
Bar Bonobo
New York, USA
200 Square Meters
Summary
Studio Mercy collaborated with Affect Group on the interior design of Bar Bonobo - a Chelsea neighbourhood bar inspired by 1970s Italian disco, reimagined for a contemporary New York audience.
The concept centred around duality: a bright, bistro-style front for early evenings, transitioning into a moody, lounge space for more late-night energy. A seven-metre bar anchors the layout, while mixed-height seating encourages movement and connection throughout the space.
Materials, lighting, and colour were used intentionally to signal a shift in mood from day to night. The result is a bold, expressive venue that’s become a local favourite - known for its cocktails, its crowd, and its unmistakable rhythm.