Signature Details for Bars and Washrooms

I have a bit of a fixation on the parts of a room that others ignore. While everyone is focused on the sofa or the main lighting fixture, I am thinking about the transition between a guest room and a bathroom, or how a wall can hide an entire bar service area.

Designing the Hidden Bar

I am a self-proclaimed queen of hidden bars. Not everyone is comfortable displaying their full bottle collection, and that is completely fine. I love designing cabinetry that looks like a beautiful armoire or a feature wall from the outside, but opens to reveal a fully functional station. The trick is getting the technicals right: integrating marble counters that can extend, installing smart ventilation so the fridge does not overheat, and ensuring there is enough storage for stemware without making the unit feel bulky.

Washrooms as Statement Zones

Whether it is for a restaurant like Koko or a private residence in Kolkata, I treat the washroom as a primary design zone. We are moving away from boring utility spaces. I love using moody palettes, unexpected marble combinations, and custom chandeliers to create a distinct mood. In high-traffic hospitality spaces, this means planning for durability and clever lighting that makes a quick check-in feel like a luxury experience. In homes, it means creating a personal sanctuary where the fixtures act as art pieces, such as a sculptural pedestal sink or layered brass mirrors.

The Technical Reality

Good design is useless if it does not work. For these projects, I spend a massive amount of time on the drawing board coordinating with HVAC and plumbing contractors. Whether we are concealing ugly AC ducts behind custom ceiling features or ensuring your vanity drains are perfectly aligned with your marble layout, I sweat the small stuff so the final build looks effortless.