The Terrace
Location
New York, NY
Type
Lounge
Square Footage
1,160 sq. ft
Completion Year
2023
Tirso Lighting was enlisted to revitalize a previously outdated bar space located in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem. Our challenge was to transform the 1,160 square foot area into a speakeasy-style bar that combined modern luxuries with classic charm.
Upon our engagement, the construction had already commenced, with the installation of floor tiles. The narrow layout and misaligned walls presented significant design challenges, requiring precise measurements and innovative solutions to optimize the space.
3D Renderings
Renderings played a crucial role in our design process, enabling us to visualize and refine the aesthetic and functional aspects of the space before commencing physical alterations. These renderings allowed our team and the client to explore various design options, assess the spatial arrangement, and make informed decisions regarding materials and lighting. By providing a visual representation of the proposed end result, we ensured alignment between the client’s expectations and our creative vision, facilitating a seamless integration of all design elements. This not only enhanced client satisfaction but also streamlined the implementation phase, minimizing costly revisions and ensuring that the project adhered to both time and budget constraints.
Behind the Scenes
In the creation of The Terrace Speakeasy Bar, every hammer stroke, precise measurement, and thoughtful selection of materials played a critical role in the project’s metamorphosis. Behind the finished elegance lay a bustling workshop of creativity and skilled labor — a symphony of designers and artisans working in unison. From the first sketches to the final touches, each step was a testament to the collaborative alchemy that defines the Tirso Lighting experience, ensuring that the end result was not only functional but also a work of art in its own right.
Crafting The Vision
Discover the unseen journey of The Terrace Speakeasy Bar’s creation. Beyond the spotlight, our team’s expertise unfolds in a dynamic behind-the-scenes video. Watch as our project consultants pore over blueprints and conduct detailed 3D scans, ensuring every inch of the space is accounted for. This immersive footage offers a window into the meticulous planning and innovative techniques that bring our bespoke lighting designs to life — where every detail is an integral thread in the fabric of the final masterpiece.
Custom seating & Backlit Panel
The seating was conceived to not only maximize the narrow space but also to infuse it with an air of exclusivity and comfort. Collaborating with a local furniture maker, we crafted banquettes and mini stools, ensuring each piece resonated with the speakeasy theme while providing a comfortable, inviting space for guests. The fabrics and materials were selected for their durability and aesthetic appeal, complementing the overall design narrative of the bar.
In parallel, the backlit wall paneling brought an artistic and ambient quality to the space. We designed these panels with custom-fabricated steel, integrating a halftone graphic that mimicked a mountainous rockscape, serving as a visual and lighting feature. The backlighting employed amber light sources with a warmth of 2000 Kelvin, casting a soft, inviting glow throughout the bar. This feature not only illuminated the area but also created a dramatic backdrop that enriched the venue’s ambiance.
Solutions
Speakeasy Entrance: We introduced a unique entrance through a tailor shop facade, complete with a sewing machine and minimalistic artwork, leading to the hidden bar area.
Interior Elements: Custom banquette seating and mini stools enhanced the ambiance, while a distinctive black reflective ceiling was installed to give an illusion of greater height and space.
Lighting Design: Custom backlit wall paneling featured a halftone graphic of a mountain landscape, adding an artistic outdoor element indoors. A custom curved linear light fixture provided ambient lighting and visually marked the bar area.
Material Selection: We used high-end materials, including beveled mirror tiles and black soapstone countertops, to underscore the bar’s luxurious feel. Custom steel bottle displays and smoked vintage mirrors amplified the lighting effects and added depth.
The Outcome
This project at The Terrace not only revitalized an old space but also brought a unique thematic experience to Harlem. Through innovative design and precise implementation, Tirso Lighting has showcased the power of adaptive reuse in urban spaces, turning potential design challenges into distinctive features that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
By embracing advanced technology and collaborating closely with local artisans, we were able to deliver a bespoke environment that resonates with the vibrant and historical essence of the location. This project stands as a testament to Tirso Lighting’s commitment to excellence in lighting and interior design, proving that creative vision paired with technical expertise can transform any space into something extraordinary.
Inspired by our transformation of The Terrace?
Let’s create something extraordinary together.
