Situated within The Ritz-Carlton in St . Louis , our team was tasked with relocating and re-imagining the experience of a cigar club , one capable of hosting more than 300 members and offering 394 humidors .
To create a design that celebrates cigars , we took inspiration from 1920s speakeasies . A code word is required for the members-only club , and mystery lurks behind the details of the space . Inside , the dark and moody color palette , hues of brown and black , textured wallpaper , and sleek club chairs provide a sophisticated atmosphere where guests can comfortably relax and enjoy conversation and cigars with other club members . Pops of gold and green exudes a sense of restrained luxury , as does the display of a classic smoking jacket .
The focal point of the design is a dramatic glowing bar anchored in the center of the space . With intimate seating for six , the trained mixologists become the focus of the experience , artfully crafting cocktails for the audience . The bar itself features brass and glass back-lit bar shelves , burl wood and brass bar die , and an Asian statuary marble bar top . The design was a success , with a 10-fold increase in membership since the opening .
Design Goes Down the Rabbit Hole
Immersive design has gotten more over the top , especially in contrast to the sleek , minimal style that once dominated spaces . In fact , Architectural Digest lists “ maximalism ” as one of the top trends of 2022 . While some contribute this design turnaround to the increased time spent at home during the pandemic , Chung tracks this trend back to before the pandemic , with clients and guests looking for a sense of escape in their dining experience .
No restaurant showcases maximalism more than The Garden Room . Inspired by Alice in Wonderland and glamorous venues in London , the cocktail lounge resembles an outdoor garden with plants filling the space in all directions . From flower-enveloped , jeweled chandeliers to poodles made of moss to live plant trellises and hedges , the greenhouse-
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