Pretty Ugly is a mysterious cocktail bar that plays off the nature of its own neighbourhood. Patrons enter the space through vintage carpets repurposed as curtains at the back of the restored rug shop. This element, coupled with the dim lighting that is consistent throughout the shop and main bar, creates the cozy, speakeasy vibe of the space.
The design nods to the historical context of the space by making use of the existing back bar wall which exposes the old wallpaper from its previous days. The bar is defined by a pronounced bulkhead with an amber fiber glass ceiling, allowing the light to filter through and create silhouettes of the eclectic bottles, highlighting their unique shapes and colours. The resulting design choices create a high functioning premium cocktail bar. Every inch of the bar and rug shop are maximized without feeling overcrowded and without losing the chill, sexy atmosphere.