Reimagining the Wine and Cigar Bar Experience: Lewis & Co. Design Transforms Sturman’s Eagle Location

When Sturman’s approached Lewis & Co. Design Studio to create their third Treasure Valley location in Eagle, Idaho, the vision was clear: reimagine what a wine and cigar bar could be. The result? A space that challenges every preconception about traditional cigar lounges while delivering an elevated experience that puts women and inclusivity at the forefront of hospitality design.

Breaking the Mold: A New Vision for Wine and Cigar Bar Design

Traditional cigar lounges often feel exclusive in all the wrong ways—dark, masculine, and intimidating. Sturman’s Eagle location flips this script entirely. From the moment guests walk through the door, they’re greeted by the unexpected: custom “Drunk Money” wallcovering featuring whimsical monkeys smoking cigars and sipping martinis. This playful first impression sets the tone for an experience that’s sophisticated without taking itself too seriously.

The design concept, rooted in classic contemporary aesthetics, creates a perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern vibrance. Moreover, every design decision was made with intention—from material selection to spatial layout—ensuring that the wine and cigar bar design not only looks stunning but functions flawlessly for both intimate gatherings and lively celebrations.

The Materials Story: Where Luxury Meets Comfort

One of the most critical aspects of creating an exceptional hospitality space is selecting materials that can withstand heavy use while maintaining their luxurious appeal. At Sturman’s, this meant carefully curating a palette that combines durability with undeniable sophistication.

Rich, dark leather seating anchors the main lounge areas, providing that classic wine and cigar bar aesthetic that patrons expect. However, instead of stopping there, Lewis & Co. introduced plush velvet accents in jewel tones that add warmth and visual interest throughout the space. These sumptuous fabrics invite guests to settle in for the evening, creating an environment where comfort and luxury coexist seamlessly.

The flooring tells its own story of contrast and cohesion. Classic black and white marble in geometric patterns creates drama and timeless sophistication, while warm white oak finishes on walls and ceilings provide an earthy counterbalance. This interplay of cool and warm materials prevents the space from feeling either too austere or too casual—it’s refined yet approachable, exactly what modern wine and cigar bar design should achieve.

Design Elements That Demand Attention

The “Connoisseur’s Corner”

For serious cigar enthusiasts, the climate-controlled walk-in humidor serves as both a functional necessity and a design statement. The warm white oak ceiling creates an intimate, wood-paneled atmosphere that serious collectors appreciate, while the carefully organized display showcases premium cigar selections like pieces of art. Furthermore, the herringbone pattern flooring adds subtle sophistication without competing with the merchandise.

This dedicated space demonstrates Lewis & Co.’s understanding of the client’s core business while elevating it beyond simple storage—it’s an experience within the experience, where knowledgeable staff can guide guests through cigar selection in a beautiful, purpose-built environment.

Restrooms as Design Destinations

In hospitality design, restrooms are often an afterthought. Not at Sturman’s. The bathrooms feature glossy green subway tiles that create a stunning visual impact, paired with elegant marble countertops and brass-accented mirrors that catch and reflect light beautifully. Additionally, the unique “Abides” wallcovering—a playful tribute to The Big Lebowski—adds personality and unexpected delight.

These spaces prove that every square foot of a wine and cigar bar design matters. When guests discover thoughtful design details in unexpected places, it elevates their entire perception of the establishment.

Creating Flow: Layout Design for Modern Socializing

The spatial planning at Sturman’s Eagle reflects a deep understanding of how people actually use hospitality spaces. Rather than creating one large, undifferentiated room, Lewis & Co. carved out distinct zones that serve different purposes while maintaining visual and physical flow.

Comfortable seating areas throughout the main space accommodate various group sizes—from couples seeking intimate conversation to larger parties celebrating special occasions. Moreover, the strategic placement of plush velvet banquettes against statement wallcoverings creates Instagram-worthy backdrops that encourage social sharing (and free marketing for the establishment).

The bar itself serves as both a functional hub and an architectural anchor. Its prominent placement ensures that whether guests are ordering drinks, selecting cigars, or simply observing the space, they remain connected to the energy of the room. This thoughtful layout encourages movement and mingling while still providing quiet corners for those who prefer a more subdued experience.

The Women-Centered Design Approach

Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of this wine and cigar bar design is its intentional focus on creating a space where women feel not just welcome, but centered. This manifests in numerous thoughtful details: plush, comfortable seating that doesn’t sacrifice style; lighting that’s flattering rather than harsh; intimate spaces that feel sophisticated rather than stuffy; and an overall aesthetic that balances edge with elegance.

This approach doesn’t alienate male patrons—instead, it creates an environment that everyone can appreciate. By designing with women’s comfort and preferences in mind, Lewis & Co. elevated the entire experience, proving that inclusive design is simply better design.

Outdoor Spaces: Extending the Experience Year-Round

Idaho’s climate demands thoughtful outdoor design that can function across seasons. Sturman’s outdoor areas deliver exactly that, featuring comfortable seating arranged around fire pits and strategic heaters that make the space inviting even on chilly evenings. The signature putting green, complete with the bar’s logo embedded in the turf, adds an element of playful activity that differentiates this wine and cigar bar from competitors.

These outdoor zones extend the capacity of the venue while providing a different atmosphere for guests who want fresh air without leaving the party. Additionally, the outdoor design complements the indoor aesthetic, creating a cohesive brand experience throughout the property.

Live Music Integration: Designing for Performance

A carefully designed space for live music allows Sturman’s to showcase local talent and create an ambiance that evolves throughout the evening. The acoustic considerations—from sound-dampening materials to speaker placement—ensure that music enhances rather than overwhelms conversation.

Soft, ambient lighting can be adjusted to complement the performance, whether it’s a mellow jazz trio or a more energetic act. This flexibility demonstrates the importance of designing hospitality spaces that can transform to meet different needs while maintaining their essential character.

The Classic Contemporary Philosophy

The design concept at Sturman’s—classic contemporary—is more than just a style descriptor. It represents a philosophy of honoring traditional elements while fearlessly embracing modern innovation. The classic elements (marble, leather, wood) provide familiarity and timelessness, while contemporary touches (bold wallcoverings, jewel-toned velvets, playful design elements) keep the space feeling fresh and relevant.

This balance is particularly important in wine and cigar bar design, where the challenge is honoring the heritage and ritual of these classic indulgences while making them accessible and exciting for a new generation of enthusiasts.

Creating Destination Hospitality in Eagle, Idaho

Sturman’s Eagle location isn’t just another bar—it’s a destination. Every design decision made by Lewis & Co. supports this positioning, from the show-stopping entry feature to the elegant restroom details that surprise and delight. This level of comprehensive design thinking transforms a commercial space into an experience that people seek out and remember.

For the Eagle community and Treasure Valley residents, this represents a sophisticated new option for socializing, celebrating, and enjoying life’s finer pleasures in an environment that feels both special and welcoming.

The Lewis & Co. Difference in Hospitality Design

With nearly two decades of experience designing both residential and commercial spaces across Idaho, Lewis & Co. Design Studio brings a unique perspective to hospitality projects. This project showcases several hallmarks of their approach:

Attention to Material Quality: Selecting finishes that can withstand commercial use while maintaining luxury appeal
Comprehensive Space Planning: Creating zones that serve different purposes while maintaining cohesive flow
Unexpected Details: Adding playful elements that give the space personality and memorability Client-Centered Solutions: Understanding the business goals and designing to support operational success Women’s Perspective: Bringing female-owned business insights to create more inclusive spaces

The Sturman’s Eagle project demonstrates how thoughtful hospitality design can differentiate a business in a competitive market. By breaking away from traditional wine and cigar bar design expectations and creating something bold, beautiful, and inclusive, Lewis & Co. helped establish a new standard for sophisticated socializing in the Treasure Valley.

Whether you’re planning a restaurant, bar, clubhouse, or other hospitality venue, the lessons from this project are clear: invest in quality materials, don’t be afraid of personality, design for your actual audience (not assumptions about your audience), and remember that every detail contributes to the overall experience.

Ready to transform your commercial space into a destination that stands out? Lewis & Co. Design brings award-winning expertise to hospitality projects across Idaho and beyond, creating spaces that aren’t just beautiful—they’re strategically designed for success.