Designer Feature: Crafting the Ambience at LM in the East Bar ?

Great design tells a story, capturing the spirit of a space while enhancing the experience it offers. This was exactly the mission for Boogertman + Partners Architects as they breathed new life into LM in the East Bar, a beloved dining spot in Pretoria.

A Taste of Maputo in Pretoria

The vision behind LM in the East was rooted in a desire to show the vibrant energy of Maputo. The restaurant known for their signature dishes, already had a reputation for its warm hospitality. The design concept aimed to capture this culinary vibrancy with a relaxed, tropical aesthetic inspired by the designer's past travels to Maputo.

"During a visit to this colourful city, I was inspired by its blend of classic Portuguese architecture, lush tropical forests, and laid-back island charm," the designer shared. "These elements became central to the design, allowing LM in the East to evoke the vibrant, eclectic spirit of Maputo itself."

The Role of Woodbender’s Vuti Stools

Upon inspecting the original LM space, the design team noticed that despite years of use, existing Woodbender chairs remained structurally sound. This discovery highlighted Woodbender's durability and inspired them to not only refurbish the original chairs but also incorporate additional seating in the form of the Vuti Stools.

"The Vuti stools, with their simple yet elegant design, offered the ideal blend of comfort and style, their beautifully crafted bentwood backrests and sturdy bases enhance the bar’s aesthetic while promising longevity.”

The Value of Customisation

Customisation was a key factor in ensuring the furniture fit seamlessly with the overall design vision. The ability to choose from a variety of timber finishes, fabrics, and leathers allowed Boogertman and Partners to create a cohesive, tailored look.

"For the bar area, I aimed for a moody, atmospheric feel. I had already selected dark tiles, ambient lighting, and terracotta accents, so a deep brown timber finish was an obvious choice to enhance this vibe.”

Functionality and Aesthetics in Perfect Balance

The feedback on the Vuti Stools has been overwhelmingly positive, both from patrons and staff. The stools are not only lightweight and easy to rearrange, but also provide exceptional comfort for extended seating.

“Aesthetically, the Vuti stools add a refined touch to the bar, elevating the ambiance with their sleek design and sense of class. They truly complete the space by balancing functionality and style.”

Client Feedback

The restored and new Woodbender chairs have been met with enthusiasm from clients and patrons alike. “The craftsmanship and comfort have been widely praised,” the design team noted. The seamless renovation of the original chairs brought a sense of continuity, blending the charm of the old LM with the refreshed, modern space.

What impressed everyone most was how well the original Woodbender chairs held up over the years and how seamlessly they were renovated.

A Word of Appreciation

The design team couldn’t speak highly enough of their experience with Woodbender. “Niel and Christy have been fantastic to work with, and we've never encountered any issues with the products. Communication, efficiency, and product quality have consistently been top-notch. I'm genuinely not sure how they could improve—everything has been exceptional”