Design Focus: Somewhere By Nico

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After taking Glasgow by storm, Somewhere by Nico has opened in Edinburgh’s West End. The innovative cocktail experience, which blends storytelling, multi-sensory mixology and experience, transforms guests into adventurers, where mixologists become the narrator through enhanced narratives in every drink.

85F25E90-B385-427C-AFC3-D0E8C613AF4ESix Company Chief Executive and founder Nico Simeone said, “We really wanted to raise the bar for ourselves. People are looking for more than just a drink; they want an experience. The Edinburgh site is just what we hoped for. It has an exclusive members’ club feel but is open to all, complementing the city and tourists who visit it year after year.”

The design concept, carefully crafted by Studio Two interior design, is based on the cycles of sleep, creating a tranquil backdrop that allows the guest to dream and to be transported into another realm. Upon arrival a sense of cocooning is formed with parallel floor and ceiling details that offer comfort and relaxation.

Part of the ceiling is shrouded in fabric, which has been gathered and hung from the roof, and gives the feel of clouds above you. This has been lit by spotlights to give a sense of movement. Curved accents and arches are used throughout from the walls to the orange bucket style chairs, the booth tables and banquettes which are upholstered in a rich pattered fabric.

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The wave pattern in this fabric has a calming influence and almost reminds me of looking at a chart of a sleep cycle. All the seating styles are soft and comforting and sit seamlessly alongside marble topped trimmed tables. My personal favourite was the rich purple tub chairs with textured upholstery that stretches right to the ground.

There is certainly a real 1940s inspiration here and a nod to Mid-Century modernism through the patterns, high quality materials used and the bold colours. Lauren Milner, Co- Founder of Studio Two, told DRAM, “This is second site Studio Two have now developed for the new concept Somewhere By Nico and we wanted to again push the boundaries with the design. We have created bespoke fabrics, wallcoverings 00F0FA96-6181-40B7-919C-D59E37476AF6and light fittings to aid the design concept and form an exclusively unique environment. Working with such a creative client that pushes boundaries in the sector meant we also want to push boundaries and push our supply chain to create new and exciting features that ultimately tie into the design narrative we created. We are excited to see guests fill the space and embark the unique immersive experience.”

An orange, pale olive green and purple colour scheme creates a rich, surprising palette. Reflective metallic elements are used throughout to transform the space with reflection and light. They have also used texture to its full potential on the copper wall inserts, the seating fabric, the table tops and the venetian plaster on the walls, which adds to the subtle movement and pattern.

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Floral artwork in giant gold oval frames emerge from the wall, playing on illusion and dimensions and adding to the overall sense of ‘ whimsical’ with a nod to the local landscape. Giant faux flowers are also cleverly used to create a 3D effect and give an almost hallucinogenic feel in keeping with the theme. The bar in Somewhere By Nico becomes the theatrical platform, with metallic finishes and softened circular elements.

3DA2F4E5-D793-484B-A358-05A12E21E402The slatted metal bar frontage gives way to a marble top which matches the smaller tables. Overhead the dark copper textured roof and gold gantry completes the fantasy with a large round mirror at the rear which almost looks like an eye watching over the venue. The space boasts large sculptural lighting elements that have been hand crafted and are bespoke to the site.

Lauren adds, “We were blessed with some extremely high ceiling heights within the space which allowed us to really experiment with light features and depth. In keeping with the concept, we created a moulded brass fitting with Northern Lights, forming organic shapes and fluidity.”

Opulence is everywhere you look, and the space is certainly very special. Where the venue is similar to its Glasgow sister in parts, there is also something different about the design. The introduction of deeper tones in the colour palette adds a darker and slightly moodier feel, perhaps suggesting evolution and the second stage of the sleep cycle. Maybe we will see this pattern develop as Somewhere By Nico’s brand is rolled out across the UK. With the success of the first two, I’m sure we won’t have to wait long to find out.

Category: Design, Features, News, Restaurant
Tags: Lauren Milner, Nico Simeone, Somewhere by Nico, Studio Two