Of Enso adds listening bar to New York boutique Colbo
New York clothing store Colbo has expanded its Lower East Side space to create a wine and vinyl bar, which design studio Of Enso has wrapped in stainless steel and stained wood.
Colbo Next Door is an extension of the retailer's Orchard Street home, taking over the adjacent space to create a community gathering space.
The team collaborated with Of Enso founders Yuria Kailich and Joel Harding on the interior, which "mirrors the intimacy and spirit of the existing Colbo storefront while introducing new layers of experience".
In contrast to the off-white palette in the original store, the new space is made moody and cosy by stained wood panelling around the lower walls and stainless steel above.
"From the beginning, our goal was to design something minimal yet elevated — a space that could transform fluidly while retaining its quiet character," said Of Enso.
"Every detail was considered for adaptability and community, from the removable benches that invite casual gathering to the concrete countertop that anchors the bar."
Terracotta tiled flooring extends from the Orchard Street storefront, leading through the narrow space to the Allen Street entrance on the other side of the block.
The front of the venue, accessible via a doorway from Colbo, features removable wood benches that echo those found in the original space, as well as additional retail displays.
Pushing aside a chainmail curtain towards the back reveals a bar area where guests can order drinks and enjoy music.
Small tables, bar stools and a wall-mounted ledge with further high-top seating are all available within the intimate space.
Vinyl DJs are invited to play twice a week, utilising the record player placed at the end of the concrete bar counter and the One-A-Way sound system.
The space is atmospherically lit with pendants and sconces from Item: Enso, Of Enso's product arm, and were created using Colbo's deadstock fabrics.
"Colbo has always been about connection — through design, music, and community," said Colbo creative director and co-founder Tal Silberstein. "With Colbo Next Door, we wanted to extend that feeling into something experiential."
"Investing in more physical space for gathering has been a very intentional choice; it's about creating an environment that feels familiar in warmth and hospitality, but also new in what it offers," he added.
Listening bars are becoming increasingly popular in cities around the world, providing gathering spaces for music lovers in tailor-designed spaces.
Recently opened examples can be found in a converted office space in Mexico City, a revamped restaurant in London and a former tyre workshop in Athens.
Manhattan's Lower East Side is packed with boutiques, galleries, bars and other independent businesses.
Also in the neighbourhood are the HommeGirls boutique by Rafael de Cárdenas, which features rotating garments, and a pole dance studio by Office of Tangible Design with "the highest poles in New York City".
The photography is by Marco Galloway.
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