Creating Elevated Experiences: After Bar and Lounge
Hailed by the Chicago Eater as, “undeniably the biggest bar opening in Chicago” since the COVID-19 pandemic began, After was conceived as a sister lounge to the Michelin-star restaurant, Ever. After is more than your average cocktail bar. It’s intended to be an experience – a place where “guests can finally exhale” in a room that’s “as breathtaking as twilight.”
Collaborating on After allowed our team the opportunity to leverage our background in creating inviting office environments to develop an engaging experience for cocktail and food enthusiasts alike.
Corporate Concepts worked with Lawton Stanley Architects and 41 North Contractors to create a plan that offered open spaces for large groups and intimate seating for close conversation. Overall, the furniture solutions needed to accommodate the lounge’s flowing design that curves around the focus of the room – After’s striking bar.
The dream was for After to emanate elegance while still being inviting, allowing customers to feel comfortable while enjoying high-quality seating in a high-class environment.
To achieve this, Corporate Concepts started with 3form Hush Clad acoustic wall panels in a dusky blue. These act as sound absorbers to ensure customers can easily keep the conversation going without hindering other tables’ experiences.
Next, we looked to Knoll for a touch of opulence. Surrounding rounded, black matte tables, Knoll’s Saarinen Executive Armchairs offer a contrasting texture of soft suede in a swanky midnight blue. Saarinen Executive stools were added to the bar to match, and large booths were customized and outfitted with ink-colored Knoll Textile Topos chenille performance fabric.
Departing from these sleek chairs and stools, the fireplace lounge is outfitted with cozy swivel chairs in cognac-colored leather, which invite customers to sink in and put their feet up on custom-built tables featuring walnut and faux leather accents.
The result is a chic, sophisticated environment designed to bring people together for an elevated experience. Explore After bar and lounge below: