Hidden away in Toronto, Ontario, Suite 115 isn’t your average cocktail bar. With its dimly lit, intimate atmosphere, Atelier Sun designed the space to evoke curiosity while embracing the charm of traditional bar culture. “We wanted to create something that lives between mystery and warmth,” says Andrew Sun, principal of Atelier Sun. “It’s a space that sparks people’s curiosity.”
The lounge, which fronts the bar, faces the street and offers a striking introduction to the space. As night falls, a bold red glow spills out, signaling that the bar is open for business. The lounge is bathed in warm orange and red hues, reminiscent of the last light of sunset. A large gradient mirror reflects the streetscape, blending the vibrant city energy with the soft, ambient glow inside. Through a concealed door, patrons gain access to the hidden bar.
Once inside, the design continues to captivate. A slim, linear pendant light runs the length of the room, casting a golden glow over the bar counters. Red shelving stretches across the back wall, adding a vivid backdrop to the display of spirits. A thin linear light cuts through the walls and ceiling, subtly dividing the space while emphasizing its symmetry.
The client’s vision was to revive Toronto’s traditional bar culture with a modern twist. Originally imagining a single, flush-top bar counter, the design evolved into two identical bar tops separated by a central dividing line. This layout creates a mirror-like effect, amplifying the space’s sense of symmetry and balance. Patrons’ reflections in the lounge mirror and the bar setup reinforce the feeling of connection and add a playful sense of discovery.
Atelier Sun has created more than a bar—they’ve crafted a sensory experience. Suite 115 combines the allure of mystery with the warmth of hospitality, offering visitors a place to explore, connect, and indulge in their surroundings.
Questions and Answers
What inspired the design concept for Suite 115?
We wanted to find the sweet spot between mystery and warmth. The space was designed to ignite people’s curiosity while capturing the intimacy and traditional bar culture we envisioned.
How does the design reflect the idea of “mystery meets warmth”?
At dusk, a vibrant red glow spills out from the lounge, signaling that the bar is open. The gradient mirror reflects the city’s streetscape in rich orange and red hues, creating an afterglow effect that combines the patrons’ reflections with the warmth of the surroundings. Inside, golden light from a slim pendant illuminates the bar counters, while red shelving provides a striking backdrop for spirits.
How does the layout of the bar contribute to the guest experience?
The bar features two identical bar tops with a central dividing line, creating a mirror-like illusion. This design not only facilitates functional flow but also adds a sense of whimsy and connection for guests, as their reflections enhance the immersive atmosphere.
What was the client’s vision for the space, and how did you bring it to life?
The client wanted to bring back traditional bar culture to Toronto, originally envisioning a flush-top bar counter spanning the room. To align with this goal while ensuring functionality, we introduced twin bar stations with a dividing line. The result is a space that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
What makes Suite 115 unique compared to other cocktail bars?
Through our design, we’ve crafted a sensory experience. The play of light, reflections, and the interplay of colours create a feeling of connection to the surroundings while sparking curiosity. It’s a place where mystery, warmth, and hospitality come together to offer something truly special.
