Part of a total hotel renovation, the Blue Room bar at W Austin draws from the city’s music culture. The objective was to create a modern take on a jazz/blues era speakeasy using rich color and rhythmic form for a moody and intimate atmosphere. The overall design was inspired by the interior structure of a piano, with subtle nods to other musical instruments throughout the space. Polished black marble with honed granite floors mimic piano keys, with the pattern repeating on the ceiling to unify the space. The ceiling is dark blue lacquer with sapele insets, a wood commonly used in musical instruments. The back bar is modeled after the keys of a trumpet, with edge lit shelves to display liquor. The round brass sconces were designed to resemble speakers and padded blue velvet walls make the space feel intimate and secret.