The latest project from entertainment designer Charles Doell of Mister Important Design opened last month at art fair ArtPadSF, and is as amazing as its sign proclaims. Chambers, a restaurant and lounge, is attached to the legendary Phoenix hotel, host of ArtPad and a rest stop for touring bands with a provenance for rock star fun. I took a little tour to showcase the details that make this a standout design.

Housed in the former restaurant space of Bambuddha Lounge, owners Sean and Isabel Manchester set out to remix the previously stark design with the help of Mr. Important. Chambers was given an illuminated warmth, coated in a floor to ceiling wood treatment, and completed with a touch of personal coziness. Phoenix hotel's reputation for providing a touring musician's home away from home (with free tour bus parking, electrical RV hookup, and a pool for partying around) turned Chambers into a hangout den. The lifestyle is called out in heavy tapestry, tooled leather upholstery and an open record collection for guests to peruse through. Warm walnut panelling in the bar room and a fireplace in the dining room provide the backdrop for mid-century furniture and reclaimed pieces, like the old watchmaker's desk used as the hostess counter and the walnut top on the communal table. The outdoor area also went through a transformation with a fountain design from the Bay Area's own Concreteworks and furniture from Lebello. Read more...