President

Design Theory Interiors

My new adventure in Toronto has already unveiled a bushel and a peck of eye popping design in fashion and interiors. If I haven’t said it enough, let me just reiterate my thoughts on great design. Great design does NOT always manifest itself in perfection. It’s in the personal details that tell the story of you in courageous sassy style.

I’ve already been to nearly a dozen restaurants since we’ve been here. Quite a few were high end, super chic, uber shiny contemporary spaces. The kind you can see in any big city in the world. The kind that wants to be cutting edge but just doesn’t have the courage to blow it out with audacious attitude and Philippe Starck style.

However, there have been a few very pleasant surprises. One of those surprises revealed itself in the form of a Russian vodka bar called Pravda Vodka Bar at pravdavodkabar.com. It’s located in the charming old town area of Toronto. An unassuming front door opens into a space that is racy and luscious . . .and i’m not even referring to the Vodka yet!

Pravda is a celebration of Russian vodka in an environment that applauds the golden age of the Russian Empire. Portraits of Russian leaders and vintage propoganda hang above red and gold oversized upholstered furnishings against the original exposed break walls of the bazillion-year-old building (that’s one zero more than a billion and one less than a gazillion). A bust of Lenin holds a place of honor and banners with portraits of former leaders suspended from the ceiling lead you thru the bar area. Elaborate crystal chandeliers share space with images of the Communist Hammer and Sickle making the space seem glamorous and somewhat creepy at the same time.

Don’t go gettin all democratic on me now. This is all in fun. It’s a living breathing experience that pays homage to the creators of vodka. You won’t be charged a nickel for toilet tissue or questioned in a concrete room with nothing but a light bulb swinging above your

Check out their website for more amazing interior design photos and information on the concept behind Pravda Vodka Bar.

And when visiting Toronto, this is not a place to be missed!