Then there’s steel, a frequent feature of our interior design. Burnished, high-shine steel has just as much impact as metal with a slight rust or patina. Just be sure to sand down any sharp edges within arms reach. Glass adds a glossy, contemporary polish, while vintage glass—whether it be smoked, colored or our favorite, hand painted—lends a sense of time and place to any space. And for added depth, consider stone, concrete or exposed brick, another material that lends itself well to furniture and decor. The unfinished concrete floor of our tasting room is not low-maintenance, it grounds the space and contrasts beautifully with dark textiles and warm lighting. With any raw materials, don’t think of them as decoration you’re adding on, what you are doing is stripping things down to their honest essentials.

A sense of intrigue and discovery is another core tenet of our design philosophy. Historical and narrative elements like archival photographs, newspapers and other memorabilia create a link to the past that can juxtapose itself against more modern touches. Legible text can be powerful and poetic—just look at the label for our beloved Papillon—whether in the form of printed matter or even neon signage. For an easy, inexpensive option, try reworking discarded old books into a collage (you know we have).

Infuse the space with meaning and intentionality from adding personal touches from the surrounding area.

Photographs and souvenirs offer insight and personality, while locally sourced treasures like vintage signage and fixtures can introduce a sense of time and place. Use the element of surprise to your advantage to provide small thrills and an interactive component for your guests, we like to keep polaroids stocked with film at all times.

Lighting also plays a huge role in highlighting your curation, creating focal points and moody, dramatic effects. Experiment with exposed Edison bulbs, chrome-plated fixtures and mirrored surfaces to reflect other sources of light. Think of it as a way to frame the various objects that tell your story; if every surface is a picture frame, every object is the painting within. Use it to your advantage to highlight the lustrous, brooding hue of your favorite glass of red.

Most importantly, when you’re designing a space (or picking wine), do what you like. For us it’s never about how a space should look, it’s always about creating a space we’re excited to share. If you love it, chances are someone else will too.

For the finishing touch, don’t forget to put on our playlist a little too loud.