In 2018 my old boss opened a wine bar with his partner in downtown Taipei. Naturally, being designers ourselves, we wanted to create our on vision of what a wine bar should be like. I was fortunate enough to be selected to head the project, hence a three month whirl wind ride of transforming a space began.
The word D’N derives from the initials of the street the bar is located on, Dunhua Northroad in the downtown Taipei. It is one of the most beautiful roads in the city with it’s rows of trees that run the whole length of the road. The color pallette for D’N is comprised of warm tones and cozy texture that reminds people of wine cellars and a relaxing vibe that comes with drinking wine. The walls alternate between a matte dark grey and deep rich wooden tones that offers warmth to the whole space. Mirrors are positioned strategically to expand the overall space. Relaxing and cozy sofas of various shades of grey provide an enjoyable drinking experience. Lamps with warm lights dotted along the walls and tables creates a pleasent ambience and the whole space seem to sparkle when seen from outside.
As with all interior design projects, it takes a village to get the job done, and with a space this large, it took the combined efforts of an army of carpenters, metal works, electricians, and painters to realize this vision. The construction took a little over three months to complete, as the goal was to open on new year's eve. As I was the head designer for the project I oversaw every single detail of the process. From designing the bar and staircase that was to be the centerpiece of the space to deciding the right angles for out custom sofas, I basically lived in that space for three months, discussing various details with the masters that crafted our space.
After three months and the combined efforts of everyone in the crew, D'N wine & cellar offically opened on December 27 2018. The bar has since then become a place where people congregate to enjoy good food, great wine, and an even better atmosphere. Even from the far side of the street can one glimpse the glimmer of lights and revelry in the bar. The vaulted ceilings and large glass panels along the facade strikes a stark contrast to the tradition street side stores and restaurants of Dunhua north road. The vegetation that run from bottom to top of the pillars coincides with the trees that the street is so famous for. This project will forever hold a special place in my career.
Back