The Gold Room at Superstition
"We took a theatrical approach to the design, layering deco-inspired motifs, extravagant brass details, dramatic lighting and bold geometric patterns punctuated with sultry red textures. Capturing the spirit of that era without being kitschy was essential." -Rebekka Glass, Casa Metta
AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB) May 22, 2023
Casa Metta, a boutique interior design firm based in Austin, TX, recently completed the full renovation and design of Superstition, Austin’s first luxury nightclub and entertainment venue in the heart of the famed SoCo district. Hired by the investment group for the property, including local developer Chris Skyles and operating partners Charles Ferraro and Paolo Soriano of NoCo Hospitality, Casa Metta founder and interior designer, Rebekka Glass worked tirelessly alongside her design assistant to meet her client’s tight timeline–less than 10 months from start to finish. Together, the team transformed a 12,000 square-foot, 42 year-old building, which had been vacant for 15 years, into an upscale 1970’s-inspired nightlife venue with 3 uniquely designed spaces. Showing true dedication to the success of the project, Glass took a deep dive in researching the Seventies, drawing inspiration from movies, pop culture, fashion and interiors.
Casa Metta worked collaboratively with NoCo Hospitality to ensure the client’s vision came to life. During the initial design consultation, the client expressed a desire to have a distinct identity for 3 separate spaces within the club, each one inspired by a particular attribute of the Seventies. The main nightclub was to be defined by the extravagant, glam-rock spirit of the disco era with references to the legendary Studio 54. In contrast, the upstairs VIP lounge would reflect a warmer, groovier vibe inspired by record studios of the era with lots of wood, textured rugs and shelves for vinyl records. The third space, a cocktail lounge named “The Gold Room'' would have a more sophisticated mid-century vibe in a shotgun space with a golden color palette and a vinyl DJ booth.
With very limited time to design and document all 3 different spaces, Casa Metta also had to overcome the challenge of securing materials and furnishings quickly in the wake of COVID-related supply chain and production issues. The club officially opened its doors just in time for a big New Year’s Eve grand opening featuring the artist Justice, booked by the club’s artist management partner C3 Presents.
Creating a unique, elevated space was a priority. As Glass asserted, “We took a theatrical approach to the design, layering deco-inspired motifs, extravagant brass details, dramatic lighting and bold geometric patterns punctuated with sultry red textures. Capturing the spirit of that era without being kitschy was essential.”
MAIN NIGHTCLUB
From the moment a guest enters the main doors, the drama unfolds down the 50-foot long hallway of mirrored walls with 56 disco balls cascading from the 30-foot high ceiling overhead. Below their feet, the custom designed cube pattern tile energizes guests as they walk the trippy runway towards the dance floor.
Infused throughout the nightclub are motifs inspired by the iconic style of fashion rebel Ziggy Stardust (aka David Bowie). The black, white and red color palette with bold geometric patterns references the famous 1973 portrait of Bowie in the “Tokyo Pop” vinyl jumpsuit. His style also served as inspiration for the VIP stairs, the bold patterned tile feature wall and the custom rich red leather banquettes that line the perimeter of the dance floor. Drawing inspiration from the bar at the legendary Studio 54, the team installed a dramatic 50-foot custom brass bar with a similar tiered geometric shape. In their initial meeting, the client shared their sketch for the design of the oversized bar that would run the length of the room, playing into its size and framing the back bar with a series of arches, a shape that is closely associated with the era. The arch shape was a key element of the vision for the nightclub, a motif repeated throughout Superstition as part of the brand identity. Glass brought this sketch to life as she worked thoughtfully through all the details, including the integration of the lighting and finding a design solution for the glass shelves that allows them to expand almost 5 feet without the obstruction of additional supports. To further amplify the energy of the club, the team designed a large 12-foot long mirrored DJ booth that reflects the dance floor. An expert in music production was brought onboard to engineer the state-of-the-art sound, stage lighting and 20-foot digital screen behind the DJ booth. On either side of the stage, gold performer platforms backed with red mirrored walls allow go-go dancers to be showcased as they entertain the crowd below.
VIP LOUNGE “THE STUDIO”
A secret door covered in Kelly Wearstler’s geometric black and white tile reveals a VIP stair that transports guests into a retro speakeasy lounge reminiscent of Seventies recording studios. Here, a warmer color palette prevails--from the walnut clad walls and saddle leather sofas to the avocado green geometric wallpaper, reflecting the feel-good vibe and playfulness of the era. The room is furnished with Seventies vintage decor such as pillows, rugs and lamps sourced by the Casa Metta team and Ferraro’s donated vintage Reel-to-Reel. The shelves are stocked with a collection of over 500 vintage 1970’s vinyl records the team hand-picked, a level of detail only the most curious of patrons may discover.
The mezzanine overlooking the dance floor is an extension of the VIP lounge with avocado green retro sofas and a private trippy restroom. A shag rug nook inspired by the spaceship in the film Barbarella offers guests a serendipitous photo opp while they wait their turn for the restroom. With walls and ceiling covered in butterscotch golden shag carpet, the stage is set for an instagram-worthy moment.
THE GOLD ROOM
A third space, called The Gold Room, afforded an opportunity for yet another unique design, this time with a nod to the Mad Men aesthetic of the previous era. The client expressed the desire to create a separate bar space that felt like a retro living room with carpet flooring and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It gives patrons who don’t have access to the VIP lounge a relaxed space to take a break from the disco for a cocktail. With the use of floor-to-ceiling wood, golden lighting, cozy velvet barstools and private booths, Casa Metta was able to create a luscious, intimate vibe. “We took a sophisticated curation of materiality and forms from the Seventies iconic style to bring Austin a taste of an era worth revisiting through a new lens. From the brass tulip base cocktail tables, custom retro-wave wallpaper and mustard yellow vinyl upholstery, it’s like stepping back in time,” said Glass.
Since opening, the nightclub has been lauded by investors, patrons and the local Austin community as much for its extraordinary design as for the high-profile acts whose performances bring the design to life. The unique design of Superstition makes it unlike any other nightlife venue in Austin and has garnered significant attention for Casa Metta. “Nothing brings us more joy than to hear that both our clients and community are thrilled with the outcome–that's what makes all the hard work pay off,” shared Glass.
ABOUT CASA METTA
Casa Metta is a boutique interior design firm based in Austin, TX employing sustainable, eco-friendly design practices. Founded by interior designer Rebekka Glass, Casa Metta's clients include hotels, event spaces, bars, and residential clients. Our mission at Casa Metta is for the spaces we design to tell our client's unique story, to bring joy through design, and for your space to radiate loving-kindness (metta), not only towards those who dwell in it but also to our planet.
To inquire about design services, visit http://www.casamettadesign.com or contact us directly or via instagram.
