The Cork Opera House and EZ Living Interiors have completed the first phase of a collaboration which involves revamping the venue’s hospitality spaces.
To date, the Blue Angel Bar and Main Bar have been transformed to emanate a balance of plush comfort, bold design elements and functionality with the VIP suite, the Elbow Room, scheduled for similar treatment.
Gavin White, director of EZ Living Interiors explained that they were approached by Cork Opera House’s partnerships and development manager, Laura Noonan about sponsoring their Half Moon Place Café’s mini-concert series last summer.
They furnished the space with new chairs and bar stools, which led to a conversation about a possible revamp of the bars.
“We’re often contacted by different companies looking to collaborate with us but as a company founded and headquartered in Cork and with the necessary products, knowledge and interior design skills, we really wanted to do it. We’re so proud to have teamed up with this iconic Cork performing arts venue in our 35th year of trading,” said Mr White.
Responding to a brief by Cork Opera House CEO, Eibhlín Gleeson, to the EZ Living Interiors creative team, the bar areas have been reimagined in an up-to-date style with whimsy, subtle nods to the building’s mid-century modern design history.
Ms Gleeson explained the Opera House was “long overdue for an overhaul and needed proper investment”.
“People are delighted with it. It has elevated the building. The public feels it has ownership of the Opera House and they’re always delighted to see it being looked after. EZ Living has been great to work with,” said Ms Gleeson.
“They really got onboard with my ideas. They are of Cork and we are of Cork so it was a symbiotic relationship.”
EZ Living Interiors creative manager, Emma Murphy said they approached the project with the sole purpose of giving the Opera House bar areas an appearance that did the building justice.
“It’s an iconic part of Cork city’s landscape and holds a special place in so many people’s hearts. We knew it needed a top to bottom revamp with fun, comfort and style in mind, delighting people with beautiful furniture and making them feel comfortable”.
Ms Murphy and stylist Sarah Commane took the lead on the project, using a colour scheme made up of deep shades and warm hues, including dark green, saffron yellow, tan, and pink.
Design enthusiasts will also notice how the venue’s 1960’s build is referenced subtly by a contemporary application of mid-century modern classic furniture features and paint colours that were popular in the late 19th century.
