The Process Behind Cocktail Bar Design

To create a truly successful design for a cocktail bar, you must do much more than create a pretty space. You must curate an environment where guests can unwind, savor their drinks, and fully immerse themselves in the experience. At GRECODECO, our team is passionate about crafting bespoke bar designs that bring people together and ensure each guest enjoys not just a feast for the mouth, but the eyes.

In this article, we are diving into our firm’s process for cocktail bar design and highlighting one of our favorite projects.

The Philosophy: How We Approach Bar Design

When it comes to cocktail bar design, our goal is simple: we strive to create a space that feels equally welcoming and unique for its intended clientele. By prioritizing the comfort of the patrons, they feel encouraged to relax, invite friends, and linger in the space (and order another round or two!). And by crafting design that amplifies a bar’s concept and accentuates its personality, we contribute to the one-of-a-kind spirit of its neighborhood. We believe this combination of hospitality plus originality is crucial for enticing guests to return.

The Process: Turning a Vision Into Reality

At GRECODECO, our process for cocktail bar design begins with a deep dive into the project’s core elements: the space, surroundings, and desired customer experience. Our team takes into account everything from the architecture and history of the building to the specific drinks that will be on the menu. We also work closely with the owner to learn about their business goals, desired aesthetic, and overall vision. From there, we craft a design concept that complements these elements, ensuring the space feels cohesive and creates a mood that is wholly its own.

As we continue in the design process, every step is thoughtful, from the choice in materials to how the seating is arranged for comfort and conversation. Lighting is also key—it should be dim enough to foster intimacy, but bright enough to showcase the drinks and remain safe to navigate. Guest experience is all about atmosphere, which is why no detail can be considered insignificant!

Bar Next Door: A Case Study in GRECODECO’s Design Philosophy

GRECODECO Bar Next Door

One standout example of GRECODECO’s cocktail bar design in action is Bar Next Door, which is located in the heart of Los Angeles on the iconic Sunset Strip. This project presented an exciting challenge: we had to design a bar that felt both timeless and fresh while honoring the building’s rich history. Originally a 1930s streamline-moderne building that once housed Marilyn Monroe’s first talent agent, the space now serves as a relaxed and stylish watering hole.

The design of Bar Next Door contributes a cool-chic ambiance with an emphasis on comfort and understated luxury. The rich brown tones combined with intriguing textures of wood and leather create a feeling of classic style that aligns perfectly with the bar’s menu of cocktail classics. Whether guests are meeting friends for Old Fashioneds or enjoying a solo nightcap, the atmosphere encourages them to live in the moment and genuinely appreciate it.

Learn More About GRECODECO

Founded by Adam Greco in 2017, GRECODECO is a Manhattan-based firm that designs thoughtfully layered commercial and residential spaces worldwide. Our passionate team of designers specializes in research-heavy historic projects that capture and celebrate the essence of various iconic time periods, guiding guests through an elegant and emotional journey of the senses.

Interested in learning more about how GRECODECO can design a cocktail bar that’s sure to become the talk of the town? Please don’t hesitate to inquire with us.