# Curvaceous Wooden Bars Toronto's Bar Raval is Inspired by Spanish Art Nouveau Design By Meghan Young | Published 2015-07-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-raval References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2015/07/09/this-bar-in-toronto-is-filled-with-curvaceous-wood/) & [thisisbarraval](http://www.thisisbarraval.com/) [Toronto](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flow-house) is a city in which escape is around every corner thanks to its authentic diversity; Bar Raval is one great example of this. The recently completed [tapas-styled bar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-camionera) will transport people into a European mind frame. It beautifully embraces Spanish Art Nouveau design, with a modern twist, of course. Founded by celebrated Canadian chef Grant van Gameren alongside mixologists Mike Webster and Robin Goodfellow, Bar Raval is meant to recreate the social and gastronomic culture in northern Spain, but in Canada. The Contemporist writes, "Bar Raval’s molten quality fosters fluid circulation and close encounters, honouring the spirit of its Spanish pintxo counterparts. Its [sculptural aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4space) is also intended to mirror muscle tissue. In fact, it pays direct homage to the tattooed physicality of the three owners." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Authentic Diversity in Design:** Exploring and embracing different cultural influences in design to create unique and immersive experiences. - **Modernizing Traditional Aesthetics:** Infusing traditional design styles with contemporary elements to create a fresh and updated aesthetic. - **Creating Immersive Environments:** Designing spaces that transport people into a different mindset or culture, enhancing the overall experience. ### Where This Applies - **Hospitality:** Opportunity for hotels, restaurants, and bars to differentiate themselves by offering culturally immersive design experiences. - **Interior Design:** Chance for interior designers to experiment with combining traditional and modern design elements to create visually stunning spaces. - **Culinary:** Opportunity for chefs and restaurateurs to create complete sensory experiences by incorporating culturally relevant design and ambiance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Opulent Dining Venues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sammarco.md) - [Mediterranean Snack Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-reyna.md) - [Local-Inspired Charming Salons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gxbar.md) - [Moody Cocktail Bar Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-sun.md) - [Uniquely Stylish Bar Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caf-and-wine-bar.md) - [Earthy Tonal Rooftop Lounges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evangeline.md) - [Multi-Sensory Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selva-toronto.md) - [Sculptural Bar Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-far.md) - [Ultra-Luxurious Bar Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cravan-cocktail-bar.md)