The 'Bar Michele' is a customized bar inspired by a gymnasium balance beam. Designers David and Nicolas merge materials to give the bar a very unique aesthetic. They used leather and brass to make up the beam, topping it with various raised glass and marble ovals in order to create the modern table top. For such a unique piece, its look could actually fit quite well with other pieces since it draws from so many mediums.
Seating options range from mounting the beam and sitting straddled, to adding more modest benches or bar stools to bring comfort to the drinking experience. As the customized bar was inspired by gymnastic's respect for balance and equilibrium, those drinking at it may be careful to honor the same qualities, otherwise there could be many failed attempts at daring leaps and bounds.
Balance Beam Bars
This Customized Bar Tranforms an Old Gymnastic's Stomping Grounds
Trend Themes
1. Gymnastic-inspired Furniture - There is a growing trend of blending sports equipment aesthetics with home furniture to create unique and trendy pieces like the Bar Michele.
2. Mixed Materials Design - Designers are experimenting with blending of diverse materials such as leather, brass, glass and marble within a single product, opening possibilities for innovative and unique designs.
3. Multi-use Spaces - The Bar Michele is an example of how to reimagine unused sports equipment to create functional and stylish furniture that can be used in both residential and commercial spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Industry - Furniture companies can tap into the emerging trend of creating gymnastic-inspired furniture using sports equipment.
2. Interior Design Industry - Interior designers can experiment with mixed materials design and incorporate customized pieces like the Bar Michele to create unique, eye-catching spaces.
3. Hospitality Industry - Bars, restaurants and hotels can add pieces like the Bar Michele to their interiors to create multi-use spaces that serve as a conversation starter and aesthetic focal point.