Bar Julius by SJB
Set on the border of Surry Hills and Redfern, the new Wunderlich Lane precinct is designed to bring a cosmopolitan community character to this corner of Sydney’s inner suburbs, with The EVE Hotel at its heart.
Though it is sited within the hotel, Bar Julius figuratively straddles the divide between hotel and street, intended to serve guests and act as a cosy ‘regular’ for the neighbourhood. Visually, “its design language is independent of the hotel and precinct, thereby presenting a unique offering,” says Victoria Judge, co-lead of SJB’s Sydney interiors team.
One enters through the hotel lobby, a bright white ‘transition space’, like a calming beat between street and bar. From here, Bar Julius announces itself as a distinct design personality, right from the venue entrance, which features an elegant arch set in a wall clad in glazed, earthy-red textured tiles. “Oversized faience door handles give an important touch point, bringing material richness and the quirkiness of this historic building material,” says Judge. The effect is of warmth, luxury and the promise of classic design, spiked with a touch of the unexpected.
‘Classic’ is perhaps the primary adjective to capture Bar Julius’s essence. Inspired by the comfort and quality of European bistros and lobby bars – one can almost taste the kir on entry – the space is defined by a traditional mix of rich red-browns, courtesy of Australian jarrah and ironbark. “Fundamentally, the design’s materials and language are referential; timber veneer joinery walls and parquetry flooring, cosy banquette seating and timber tables combine with intimate lighting to bring a classic, familiar bistro aesthetic,” says Judge.
The comfort of the familiar is liberally flavoured with the zest of the new, most strikingly in the vaulted ceiling, which is printed with an uplifting mural: Still Life by local artist and Dinosaur Designs co-founder Louise Olsen. “The design called for a statement piece, something bright, colourful and full of energy,” explains SJB director Adam Haddow. “Together, we worked on how the artwork would be displayed, landing on a dramatic ceiling installation for a bold and encapsulating effect. It was important to us that we embedded Australian art within the bar.”
Further invigorating elements appear, from the subtle effects of lighting and patterns to more overtly eye-catching details, like the blue accents that recur throughout, including the muted trims at the edges of the wall panelling and turquoise bathrooms, which are personality packed enough to earn a ‘must visit’ tag. “Small and compact, they are turquoise colour- blocked, providing interest without superfluous complexity,” says Judge. “Textured, glossy wall tiles, turquoise ceilings and the faience basins elevate the experiential nature of these spaces.”
Bar Julius is a contemporary-meets-classic feast for the eyes.
The venue is designed to cater for all-day dining, from coffee to cocktails. But menu aside, Bar Julius is a contemporary-meets-classic feast for the eyes, merging the spirit of a European bistro with a subversive twist of modern antipodean style.
Architecture and interior design by SJB.
