The QA Hotel in New Farm, QLD, has long been a familiar fixture in its local hospitality scene, but its public bar had begun to show its age. An inefficient layout, dated finishes and operational constraints meant the space no longer met the expectations of modern patrons or staff. To address these challenges, Design Intent Studio was engaged to undertake a complete redesign of the public bar, alongside a targeted refresh of the hotel’s public bathrooms. The result is a contemporary hospitality environment that respects the building’s heritage while delivering a vastly improved guest and service experience.
At the centre of the project was the transformation of the bar into a visually defining feature of the venue. The existing bar, backbar and associated services were removed to make way for an entirely new footprint that improves both staff circulation and guest interaction. By repositioning key elements such as refrigeration, point-of-sale stations and washing zones, the design team was able to create clearly defined wet, dry and service areas. This strategic zoning streamlines operations during peak service periods and supports a more efficient workflow for staff.
While operational performance was a critical priority, the visual impact of the bar was equally important. The new design establishes the bar as a true focal point within the venue, achieved through a carefully curated material palette and layered lighting strategy. Authentic materials including stone, timber and brass were selected to reflect the hotel’s historic character while introducing a refined contemporary aesthetic.
One of the most striking features of the new bar is its fluted marble front. The vertically ribbed marble creates rhythm, depth and shadow, giving the bar a strong visual identity within the space. The tonal variation of the stone complements the venue’s heritage palette while adding a sense of understated luxury.
Softening the stone frontage are Tasmanian Oak timber battens, which introduce warmth and texture to the design. Stained to align with a rich aged walnut tone, the timber detailing provides a contemporary interpretation of traditional pub materials. A solid Tasmanian Oak bar top further anchors the composition, offering a tactile and durable surface that will age gracefully with use.
Traditional pub detailing is reinforced through polished brass elements, including a 38mm foot rail, brackets and gallery hardware. These subtle touches bring a sense of craftsmanship and familiarity while elevating the overall finish quality.
Behind the bar, functionality and atmosphere work hand in hand. Bronze mirrored panels add depth and warmth to the backbar while reflecting ambient light throughout the space. LED-lit shelving highlights the product display and contributes to a layered lighting composition, complemented by opal pendant lights that introduce a soft, welcoming glow.
The back-of-house bar environment has been equally considered. Stainless steel benches, sinks, speed rails, ice wells and glass racks – all specified in durable #304 grade stainless steel – ensure the bar can withstand the demands of high-volume hospitality service while maintaining hygiene and longevity.
Alongside the bar redevelopment, the hotel’s public bathrooms received a coordinated refresh. New washplanes, mirrors, tiling and lighting were introduced to align with the design language of the upgraded bar area, creating a cohesive experience across guest-facing spaces.
As with many refurbishment projects, the design team needed to navigate existing building services and structural limitations. Electrical, plumbing and equipment layouts were carefully refined to work within these constraints while supporting the new operational requirements.
The completed project demonstrates how thoughtful design can successfully balance heritage character with contemporary hospitality needs. Through a careful integration of materials, lighting and spatial planning, Design Intent Studio has delivered a revitalised bar that not only honours the QA Hotel’s past but also positions it for many years of vibrant service ahead.
