Nick Bowers 8/9/21 Nick Bowers 8/9/21

What is Bespoke?

Bespoke Interior Design – a topic that can fill entire books, and the approach behind every blocHaus project. But it can also be an elusive concept and something that’s difficult to fully define. There are always a few questions that go with the idea of bespoke design: What is bespoke? What does it mean for a space to be bespoke? And what does it take to create bespoke spaces?

On the surface, bespoke is typically used as a synonym for customized. Customization may be part of the process, but there’s more to creating bespoke spaces than just adapting existing items or ideas for the task at hand.

So what does it mean for design to be bespoke rather than simply custom?

Fully-custom wall lights at Apogee, a bar and lounge in Chicago | design by blocHaus

blocHaus-designed ceiling-mounted light fixtures above the lounge seating at Apogee | design by blocHaus

Bespoke interior design is tailor-made and individual to each client - no two projects are alike! This starts with a strong story or concept focused on the identity of the client and their brand. From there, unique ideas and concept-specific details are used to create individualized design solutions.

Unique oyster-inspired gilded artwork was used as a focal point at Dixie & 1952 1/2 Liquorette | design by blocHaus

Individually-curated art groupings created a unique experience for each seating alcove at Dixie & 1952 1/2 Liquorette | design by blocHaus

Lighting solutions were tailored to each specific area at Dixie & 1952 1/2 Liquorette | design by blocHaus

This is the approach we take for every project at blocHaus – we tailor each project to our client, creating designs specific to their individual needs and brand vision. This is done throughout the design process, starting from the initial concept and planning. We then carry these personalized design solutions into to fully-custom fixtures, furnishings, and details.

We love knowing that our projects are as unique as our clients and their brands - having the opportunity to create bespoke interior design inspires us, and it allows us to push our creative boundaries on every project!

Inspired by sea life, fully-custom wall art pieces enhance the nautical concept at Portsmith in Chicago | design by blocHaus

Telling the story of the sea, the unique shape of Portsmith’s bar was designed as an abstract interpretation of a whale | design by blocHaus

How does bespoke design inspire you?

Nick Bowers 3/9/21 Nick Bowers 3/9/21

LAB | Custom Furniture

It may sound obvious, but we love working with clients to find the best solutions for their project! Sourcing materials, furnishings, and fixtures can be a challenge for unique spaces, but finding the right option is what makes these spaces both beautiful and functional to meet our clients’ needs. But sometimes, there are challenges that don’t have a ready-made solution for us to provide. At blocHaus Lab, we see that as an opportunity to create bespoke solutions that are tailored perfectly to the task at hand! We often do this through custom furniture pieces, either by modifying an existing product or by designing an original piece to meet the client’s needs.

At our Sparrow Coffee project in Naperville, we did both! blocHaus worked with a furniture manufacturer to modify an existing bar stool design, and we partnered with a local millworker to produce fully-custom communal tables. See below for an insider look at the process behind these custom furniture items!

CUSTOM STOOLS

CUSTOM TABLES

Nick Bowers 1/12/21 Nick Bowers 1/12/21

LAB | Custom Seating

At blocHaus LAB, we strive to find innovative and creative solutions to meet the needs of the space. We love a challenge when crafting a new design, and the booths for The Kennison in Chicago were one of our favorites! Take a look below for an inside peek at the inspirations and process behind this custom seating.

Creative concepts lead to unique custom solutions - the inspiration for The Kennison focused on a nostalgic American revival

Combining straight and curved lines creates balance, and the mix of textures and colors in the upholstery adds interest to the seats. We also love the elegant mix of warm woods, brass details, and stone tops at the perimeter. The final result was a unique and beautiful solution to the space’s seating needs!