Photo Credit: Elizabeth Daniels/h. Wood Group
Photo Credit: h. Wood Group
Bootsy Bellows has remained one of Los Angeles’ token nightlife destinations since its inception in 2012, brought forward by premier nightlife and hospitality group, h. Wood Group. Famous for its exclusive scene and sexy, 1960s Art Deco-inspired interiors, it has continued to entice Hollywood’s elite to frequent the hot spot on a consistent basis. While it certainly maintained its overwhelming popularity and in-demand table reservation status, h. Wood Group—always staying ahead of the curve—decided to remodel the beloved lounge to enhance the experience even further. With the help of John Sofio of Built, Inc., the newly-remodeled Bootsy Bellows has debuted once again to Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Strip with a new look and feel.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Daniels/h. Wood Group
Photo Credit: h. Wood Group
Now, guests will experience an entirely fresh new concept that evokes the landscape of the Palm Springs desert paradise, incorporating touches of “Old Hollywood” to maintain its core DNA, while also adding more modernized elements and new experiences that take its overall hospitality offerings to the next level. We spoke with John Terzian and Brian Toll, founders of h. Wood Group, as well as John Sofio, to discuss the exciting new relaunch, where they shared why it was time for a remodel, what guests can expect, new elements of Bootsy Bellows and more.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Daniels/h. Wood Group
Photo Credit: h. Wood Group
John Terzian & Brian Toll, Cofounders of The h.wood Group
What prompted the remodel?
What were you aiming for the design to evoke?
How does it maintain the old-school “Hollywood glamour” feel while still incorporating modernized concepts?
What new aspects will the remodel bring, aside from the design?
What do you want your guests to experience when walking in for the first time?
How do you manage to continue expanding, while still maintaining the core brand?
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Daniels/h. Wood Group
Photo Credit: h. Wood GroupJohn Sofio, of Built, Inc.:
What were you aiming for the design to evoke?
We co-designed and built the space for The h.wood Group’s vision to have a desert modernist soul, bathed in luxury and wealth. High energy textures and highlights command the space—soft, upholstered, undulating walls balance sharp, reflective crystal chandeliers; light bounces across the room from different mirrored bar faces. With this remodel, we also emphasized the entry-experience by creating a highly textured hallway ramping up to the space, sheathed in our custom artist-commissioned wallpaper. Hand painted, large scale bird-of-paradise plants are repeated across the wall, leading into and through the space. At the end of the hallway is the main bar, protected with a dark enamel folded-plane roof. From there, guests step down into the main space, where large palm trees line a central boulevard, shading the custom designed furniture and central seating.
How does it maintain the old-school “Hollywood glamour” feel while still incorporating modernized concepts?
We coupled period specific references (vintage posters, photos, artwork) with thematic modernist design to achieve this timeless Neo-Hollywood-Glamour feeling. The sloped ceiling, curved walls, layered finish textures, custom painted wallpaper, prismatic lighting, large palm trees and other desert landscaping, all serve to create a richer, more intimate and exclusive environment.
