Behind the Design: Developing the Atmosphere for Ba Lao
Some projects begin with a single image or inspiration. Others—like Ba Lao, the new bar concept by the owners of Ahan—begin with a feeling. During our earliest conversations, the clients spoke about bodegas, lived-in corners, and a space that felt retro, unfussy, and a little bit grungy. Nothing sleek. Nothing overly polished. A place with an edge and a sense of permanence, as if it had always been there.
That direction immediately opened a creative doorway for me. Ba Lao wanted to live a little closer to the street—somewhere between punk zine culture, tattoo art, and the glow of atmospheric late-night lighting.
Early visual influences for Ba Lao, blending neon streetscapes, tattoo motifs, punk attitude, and asian urban culture.
Building Texture Into the Space
One of the early design moves was the clients’ interest in stick-blasted tabletops and counters—a finish that softens hard edges and brings a raw tactile quality to surfaces. It’s imperfect in all the right ways. That finish informed the rest of the palette: materials that feel handled, weathered, or naturally patinated over time.
A Punk-Adjacent Aesthetic
This project became an opportunity to pull in references I don’t always get to play with in commercial hospitality design:
Bold graphic motifs inspired by tattoo linework
Gritty, layered textures that feel like posters wheat-pasted over years
Subdued contrasts, avoiding glossy finishes in favor of matte, worn, or distressed elements
Lighting that feels moody and local, rather than bright and architectural
None of this is literal “punk.” Instead, it’s an atmospheric nod—design that carries a little attitude and looks better once it has a few stories to tell.
Punk-inspired textures and warm lighting create a bold, energetic dining space.
Convex bodega-style mirrors add both character and function—expanding sightlines in the space while offering guests a fun, unexpected spot for selfies.
Retro color tones, and a sticker-blasted host station inspired by tattoo art set the tone for Ba Lao’s bold, lived-in atmosphere—now under construction.
Designing for Feeling, Not Just Function
Ba Lao’s aesthetic is about experience more than perfection—a deliberate contrast to many contemporary hospitality interiors that chase minimalism and precision. Here, we’re embracing roughness, shadow, and unexpected details. It’s the kind of place where you want to stay for one more drink because the light hits the countertop just right.
Where We Are Now
With the design fully developed and construction underway, Ba Lao is stepping out of concept mode and becoming a real, tangible place. Soon you’ll be able to walk in, feel the textures, take in the moody light, and experience the atmosphere for yourself. This project has been a rewarding exploration into raw materials, grit, and character—and we’re excited to see it come alive in Madison’s bar scene.
