1933 Lounge - Carmel, Indiana
A Modern Take on Post-Prohibition Glamour: Inside the 1933 Lounge
Designed by Shea for Huse Culinary, 1933 Lounge in Carmel, IN translates the storied legacy of St. Elmo into a richly atmospheric, 9,000-plus-square-foot dining destination just outside Indianapolis. The design team set out to capture the mood of the original 1933 Lounge—its intrigue, elegance, and subtle theatricality—while adapting the concept to a new context where every detail contributes to a feeling of contemporary refinement.
Inside, the lounge unfolds with a sense of controlled drama. Concentric antique-brass rings glow overhead, casting a warm, amber wash across curved banquettes and shadow-rich finishes. A double-sided fireplace wrapped in blackened steel introduces a strong architectural anchor, while custom artwork and curated décor by SheaMakes build a layered environment that feels collected rather than themed—evoking the post-Prohibition spirit without veering into nostalgia.
With seating for 200 indoors and another 70 on the covered patio, the space balances opulence with comfort, creating zones suited to lively gatherings as well as quieter, more personal moments. Material choices guided that balance, and the furniture selections played an essential role in defining how guests move through and experience the lounge.
Designerie’s contributions were selected for both their craftsmanship and their ability to reinforce the project’s narrative. Refined Designerie enamel tabletops introduce a glossy, handcrafted surface that subtly mirrors the glow of the chandelier above. Outdoors, the patio extends the interior story with a custom mix of seating featuring the Isabell side chair and Sofie bar stool—both produced in a bespoke chevron weave created exclusively for the project. The tailored patterning adds rhythm and identity to the space, tying together the fire features, textures, and palette that shape the outdoor atmosphere.
As Sydney Freeman, Sales Director at Designerie, explains, the goal was to ensure the furnishings became “part of the storytelling rather than simply supportive elements.” The custom chevron weave, the refined Designerie tabletops, and the attention to materiality all contributed to a hospitality environment that feels cohesive, intentional, and unmistakably its own.
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