Commune Design Unveils Nashville Vinyl Bar & Restaurant Inspired by Japanese Kissas

The interior design and architecture company Commune Design, based in LA, has been tasked with creating a fresh hospitality spot at the foot of the JW Marriott hotel tower in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. This venue, reminiscent of traditional Japanese ‘kissas’ – which refer to bars and teahouses focused on vinyl listening – will blend elements of a sushi restaurant and a vinyl bar, offering a tribute to Japanese culture and aesthetics.

888 humorously compares its style to imagining a collaboration between Jamiroquai, James Brown, and Mac Miller: a fusion of their distinct sounds. It also serves up exquisite Japanese cuisine and an exceptional audio experience. In close collaboration with Commune, the interior has been meticulously designed for superior sound quality.

 

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The room is adorned with wooden walls and dividers that evoke a warm, Japanese-inspired ambiance, along with a nostalgic 70s flair. The decor of the venue includes textile coverings in vibrant colors like mustard yellow, dark green, magenta, and maroon, reclaimed gym flooring, and patterned upholstery, which together create a lively yet intimate setting reminiscent of old-school Jazz clubs from times past.

In order to incorporate cultural influences, Commune collaborated with skilled Japanese artists such as Yusuke Nagai for a lighting project, Senda Takanori for intricate washi paper elements derived from recycled vinyl records, and Akira Minagawa for textile designs used in upholstery alongside Mina Perhonen.

In the U.S., Devon Turnbull collaborated on a unique speaker system, while Adam Pogue crafted decorative light fixtures resembling patchwork, and Sofia Londono fashioned a striking sushi bar and DJ platform adorned with custom-made blue tiles. The exceptional sound system design, a collaboration between Turnbull, renowned Steven Durr Designs, and Soundlux Audio, is influenced by classic Altec Lansing speakers and incorporates 1200MK turntables.

See the gallery above to see the finished project. 888 is open now at the following address:

800 Clark Place
Nashville, TN 37203

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2025-02-19 01:25