Stone Dream [Gentleman's Lounge] Introduction
This portfolio design was inspired by a cigar lounge/whiskey bar for a gay throuple. The room is aptly named Gentleman's Lounge (thank you Laura)! All my designs have a cool title. Why? Because it's fun and why not!
ABOUT THE THROUPLE
Anders is an architect
Brock is a blues musician
Carter is a chef
They purchased their dream house just outside of Montreal a few years ago, and yes it's stone- hence the name. All three travel for work but Brock the most. Their careers demand time and energy so when they're at home it's just for them.
Anders drew the renovation plans but they weren't sure how to pull together their individual wants, needs and desires for their BDSM playroom. So finding an interior decorator to work with that they trusted with this project and their lifestyle seemed daunting. And now they have me! I'm not sure which is scarier- the searching or the finding ;)
THEIR DESIRES FOR THE ROOM
~Carter loves feeding Anders and Brock by his hand
~They watch Brock play guitar and sing as foreplay and listen to his music during a scene
~Anders wants to include bondage and wax play into the function of the room
~All three love to read and have a collection of signed first editions they would like displayed
~They desire an erotic space that isn't overtly sexual on the rare occasion when friends and family visit
This information is what forms my design direction. So it's really important that clients feel seen, heard and understood without judgment. For them to trust me enough to be vulnerable and open to discussing sexual pleasure in the comfort and beauty of their home.
[Stone Dream] Design Vision
The dark and moody ambience of a gentleman's lounge that suggests hot guys, whiskey, and cigars hang out here. To enjoy quiet moments- fully present without distractions and knowing there's nowhere else to be. To have the undivided attention of their lover's gaze. To appreciate and cherish each other on a physical, mental and emotional level. A sacred space to kick back and relax in luxurious comfort where they can indulge in pleasure and play. Rich cognac, warm wood tones, deep navy, and gold finishes create the romantic atmosphere of the Gentleman's Lounge.
When clients hire an interior decorator there's a deeper meaning than the room just looking pretty. In this case: Nostalgia. They want this room as a reminder of where they met, became friends and eventually lovers.
A LUXURY HOTEL GRAND OPENING IS WHERE THEIR LOVE STORY BEGAN
Carter was the Michelin Star chef, Brock’s band was playing and Anders was the architect on the project. With the after party moving into the hotel bar they were the last ones to leave. All three enjoyed their conversation over drinks and felt an instant connection.
Textures, colours and images that convey romantic feelings and illustrating their kinks and desires to fulfill their fantasies.. The positive visceral reaction clients have when looking at the mood board- does it give them excited tingles or body shivers? Seeing that I got them means everything to me! However be aware of your thoughts as our minds can talk us out of something so quick we don't even realize it happened. If you're like “Fuck Yes” that is exactly what I wanted and then negative thoughts sneak in, don't talk yourself out of what you want!
And you thought it was just a mood board with pretty pictures, lol.
The uncertainty and emotional risk of being open and willing to share your wants, needs, and desires with others often brings feelings of anxiety. The fear of rejection, shame, or judgment when being vulnerable is common.
I know you don't want cookie-cutter and you don't want what everyone else has. Why? Because you aren't like everyone else AND you definitely aren't cookie-cutter. I am the badass interior decorator that tells you it’s okay to be afraid and to rock on with your bad self! Plus I don’t even bake and therefore don’t own any cookie cutters 💀
To create the space plan I take into consideration how the space will be used by the throuple. Every detail, material, finish, lighting and all furnishings are selected based on the space plan…so it’s kinda important.
BECAUSE NO CLIENT, LOVE STORY OR DESIRES ARE THE SAME THERE IS RESEARCH INVOLVED WITH EVERY PROJECT
I'm not a cigar aficionado or drinker of fine liquor so off I went to travel the yellow brick road of discovery. To a magical land I knew nothing about. The pretty part is easy…any room can be decorated pretty. To have a room or home that's one-of-a-kind and lovingly crafted for you, there’s so much more involved. These are just a few of the questions I asked myself before starting my research:
How will Anders, Brock, and Carter move through the room?
The L-shaped room is large. How will I create zones for the space to feel intimate?
Where will Anders wax play supplies and bondage equipment be stored?
Where will Brock store and display his guitars?
How will the space appeal to their senses?
Where and how will the cigars be stored and enjoyed?
Where will food and drinks be prepared, placed, shared and consumed?
How does the room not get too smoky?
Will they have a bartender serving drinks or caterers preparing food?
How will the signed first editions be on display but kept safe?
How will they listen to Brock’s music and where will the sound equipment be stored?
Is the furniture strong enough for bondage play and easy to clean?
How tall are they?
How will my space plan give them a sense of nostalgia where they met at the hotel grand opening?
As layered and low lighting will be integral to this design where should they be placed and how many sources should I include?
RESEARCH, RESEARCH AND MORE RESEARCH
There are many blogs, websites, and companies dedicated to this type of environment. Advice, topics, and discussions from venting the room to the specialty appliances required were among the many amazing resources I found for this design to be successful. This part of the process can take up to two weeks or longer depending on how large the project is- a very important step that isn't to be taken lightly!
HOW I INCORPORATED THEIR MUST-HAVES FOR AN EROTIC SPACE
I’m thinking these lines are lookin’ pretty sexy ;) Oh and those curves! Carter’s must-have was an area to feed Anders and Brock by his hand- I didn't include a kitchen in the space plan because the visual would trigger Carter into a work headspace instead of allowing him to be in the moment and be present. It’s just as important as what goes into a room as what doesn’t. The meals or snacks will be prepared either by Carter or a catering team just outside the room in the main kitchen and brought into the Gentleman’s Lounge in beautiful serving trays and dishes.
They listen to Brock's music during a scene so a kickass sound system was a must. Since the system is large a closet was included outside the room to house the electronic components keeping all the wires and flashing lights out of eyesight. His guitars were given a place of honour beside the fireplace inside the custom millwork. It's a big turn on for Anders and Carter to watch him play and sing, so it was important to keep the guitars close by. Plus, boys love a musician!
Anders' request was an area for bondage and wax play which can be all three zones but I did include a sneaky custom-made coffee table that also doubles as a bondage table with hidden restraints and locked cabinetry to store his gear and candles.. Multi-purpose furniture is where it's at ;) When tying a well muscled man to a coffee table it needs to be sturdy!!!
With their full schedules and desire for a sacred space to kick back, relax, and make love in luxurious comfort Anders, Brock, and Carter knew they needed the help of a professional, but were afraid an interior decorator wouldn’t "get them" individually or as a throuple.
TELLING THEIR LOVE STORY IN VISUAL FORM
Now that the space plan is complete comes the extra fun stuff…sourcing the materials, furnishings and finishes. They have shared with me very personal elements of their lives. It’s an honour that I’m so thankful for and there are no words to describe how fucking awesome that is! What I design for them will last much longer than the time I spend with them. Knowing they will share their lives, joy and pleasure in the lounge I created for them makes my heart happy!
THEIR REASON FOR WANTING THIS SPACE BECOMES MY WHY
To me it’s not just a room with some furniture and light fixtures that looks good.
~It’s where they get to be themselves with the ones they love
~It’s where they feel like they can breathe, to fully be in the moment and present
~It’s the sofas they will sink into and cuddle after traveling and being apart from each other for weeks
~It’s the chairs and area rug where Carter will kneel at their feet to feed them by his hand looking into their eyes with love and gratitude
~It’s where Brock comfortably sits on the edge of the bar stool holding his acoustic guitar performing a sold-out show for his biggest fans while they sip a fine whiskey and smoke a cigar getting so turned on
~It’s the low lighting that casts mystery and intrigue highlighting and shadowing Anders wearing a navy vest, suit pants, and white dress shirt- cuffs rolled up (of course) slowly walking over to the dressers with his hand in his pocket pulling out the key to unlock the custom dressers that store his rope and candles
~They will enter this sacred space feeling a sense of calm wash over them…the anticipation of a scene and then the endorphins kicking in
Have you ever put this much thought into a room? Well I do, all the time!!!
STONE DREAM ELEVATIONS & CEILING DETAIL
***Side Note: I would never share client names or details, this is an example of my process. A very thorough one, lol. But an example nonetheless***
Stone Dream [Gentleman's Lounge]- The Room Reveal
Welcome to the Gentleman’s Lounge, a whiskey bar/cigar lounge designed for pleasure and play!
Remember their wants, needs and desires from above- well this is where the magic happens. The details that blow clients away. It's the little things that make the design special and unique. The surprises they weren't expecting and are so thankful I added them.
Custom bookcases with glass doors surround the monogrammed fireplace displaying their collection of beloved signed first editions with under counter built-in humidors for proper cigar storage and warming drawers for towels and robes to wrap around each other after a scene. The ultimate creature comforts for this throuple. The sofas are a cozy spot for them to cuddle up or for aftercare. Velvet lined boxes display Brocks guitars for their visual and listening pleasure. Multiple surfaces to place whiskey glasses and cigar ashtrays was really important. Fireplaces are super romantic so of course I had to include one!!!
A secondary seating area was created to socialize- featuring four chairs, two locked dressers that will store Anders wax play supplies and bondage gear. The candles and mirrors help to reflect light and allow Brock and Carter to view Anders from multiple angles while he gathers his materials building the suspense. The antler side tables are a fun nod to the rustic Montreal wilderness. Cozy blankets and pillows were also included for Brock and Carter to kneel on because comfort is priority number one. My love of wallpaper is strong and I can't get enough of this grasscloth wallpaper!!!
And that bar…OMG! Enjoying a drink while locking eyes with a hot guy from across the room, yes please!!! I don’t even drink or like bars but I would totally enjoy this one. Then moving over for a more intimate discussion in one of the seating areas is what sexy dreams are made of.
Lighting is one of my favourite design elements to source and this room doesn't disappoint! Layered lighting tells a story by setting the mood. Each zone was carefully considered for ambient, task and accent lighting. It's best to have more than you think you'll need and have them installed on multiple switches all with dimmers. The star of the show though is the gorgeous chandelier over the bar- the jewelry of this room with high-gloss metal chains.
Things you can't see: For these cigar enthusiasts it was also a concern that smoke doesn't escape into other areas of the home from the new addition. An advanced ventilation solution consisting of a commercial HEPA air purifier and ERV unit will be installed to properly vent the room. There are no heating vents in this space for the smoke to travel to other areas of the home as the concrete floor will have in-floor heat. The interior entrance doors are specified to be exterior doors and installed and sealed as such.
Even though the stone house is on a large property with a gate and security I still considered privacy as sometimes it is more for our comfort level then the chances of anyone actually looking in. For window treatments blinds or curtains are the usual go to...but of course since I'm involved it isn't that easy, lol. To reduce fabrics, having to clean blinds, and keeping the beautiful scenery and window details visible I went CrAzY and selected smart glass windows. With the touch of a button the glass goes from transparent to opaque. WHAT??? I know right, how cool!
It's All In The Details
This addition is a great example of why you would hire WWD before finalizing any new construction or renovation plans. Design selections made pre-construction allows us to include the ERV unit/HEPA air purifier, in-floor heat, smart glass window technology and towel warming drawers. It's all in the details is a saying often associated with the interior design industry and it's very true. These features are not something they would have thought of but totally change the whole design and function of the space! This is why you hire a professional.
I hope you have enjoyed the Gentleman's Lounge and that it has inspired you to have your own pleasure den where you can explore and satisfy you're deepest desires with your love muffin.
You're Confident In Your Sex Life, Now Be Confident In Your Home!
If only there was a decorator out there that specializes in intimate interiors for badass couples that also happens to be awesome 🖤 Working with me allows you to express yourself and your relationship in new and exciting ways you’ve always wanted to or didn’t know you could! Fill out the contact form to schedule a complimentary 60-minute discovery call to see if White Wave Design is the right fit for your room redesign, renovation, or new construction project! My work ranges from vanilla relationships to kink and BDSM lifestyles.
Embrace the wonderful weirdness that is you 💀
Lots of Love,
Jenny
Principal Creative Genius & Badass Decorator