Louise is designed by Beliz Gorgul Interiors, located in the city center of Ankara, along with many cafes and restaurants contoured by pedestrian road.

This five story structure is a boutique complex that combines four lofts, a fine restaurant, patisserie and a hidden bar located downstairs. It is a reinterpretation of New Orleans architecture. Louise is named after Louisiana, the state which is a real melting pot of French, Spanish, African and American cultures. The designer Beliz Gorgul says ‘Architecture should always work as a whole with its interiors. The story must go on throughout the project.’ Therefore every single prominent feature of architecture is reinterpreted as interiors. Cast iron columns and decorated railings inherited from Spanish ancestors, redefined interior boundaries.

As an influence of Creole Architecture, color is a crucial feature for the project. Many shades of yellow, green, blue and purple work together for a colorful harmony. Artist Ugur Oztek is hired for an oil painting commission, depicting a scene from a Caribbean workday. This painting lies on one of the atrium walls next to the marble staircase.

New Orleans tropical weather is reinvented here, plants are hanging from the railings of the outer balconies, decorating exterior facade. Small fruity plants gather to create mini gardens behind the seats and underneath the staircase. Massive fireplace heats up the air and invites crowds for intimate gatherings. Ceilings are covered with metal sheets hand painted with copper gilt.

Louise is a bold juxtaposition of modern and classic. It mixes up just right amount of classical intimacy with modernist functionalism. Copper is the consistent metal used throughout the space from the baseboards to lighting fixtures, from bar top to display shelves. This pinky glow lights up the moody atmosphere.

The bar is the coziest spot in the building. Verde Guatemala Marble’s charming green color is the perfect match to unvarnished copper bar top. While designing this space, the designer wanted to experience each material ageing in time. The beauty of copper comes out when it starts to bend and change color by oxidization. Gorgul says ‘Every space starts to write its own story by the time it is started to be used by people. The beauty of interior comes with this interaction.’

The ceiling at the bar area is made out of hand carved walnut panels. Next to the bar, there is the open kitchen. After 11pm lights are turning out and curtains close at the kitchen area, the bar starts to call people to listen tunes of jazz accompanied by nice cocktails. There is a secret VIP room next to the bar designed to accompany large groups who come together for celebrations.
Louise is designed to create a getaway spot for people who want to interact with others in a very cozy atmosphere.

Design: Beliz Gorgul Interiors
Photography: Tunç Suerdas

About Beliz Gorgul
With the passion of creating things, Beliz Gorgul started BFA Interior Architecture and Environmental Design education in her hometown Ankara. After the graduation, she worked in several architectural firms before departing for her dream city New York. She studied at Parsons School for Design and became one of the first graduates of MFA Interior Design program. She collaborated with Jean Won, the founder of Maum Design. Together Gorgul and Won designed several penthouses and stores. They created their own Jewelry line Jean & Merce in New York.

Beliz Gorgul Interiorsis founded right after Gorgul moved back to Turkey. Beliz Gorgul Interiors design spaces vary from offices to residential and commercial projects.