The updated Lounge

trend alert: lounges are the new library. So says designer David Powell, one half of Toronto’s furniture, textile and interior design firm Powell & Bonnell, which has turned the street front corner of its downtown studio into an elegant ode to The Balvenie scotch whisky.

Inspired by the distillery’s distinguished cream and amber packaging, P&B dispensed with the traditional reds, greens and browns of yesterday’s old boys clubs to craft a room that’s bright, glamorous and welcoming ? to women as well as men. think Rat pack levels of cool minus the retro references, with a touch of Italian Renaissance thrown in for added flair (via the Piazza bar table, made from distressed wood and polished nickel).

Now, if I had to choose, I’m not sure I’d give up a library ? I’m more apt to curl up with a good book than sit back with a glass of scotch ? but it was a brisk fall day when I paid P&B a visit and my glass of The Balvenie Madeira Cask 17 year old scotch was the perfect antidote to the air’s chill. soon enough, I was daydreaming about turning the awkward nook at the end of my hallway into a perfectly appointed lounge. maybe it was the scotch, maybe it was the cold drizzle that started to fall, but at the time, I couldn’t think of a better use for that small space.

P.S. turns out that glass of scotch was truly a treat: The Balvenie Madeira Cask 17 will only be sold in new Brunswick and Alberta within Canada.
 

Photo credits:
1. From Powell & Bonnell, photography by Ted Yarwood
2. The Balvenie
3. From Powell & Bonnell, photography by Ted Yarwood