There’s no question that you’re in the right place at Suite 115, a hidden cocktail bar in Toronto, Ontario. Defined by its moody glow, Atelier Sun designed the space with intimacy and traditional bar culture in mind.

“We wanted to find the sweet spot between mystery and warmth,” said Andrew Sun, Principal. “It’s a space that ignites people’s curiosity.”

The bar is fronted by a lounge that faces the street. At dusk, a vibrant red glow spills out from the lounge, signalling that the bar is open. This space appears to have captured the afterglow of sunset, reflecting the streetscape back in rich orange and red hues via a large, gradient mirror. Patrons can see their own reflection combined with the hazy warmth of the city, and are granted access to the bar through a hidden door.

Inside, the bar glows. Golden light emits from a slim, linear pendant spanning the length of the room, illuminating the bar counters below. Red shelving extends across the length of the rear wall, providing a rich backdrop for spirits, while a thin linear light cuts through the walls and ceiling to divide the space in two.

The client’s goal was to bring back traditional bar culture to Toronto, and initially envisioned a flush top bar counter spanning the entire length of the space. To create a functional flow, the firm decided on two identical bar tops, with a central dividing line to create a mirror-like illusion that emphasizes twin bar stations. Guests' reflections, captured in the mirror in the lounge and mirror-like illusion setup within the bar, create a feeling of connection to their surroundings and invoke a sense of whimsy.

Through design, Atelier Sun has crafted its own perfect cocktail: a sensory experience where mystery meets warmth and hospitality.