Le Fou -Cocktail Bar

Vienna 2025

Client: Alexander Schrack

Photos: eatbutterfirst

Le Fou was conceived as a spatial narrative rather than a conventional bar. The design does not follow trends or references literally; instead, it translates the attitude of Parisian nightlife into a contemporary Viennese context — subtle, sensual and deliberately layered. The interior is defined by mood, materiality and rhythm, not by decoration.

Spanning approximately 130 square metres, the space unfolds as a sequence of distinct yet interconnected rooms. Each area carries its own atmosphere, allowing guests to experience the venue differently depending on where they sit, move or pause. The design avoids uniformity in favour of contrast, while maintaining a coherent visual language throughout.

The main lounge forms the emotional core of the project. Warm rust and terracotta tones create a grounded, intimate backdrop, setting a calm yet expressive base. A custom floor mosaic, inspired by Parisian townhouses and historic salons, anchors the space architecturally and introduces a sense of permanence. Rather than functioning as ornament, it acts as a structural element that visually organises the room.

Materiality is central to the identity of Le Fou. Silk, mohair velvet, natural stone and patinated metal surfaces were selected for their tactile qualities and their ability to age gracefully. The interior was intentionally designed to develop character over time — fabrics soften, metals patinate, and surfaces gain depth. Luxury here is defined by substance and longevity rather than polish.

All furniture elements were custom-designed for the project. Seating, tables and bar components were developed to precisely balance comfort, proportion and spatial flow. The layouts encourage both social interaction and retreat, allowing the bar to shift naturally between lively and intimate moments throughout the evening.

A deliberate contrast is introduced through the golden lounge and the private leopard-print sépareé. These spaces embrace a more expressive and theatrical language, playing with opulence and irony. Gold finishes interact with low, warm lighting, while bold textiles create a cocooned, almost cinematic atmosphere. These rooms function as intimate enclaves — spaces for conversation, privacy and a sense of escapism — adding a layer of unpredictability to the overall composition.

Lighting plays a key role in shaping the experience of the interior. Rather than providing uniform illumination, the lighting concept is deliberately restrained and directional. Low light levels, shadowed corners and warm colour temperatures enhance depth and create a sense of temporal change. As the evening progresses, the atmosphere subtly shifts, reinforcing the bar’s dynamic character.

Above the main bar area, an additional event space extends the spatial concept. Designed to be more open and restrained, it offers flexibility for private events, brand collaborations and presentations. A dedicated cocktail bar and terrace complete the level, while the interior language remains calm and architectural, allowing the space to adapt without losing its identity.

Le Fou is not designed to be immediately understood. It reveals itself gradually — through texture, light, proportion and contrast. Paris is present not as a direct reference, but as a sensibility: effortless, confident and slightly irreverent. The result is an interior that feels composed yet alive, curated yet instinctive — a space defined as much by what it suggests as by what it shows.

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