La Escalera | 2021

La Escalera is a hidden speakeasy bar, tucked away in a basement, designed by Space Design to evoke the feeling of a night under the stars, surrounded by Puerto Rico’s lush tropical landscape. Inspired by the client’s love for camping, the concept transforms this underground space into an enchanting atmosphere
infused with nature.
The space was in rough shape, and the ceiling wasn’t much to look at. But instead of seeing obstacles, Space Design saw an opportunity—the flaws actually helped shape the concept. To hide the imperfections, we went with a deep, moody color palette that captured the feel of a starry night. The lower walls were painted with lush Puerto Rican plants to bring in that connection to nature, while the upper walls faded into a sky full of stars, creating a magical, immersive vibe.
To enhance this celestial effect, the ceiling was covered with acoustic felt panels perforated with thousands of fiber-optic lights, simulating a twinkling night sky. The bar was crowned with a cluster of globe pendant lamps, adding warmth and elegance to the ambiance. Though the budget was modest, every detail was
carefully curated to infuse character, and intimacy into the space.
Originally a well-kept secret among artists and actors, La Escalera quickly gained a reputation, becoming one of the trendiest spots in town. Even five years later, it remains a go-to destination for those seeking an exclusive and atmospheric escape.