The transformation of the beautiful Port Office Hotel in the CBD, built in 1868, has been a triumph under the vision of Phorm Interiors’ Ian Wrightson and Steven Stewart and Blueprint Architects’ James Forbes and Jackson Lightbody. The design takes its cue from classic brasseries - a blend of 1930’s Paris bistro and London Gentlemen’s club - delivering a contemporary, warm and intriguing interior, awaiting the Beautiful Young Things of Brisbane to adorn it, cocktails in hand.

The ground floor Fix Restaurant and Bar reveals a textured dark wood interior with a gently undulating bronze metallic feature wall. We are invited to sink into the sumptuously upholstered chocolate leather banquettes, to be bathed in the gentle glow of light emanating from the pleated shades of the elegant Philippe Starck K-Tribe light fittings.

The architectural detail of the feature wall is echoed in the custom made cocktail tables in the adjoining bar, which also hark back to the über-chic Martini-styling.

Upstairs, the newly named Liber Lounge is a triumph of texture, colour, and function. Striking custom-

designed screens influenced by traditional Persian design and Art Nouveau styling, are not only golden accents infusing the room with a soft and lovely play of light, but serve as partitions in the most stylish way possible.  Salon chairs, gloriously resplendent in turquoise fabric nestle alongside glinting “Bonze” footstools by Philippe Starck; a playful and practical solution to extra seating and table space requirements.

Maintaining a taut balance between the contemporary, the quirky, and the classical is the key to the success of this design, and Wrightson notes that “We were inspired by the minimalist style of Anouska Hempel, and by keeping really tight control of colour and texture we allowed the traditional elements to add depth and interest to the design.” Added to this design ethos are the many custom features and fittings, which are simultaneously dramatic and whimsical. All these elements have been perfectly shaken, not stirred, to produce a seriously cool, stylish cocktail of an interior, allowing this gracious old building to shine in a new light.