Originally, this project was created for a work presentation, but I loved it so much I just had to share!! Dunn Edwards color of the year (2018) was The Green Hour and it pulled inspiration from France's bar scene in the mid-1800s during that 5pm hour, which became known as "The Green Hour" because of how much absinthe was consumed.
Absinthe has a green color to it and was favored by all types of social classes because of it's sweet taste and alcoholic effects. Many have said this alcoholic beverage has hallucinogenic properties giving the consumer vibrant visions and transporting them to an alternate world.
Here's an advertisement back from that time period illustrating the effects of absinthe. It's bright, colorful, and really has that attention-grabbing design to help spark people's interest. There's even a cheeky little warning at the bottom, "TONIGHT'S FOLLY IS TOMORROW'S REGRET." I thought that really gave a good sense of how this drink can really take you to another level.
Even though absinthe is an alcoholic drink and a bar seems to be the most logical design solution when using it as inspiration, but I wanted to flip the norm upside down and show how you can use all types of different inspirations to influence various aspects of your life. This is why I decided on a fitness boutique that captures the atmosphere of "The Green Hour" creating a unique and memorable experience for participants and visitors. The color is really the main source of inspiration, drawing from it's cool-toned nature and representation of growth and renewal, which I thought was the perfect vibe and messaging for a fitness center. Then I took inspiration from that time period and pumped up the glamour, focusing on fitness classes that played into that dynamic. The posters below helped drive my concept and also had a role in selecting the color scheme for the boutique.
Some are bold and vibrant, while others are more muted. However, I think each one captures something special about this time period when "The Green Hour" was at its peek. With color in mind, let's move on to the scheme of the boutique.
THE COLOR SCHEME
Entirely based around The Green Hour (DET 544), these colors were chosen to help evoke energy without feeling overwhelming or too vibrant. Mystery and wonder are the foundation of this scheme, while the neutral white and khaki introduce a balance between tranquility and tradition. Leaving the punch of yellow to act as an accent and put a smile on the guest's faces.
I'm smitten for that splash of yellow, I think it spices up the scheme and helps transition those more muted tones from nightclub to fitness club. Now, let's get into more of the branding and design elements...
The design/brand statement:
Absinthe, a swanky new fitness boutique, has just opened in Downtown Riverside! The design and overall vibe are inspired by Dunn Edwards 2018 Color of the Year, The Green Hour, as well as the shifting population towards the millennial generation in Riverside. This fitness hotspot embraces a sense of mystery while celebrating the creativity from turn-of-the-century Paris when 5 o'clock became known as "The Green Hour", or l'huere verte in French, because cafes and bistros were over-flowing with guests and the popularity of the drink absinthe began to rise. So, come immerse yourself in the unique Absinthe atmosphere by visiting the cafe for numerous absinthe inspired bites and drinks, the boutique to pick up some fashionable fitness wear, the gym for an energized workout, or come join in on one of the many classes offered: from Yoga to Zumba to Pole Dance Cardio. Absinthe introduces a glamorously new fitness experience!
The floor plan is simple and straight forward, creating the most functionality as possible, without straying from the design concept. Spend an afternoon with friends or make new ones...it's super easy! Start off with a group class or focus on some "me" time in the gym area, then finish off your visit with a quick sit in the sauna and maybe a quick bite to eat (with a beverage on the side of course) before heading out. The boutique even offers special and private events for those interested.
Man, this would be a dream to be able to work on a project like this! I think it'd be such a fun place to not only work out in, but also to hang out with friends or yourself. Some of my favorite parts about this project are the furniture and finish selections, so let's dive on in!!
This is where the concept and theme get to shine and help create the overall atmosphere of the boutique. When you're in the cafe, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time to Paris during the 1860s. Throughout the space, faux ostrich feathers will be scattered around to add just a touch of whimsy and glamour. Most of the finishes switch between gold and a brushed bronze for that antique look, yet they also give off a richness and feelings of luxury.
I had a great time creating this concept and project! Even though it was for work, I really envisioned what this space would be like and it only fueled my imagination that much more, helping me commit to those little details that truly bring the design to life. If it were up to me, these would be the types of projects I worked on regularly...helping to create unique spaces for different communities and cities to enjoy. To finish off this post, I will leave you with my final poster that I used to present this project at work.
