A Bold Icon in the Short North
Luxe 23 Whiskey Lounge
An immersive hospitality interior where luxury, art, and experience collide.
Category
Location
Short North Arts District, Columbus, Ohio
Community Context
A nationally recognized arts and entertainment district known for bold expression, nightlife, and cultural influence
Year
2021
Some projects demand restraint. Luxe 23 demanded courage.
Located in the heart of Columbus’ Short North Arts District, Luxe 23 Whiskey Lounge was conceived as part of a $30 million mixed-use development anchored by Urban Chophouse. From the beginning, the goal was to create a hospitality destination that felt unmistakably luxurious, unapologetically bold, and incredibly experiential. The developer wanted a space that could match the neighborhood’s creative energy while elevating it.
Crimson Design Group partnered closely with the development team to design an immersive interior experience layered with art, drama, and surprise. The result is a whiskey lounge that has been consistently positioned in local press as a destination in its own right, not just for its spirits program, but for the atmosphere that surrounds it.
The Vision
Create a hospitality destination that feels theatrical, luxurious, and unforgettable, but without sacrificing comfort or craft.
Luxe 23 was envisioned as more than a whiskey lounge. It needed to feel like a fully immersive experience that was layered with visual impact, artistic expression, and unexpected moments. The design had to invite conversation, curiosity, and return visits, while still delivering the refinement expected of a high-end hospitality environment.
Crimson approached the vision with a clear understanding that in the Short North, the city’s Arts District, boldness isn’t optional, it’s the baseline. The challenge was to push creatively while ensuring every element felt intentional, cohesive, and worthy of long-term relevance
The Approach
Lead with creativity, anchor it in strategy, and execute every detail with Red Glove precision.
Crimson’s approach balanced high-concept design with smart, strategic decision-making. The team identified where bold custom elements would create lasting impact, and where inventive solutions could achieve drama without unnecessary cost. One example was the use of large-scale vinyl graphics in elevator interiors, transforming a utilitarian moment into a memorable arrival experience.
At the same time, Crimson leaned fully into hands-on creativity. Custom installations, layered styling, and curated objects were developed, sourced, and installed with direct involvement from the design team. This allowed the space to feel personal rather than overproduced.
The Impact
A space that became part of the neighborhood conversation.
Since opening, Luxe 23 Whiskey Lounge has been consistently framed in local media as a destination — praised for its energy, atmosphere, and role within the larger Luxe 23 development. Coverage highlights the lounge’s ability to shift seamlessly from a relaxed daytime environment to a lively nightlife setting, reinforcing how the design supports multiple modes of use throughout the day and evening.
Positioned within a high-profile mixed-use project, the Whiskey Lounge contributes to Luxe 23’s identity as a lifestyle destination in the Short North. The space doesn’t just serve guests — it shapes how they experience the property and the neighborhood as a whole.
“This project gave us permission to be fearless — and to trust that when design is done thoughtfully, bold ideas resonate.”
— Crimson Design Group
Services Provided:
Our Favorite Details
At the heart of Luxe 23 stands its most iconic feature: a 12-foot-tall pink woman, custom-designed and 3D printed exclusively for the space. Her underskirt is decorated with a fabulous, patterned wallpaper, her accessories were individually hand-applied and the space featured a sculptural moment that immediately signals this is not a typical lounge.
Elsewhere, unexpected details reward closer attention. Elevators wrapped in oversized vinyl graphics deliver a dramatic first impression. Acrylic display boxes house hand-painted shoes, mannequin hands, and costume jewelry — many thrifted personally by Cheryl herself — creating curated moments that feel playful and human. Even the bathrooms hold surprises, with graffiti-style artwork modified and framed by Cheryl and her sister, turning an often-overlooked space into a guest favorite.
Bold.
Unexpected.
Memorable.
Notes from the Design Team
Luxe 23 was one of those rare projects where trust unlocked creativity. The client allowed us to push, and we took that responsibility seriously. This wasn’t about adding bold elements for shock value. It was about crafting moments that felt authentic, layered, and memorable.
Some of the most meaningful details came from going beyond the expected scope — thrifting, painting, installing, adjusting on site. Those are the moments guests respond to, even if they can’t always articulate why. That’s when a space stops feeling designed and starts feeling alive.
