Follow the butterfly, past the cars, into the alley, up the stairs where you will be greeted with non-descript door to a drycleaner’s pick-up location. But, if you know the right order and ticket number, you may just find yourself inside a crazy-cool Korean inspired cocktail lounge. Through a door concealed to look like a set of stacked washer/dryer is where a unique speakeasy concept, inspired by Korean street-food and drinks exist.

With just over 2,000 square feet, this long and linear space is spatially separated by three levels. While the rear exit is at grade (this is where a typical entry would be), the concept for this speakeasy was to entre via the back-alley exit stairs and into a newly created drycleaner’s pick-up location. This new speakeasy entry as detailed to feel dark, dingy, just like a coin-laundry spot. Black and white VCT floor tile and paint are used throughout. However, a dark teal drape suggests there is more to this space. As you draw the curtain, you see a concealed door to another world.

Once through the speakeasy entry, you are welcomed by the dining room. Floors are clad in a herringbone patterned vinyl floor, amber tinted mirrors adorn the wall behind a glamorous fifty-foot long, teal velvet banquet with black wood tables and more teal velvet on the chairs. Adding to the sense of scale and glamour, oversized brass fixtures, reminiscent of luxurious hotels in Asia.

The concept for this space was dark and moody with touches of glam. Layering of luxurious textures and golds combined with a serene grey offset by teal. Teal was used as a modern interpretation of the jade greens which are often synonymous with Southeast Asian luxury design

As you walk down the stairs to the lowest level, the true height of the space can be seen. Four, thirteen-foot-high arches clad in ebony stained wood become the overall focal point of the space. Mirrors with concealed LED lights help accentuate the arches. A black marble and marble tile bar with a semi-circular end help define the space, while oversized, thirty-six-inch-high light fixtures align with each arch.

The speakeasy design is a far departure from the norm and the drycleaners you enter through. The result is a sophisticated space, if you know you know. Follow the butterfly, to something new.