Perkins+Will/Eva Munge Leung Design Associates

Sheila Kim-Jamet -- Interior Design, 5/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Munge Leung Design Associates has outdone itself by updating the 2,000-square-foot Toronto nightclub the Orange Room, which the firm previously designed seven years ago. Before its renovation, the elevated pink and black canopied lounge was a storage room. The designers also added a flower-pattern mural and a tunnel bearing fuchsia and black stripes painted on chrome-clad MDF. Romantics will love the antique brass chandelier above the DJ booth. Managing partner Alessandro Munge walks us through these whimsical details.

Was this an overhaul or a facelift?

AM: We needed to reiterate the language of the previous space by adding layers of subtle details, color contrasts, custom artwork, and furniture—bring it a seductive flavor that wouldn't lose its appeal or fade with trends.

What inspired the stripes?

AM: Pinstripe patterns have always been a fashion-forward idea. We've just adopted them for interiors. That gave us the opportunity to interplay colors and textures.

Were you afraid of colors clashing?

AM: It was challenging to balance the use of pink so it would contribute a strong energy and vibe but not overpower other elements and details such as the murals, glass tiles, and fabric. In the same way, we had to avoid letting black surfaces drown out the energy of the room.

How did you rein in the impact?

AM: We chose a watermelon pink for the custom chandelier that was electrifying, but not too bold. The brighter iridescent pink was introduced in striped patterns at the entrance tunnel and seating lounge to give a dispersed flash of color. Black chrome laminate surfaces add gloss and glamour without dulling the effect.

In such an adventurous design, does anything represent new territory for you?

AM: The hand-painted murals. They manifest an underlying spirit of the establishment and add personality on an emotional level. This makes it warm, complete, and alive.

What's your most innovative use of materials here?

AM: The metal and steel used to form the canopy, which defines the lounge. Some of the metal was salvaged from the previous space.

From top: A centerpiece of the lounge is a mural by Moss and Lam. From a seat inside the metal canopy, its surface is painted pink; outside the finish is black. Mosaics clad the bar, repeating a stripe motif.