Ruby’s is an immersive nautical bar hidden behind an unassuming door in the lower level of a mid-century modern home. Conceived as a playful contrast to the home’s otherwise typical interiors, the space reveals itself as an underwater fantasy—part sunken pirate ship, part mermaid lagoon. The design invites guests to step beyond everyday life into an environment that sparks curiosity, joy, and a sense of childlike wonder.

The goal was to create a fully atmospheric space where every surface contributes to the narrative. An undulating blue ceiling glistens like the ocean’s surface, while a swirling sandbar-inspired floor and bubbling portholes evoke the feeling of exploring a shipwreck beneath the sea. The cinematic environment blends aesthetics, emotion, and storytelling, encouraging connection and conversation.

Achieving this immersive effect required thoughtful material sourcing and craftsmanship. Reflective stainless steel ceiling panels in an ocean-blue finish were installed to create the illusion of rippling water overhead, complemented by a custom light fixture made from Japanese glass floats. To introduce the movement of water without sacrificing space, slim plexiglass bubble panels were installed behind a wood-clad wall, visible through oval portholes that mimic the hull of a sunken ship.

The floor features a metallic epoxy blend designed to resemble a sandy seabed, while reclaimed barnwood walls with darkened seams evoke tarred ship planks. Sculpted coral-textured elements and whimsical seating complete the scene, transforming Ruby’s into a richly imaginative retreat where design, storytelling, and craftsmanship meet.