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?
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!
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?
LAB | Custom Furniture
Sparrow Coffee | design by blocHaus
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
Sustainability | Interior Greenery
Image | PressRender
Sustainability has long been an important topic within the design industry and its significance continues to grow as part of the larger topic of wellbeing. This can be seen in the popularity of biophilic design, which incorporates nature into the built environment, creating restorative and connective spaces. There are many ways to incorporate concepts of sustainability and biophilic design into interiors. This includes using natural light, views of nature, natural textures, and of course, adding plants into a space!
Interior gardens and greenery have many health and wellness benefits! Live plants release additional oxygen, naturally purify the air, help reduce stress levels, and can brighten up a space. Take a look below to see some of our favorite ways to use greenery in interior design!
LIVING STRUCTURES + SUSPENDED GREENERY
Integrating plants into architectural wall structures or shelves adds a new texture and color to vertical design elements. Suspending greenery overhead adds drama, creating an unexpected but beautiful focal point!
LIVE WALLS
Live walls are one of the most popular ways to turn interior spaces into living gardens! And design options for green walls are virtually endless - the ability to mix plant types, create interesting patterns, and install plants in unique shapes makes this one of the most versatile ways to add greenery to an indoor space!
BRIGHT + COLORFUL INTERIOR GREENERY
Interior gardens can also set the tone for a space. As a natural and organic element, adding indoor plants is one of the easiest ways to make a space feel bright, vibrant, and colorful!
DARK + MOODY INTERIOR GARDENS
Interior greenery is also versatile - it’s not only able to make spaces brighter or more colorful, but can also fit perfectly with a dark and moody atmosphere. Adding plants can add depth and ambiance, making a space feel cozy, intimate, and intriguing.
What are some of your favorite ways to use greenery indoors?
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
![03[1].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eac62f289a3bf4e15a3e27c/1610060245126-ONDRUL91WDZTP1HL7R51/03%5B1%5D.jpg)
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!
LAB | Custom Branding
At blocHaus LAB, we work closely with clients to develop meaningful concepts for their projects. This often goes beyond the interiors and extends into creating unique and customized brands - here’s an insider look at part of the branding process for Sparrow Coffee:
We collaborated with our clients to design the Sparrow Coffee logo and signage
Beyond creating the logo, we also designed their cups and product packaging to perfectly coordinate with the rest of the branding and interior design!
As part of both the design work and branding process, we created custom brass art pieces to reflect the business’ name and brand - the final result is a beautiful sparrow feature wall!
What Metal is Right for You?
Brass may seem like an obvious trend since we are seeing it everywhere; hotels, restaurants, homes, retail… but brass isn’t a new thing. Just because it is “in” now, doesn’t mean that it’s going out. Brass is the new normal in metal finishes. It used to be hard to find modern hardware and finishes in a timeless brass finish, but now its a standard you can find in plumbing fixtures, cabinetry hardware, door hardware, millwork, etc.
To guide you towards the finish thats best for your project, please see our breakdown below!
@apogeelounge design by blocHaus
BRASS
Pros: Adds warmth, feels classy and sophisticated. Comes in several finishes. Easily mixed with other materials. Looks like gold, but its less costly. Strong and resistant to corrosion. Very malleable - ideal for casting
Cons: Can patina with age.
Design by Crosby Studios
COPPER
Pros: Adds warmth, and element of playfulness. Strong and resistant to heat. Malleable.
Cons: Will patina with age and can be perceptible to corrosion. Challenging to mix with other materials.
Design by Shea McGee Designs
NICKEL
Pros: Comes in a polished and satin finish. Adds a transitional aesthetic. Warmer than polished chrome. Classic, doesn’t go out of style.
Cons: More expensive than chrome and stainless steel. Requires periodic maintenance.
@sparrowcoffee design by blocHaus
BLACK
Pros: Contemporary, matches everything. Adds contrast to millwork and doors.
Cons: Can be cold, dark. Depending on the material, the finish can be scratched off if not used correctly.
BENJAMIN MOORE 2021 COLOR OF THE YEAR
BM Aegean Teal 2136-40 (top left)
Benjamin Moore announced their color of the year and it is Aegean Teal 2136-40. It is a really beautiful muted teal with just a hint of green. Instead of telling you to use it, I am going to let these inspiration boards do the talking!
LAB | Custom Lighting
It all begins with an idea.
At blochaus LAB, we are dedicated to the research, collaboration, and
innovation within our industry. We wanted to give you an insider look at what goes behind some of the pieces we design! Take a look at the process of designing this light fixture for Half Nelson.
