Located in a basement originally used for storage, Vin de Syrah has turned the wine bar concept upside down. Literally. Whether it’s the sprawling 75 year old wine vines with antique glass goblets magically suspended in mid-air, spinning “Magritte inspired” parasols or flashing LED lightning bugs captured inside dangling mason jars, this subterranean garden evokes a sense of playfulness, whimsy and fantasy. Inspired by movies like Mary Poppins, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Alice in Wonderland, Syrah’s lavish atmosphere ultimately became an exercise in ingenuity. Transforming unfavorable existing conditions (no natural sunlight, concrete floors, massive support columns in the center of the room and exposed electrical and plumbing) into something attractive and inviting was challenging, to say the least. Ultimately, unlike other establishments boasting 1-2 million dollar renovation budgets and prime street side locations, Syrah's design directive was driven by the craft, creativity and resourcefulness of its design crew. Simple, inventive solutions were essential. Inexpensive found objects such as used wine barrels were transformed into a grand chandelier; bird lamp finials served as purse hooks and throw rugs were sewn into plush lounge pillows for the central settee. Stacked clay pots from IKEA form the tasting table partitions, reclaimed barn wood planks clad the bar and a $75 wallpaper mural of a tree-lined grass path was framed and illuminated in the sitting room to give the effect of a picture window. Theatrical spotlights cast seductive shadows reminiscent of dappled moonlight, and high gloss paint combined with an abundance of mirrors provide a refractive, ethereal quality throughout. Illusory and somewhat deceptive, the mirrors amplify the rooms volume yet also provide guests with a fluid sense of connectivity to the entire space. From the Graffiti and wheat pasted entry with the hidden door made of artificial hedge, to the delicate moss and glittered butterflies found amongst the concrete grouted walls, guests experience an array of contrasting, yet complimentary materials and sensibilities. Artfully combined, these humble yet clever elements invite guests to enjoy a respite from the bustling chaos of the Gaslamp street side above. But what is most magical is that the 3,500 sq ft room was completed in under 10 weeks, by a construction crew primarily made up of less than 6 people and all for under $250,000.  Click here for a 360 tour!

Project Information

Project Address: 

901 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, 92101

Project Owner/ Developer: 

Cohn Restaurant Group

Owner Contact Name/ Email: 

David Cohn/david@cohnrestaurants.com

Project Architect/ Designer: 

Onairos Design/Michael Soriano

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