Housed across a four-story prewar structure in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, Andra Hem has debuted as an inviting hybrid concept comprising a cocktail bar on its lower levels and a pair of suites above.
New York-based designer Ghislaine Viñas crafted Andra Hem—which translates to “second home” in Swedish—based on the narrative of a fictitious Swedish immigrant operating a B&B. “Some of the earliest settlers in Philadelphia were the Swedish, and researching this inspired us to give the cocktail lounge and suites a decidedly Scandinavian vibe,” Viñas says. “We have a very unique style and vision for the lounge. We wanted it to be super cozy and special, but not worn or old. It’s not meant to be an old library, saloon, or tavern, but a space that makes you feels like you are in someone’s home.”
Beyond a contemporary façade of blackened brick, deep jewel tones ensconce guests, on both floors of the cocktail lounge, in a sophisticated sexiness. On one floor, a rich jade hue wraps the walls juxtaposed by canary yellow light fixtures. Hypnotic floral wallpaper adorns ceilings and backbar, where a portrait of a lady standing in for Andra Hem’s muse is the centerpiece. A sumptuous dialogue of black and gold occurs at the other bar, where ornate fixtures and soft lines radiate modernism.
Suites contrast the cocktail space with a sunny, flowery aesthetic that complements Andra Hem’s overall modernist flair. Abundant daylighting accentuates white interiors layered with pastel earth tones and patterns that enliven the spaces with a Scandinavian touch.
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