept board presented alongside my colour scheme.
Desert Mood Board
Here is my refined mood board along side my colour scheme.
Desert Cocktail Bar Floor Plan
This is a presentation board showing my final floor plan for the space in black and white to show the furniture placement of the interior and courtyard.
Lighting Plan
This presentation clearly shows the lighting plan. As well as showing each type of light that is used throughout the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Material Board
For the material board, I used a rendered floor plan so that the various materials are easy to identify within the space.
Interior Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside a few materials that I have specified for the space. Two of which are bespoke surface designs that I designed for the inerior, both designs are to be used as wallpapers within the space.
Terrace Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside images of some of the furniture that I specified. The tile design is a bespoke pattern that I created to match the colours in the space.
Desert Concept Board
Here is my concept board presented alongside my colour scheme.
Desert Mood Board
Here is my refined mood board along side my colour scheme.
Desert Cocktail Bar Floor Plan
This is a presentation board showing my final floor plan for the space in black and white to show the furniture placement of the interior and courtyard.
Lighting Plan
This presentation clearly shows the lighting plan. As well as showing each type of light that is used throughout the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Material Board
For the material board, I used a rendered floor plan so that the various materials are easy to identify within the space.
Interior Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside a few materials that I have specified for the space. Two of which are bespoke surface designs that I designed for the inerior, both designs are to be used as wallpapers within the space.
Terrace Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside images of some of the furniture that I specified. The tile design is a bespoke pattern that I created to match the colours in the space.
Desert Concept Board
Here is my concept board presented alongside my colour scheme.
Desert Mood Board
Here is my refined mood board along side my colour scheme.
Desert Cocktail Bar Floor Plan
This is a presentation board showing my final floor plan for the space in black and white to show the furniture placement of the interior and courtyard.
Lighting Plan
This presentation clearly shows the lighting plan. As well as showing each type of light that is used throughout the space.
Desert Cocktail Bar Material Board
For the material board, I used a rendered floor plan so that the various materials are easy to identify within the space.
Interior Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside a few materials that I have specified for the space. Two of which are bespoke surface designs that I designed for the inerior, both designs are to be used as wallpapers within the space.
Terrace Presentation Board
This presentation board shows some images of the interior of the space alongside images of some of the furniture that I specified. The tile design is a bespoke pattern that I created to match the colours in the space.
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