LA-based interior and architecture firm Commune Design has designed a new hospitality space at the base of the JW Marriott hotel in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Drawing inspiration from Japanese kissas, which are bars and tea houses centered around vinyl listening, the restaurant and vinyl bar celebrate Japanese culture through a fusion of design and sound.
A Unique Blend of Music and Dining
Named 888, the venue presents itself as a place where music and dining merge seamlessly. It describes its atmosphere as “if Jamiroquai produced a track for James Brown and Mac Miller wrote the hook.” With this playful concept, the space offers a refined Japanese dining experience alongside a high-fidelity sound environment. Commune Design carefully curated the interiors to enhance acoustics, ensuring that the music complements the ambiance.
Wood-paneled walls and partitions create a warm, intimate setting that reflects traditional Japanese interiors while also incorporating a nostalgic 1970s aesthetic. The venue’s color scheme includes mustard yellow, dark green, magenta, and maroon, with textile wall coverings and recycled gym flooring. These elements contribute to an underground jazz club-inspired atmosphere, balancing vibrancy with coziness.
Collaboration with Japanese and American Artisans
To reinforce its cultural influences, the project features contributions from renowned Japanese artisans. Yusuke Nagai designed a custom lighting installation, while Senda Takanori created washi paper details using pulped record covers. Akira Minagawa contributed upholstery fabrics from his label Mina Perhonen, adding intricate textures to the space.
On the American side, several designers played key roles in shaping the venue. Devon Turnbull, a well-known audio specialist, designed a custom speaker system. Adam Pogue crafted patchwork light fixtures, while Sofia Londono designed a striking sushi bar and DJ stand adorned with custom blue tiles. The audiophile-grade sound system, developed in collaboration with award-winning Steven Durr Designs and Soundlux Audio, takes inspiration from vintage Altec Lansing speakers and features 1200MK turntables.
By integrating meticulous craftsmanship with a thoughtfully designed soundscape, 888 offers a one-of-a-kind experience where Japanese tradition meets modern creativity.