A Tale of Two Vibes: Crafting a Multi-Tasking Space
Desnuda Cocina & Bar isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a story in two acts. One, a sparkling Latin café full of effervescent charm; the other, a sultry speakeasy where music pulses in the shadows. And behind this compelling duality is the boutique creative force of Assembly Design Studio, a Boston-based firm known for its immersive, narrative-driven hospitality interiors.
With over 60 projects to their name, Assembly Design Studio approaches restaurant design with the mindset of a filmmaker—each project is a new story to tell, every detail a frame in the scene. And when they were tapped to design Desnuda Cocina & Bar, they delivered a striking contrast between upstairs glamour and downstairs intrigue—with American Tin Ceilings playing a starring role in the transformation.
Creating a Multi-Tasking Space That Works
From the outset, the design directive for Desnuda was clear: create two distinct experiences under one roof.
The ground floor is a tribute to vibrant Latin culture—a lively café and bar infused with celebration and light. “We wanted it to feel like champagne,” says the team at Assembly Design Studio. “Sparkling, light, and airy—but also classic and celebratory.”
Venture downstairs, however, and the atmosphere shifts. Warm lighting, moody tones, and a mid-century spirit evoke a speakeasy lounge meant for music lovers, ambiance, and bold design. “We love creating micro-vibes,” the designers say. “It gives guests a new experience each time they visit.”
A Tin Ceiling That Sets the Scene
To bring harmony to such contrasting spaces, the team leaned into a tried-and-true architectural detail: tin ceiling tiles.
“We love layers,” Assembly notes. “And we wanted this design to have a classic vintage base—or in this case, ceiling.” The original brick walls already gave the space a grounded, historic texture, and the addition of artisan-finished metal tiles elevated it with a sense of sparkle and sophistication.
Pattern 3 and Pattern 23, both in Artisan Silver Tuscan Bronze, were paired with Crown Molding 8 to achieve a refined, vintage-inspired ceiling design that acts as both a visual anchor and acoustic solution.
“Acoustics were really important in this space—not just to reduce sound for upstairs tenants, but to enhance the music downstairs,” says the studio. “Tin was the perfect solution.”
Lighting, Texture, and Materiality in Perfect Balance
Throughout both levels, lighting was used to sculpt the mood. Upstairs, golden amber fixtures bounce softly off the metallic tin tiles, casting a warm, inviting glow that flatters every face and cocktail. Downstairs, the lighting becomes more dynamic—shifting in color and intensity to match the rhythm of the evening.
“Bad lighting can ruin a restaurant,” the team shares. “So we made sure ours supported every design element—from the intimate scale of the space to the glam feel of the materials.”
The metallic sheen of the tin ceilings plays a key role in this choreography, reflecting light in ever-changing ways and reinforcing the moody, layered narrative of Desnuda.
A Fresh Take on Speakeasy Style
As lovers of vintage design, Assembly Design Studio leaned into the current wave of speakeasy-inspired spaces—while ensuring Desnuda had its own unique flair.
“Creating unique experiences is what we do best,” they explain. “The challenge is always making each one feel original—and American Tin has been a big help with that.”
By choosing a tile pattern and finish that felt both eclectic and timeless, they captured the essence of old-world charm while delivering something unmistakably modern.
Choose Your Own Adventure—In Style
Whether you’re stopping in for dinner in the lively café upstairs or descending into the lounge for cocktails and late-night music, Desnuda Cocina & Bar offers a design-forward journey for every guest.
Thanks to thoughtful design, layered materials, and the luster of tin ceiling tiles, the space feels immersive and transportive—exactly the kind of story Assembly Design Studio loves to tell.
