Interior Design for a Bar with a Story
Dynasty Room
The reincarnation of the Dynasty Room bar in the International District’s iconic Four Seas Restaurant.
In 2020, a staple of Seattle’s International District — the Four Seas Restaurant and its bar, Dynasty Room — was scheduled to be torn down to make way for new development. With its demise looming, and after nearly four decades of operation, the neighborhood institution closed its doors.
The Dynasty Room story would have ended there. But I-Miun Liu, an active community member and business owner, stepped in with a vision to give the space one final hurrah. Teaming up with us and Electric Coffin, he wanted to give the Dynasty Room back to the community for a little longer, with a bit of a new spin.
The design process was incremental and collaborative, with the design goal of maintaining the feel of the old bar, while also introducing a modern vibe. The pairing of the old and new is a physical reflection of the one element that can’t be ignored in this particular case — but that also can’t be easily visualized — time: the countdown until the building is replaced.
Electric Coffin’s “Wolf Temple”
This experiential pop-up celebrating the venue as a fixture within its neighborhood features experiential artwork by Electric Coffin, neon-hued cocktails, and nods to the venue’s past blended with contemporary elements. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Electric Coffin’s “Wolf Temple”
This experiential pop-up celebrating the venue as a fixture within its neighborhood features experiential artwork by Electric Coffin, neon-hued cocktails, and nods to the venue’s past blended with contemporary elements. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Arcane Installations
Upon entering, guests are greeted by Electric Coffin’s custom mural, wolf temple sculpture, and an engineered soundscape. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Arcane Installations
Upon entering, guests are greeted by Electric Coffin’s custom mural, wolf temple sculpture, and an engineered soundscape. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
The Enigmatic Lounge
Dark and charming at the same time, vertical wood paneling and a red leather bar bring this venue’s character out in even the smallest details. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
The Enigmatic Lounge
Dark and charming at the same time, vertical wood paneling and a red leather bar bring this venue’s character out in even the smallest details. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
The reinvented bar is composed of a mixture of elements. Some pieces are original to the Four Seas, while others are new additions entirely. Together, it’s not always easy to tell which is which.
Even the building’s structure plays a role: the posts and beams are painted red on one side, and remain in their old, dark wood tones on the other. The same room feels completely different, dependent entirely on your perspective. That — along with the merged decorative pieces, furniture, finishes, materials, and art — create an environment that feels at once old and new, just like the International District outside its doors.
Like the evolving neighborhood around it, the Dynasty Room is moving forward, but it also nods respectfully to the past. We hope you’ll pay it a visit before time runs out.
Mystic Mixology
This yuzu and pansy cocktail emphasizes the client’s eye for color theory as well their mastery of spirited concoctions. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Mystic Mixology
This yuzu and pansy cocktail emphasizes the client’s eye for color theory as well their mastery of spirited concoctions. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Fusion Mixology
Yellow and violet complement one another in an eye-catching fashion, while citrus and floral tasting notes combine to delight patrons’ palates. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Fusion Mixology
Yellow and violet complement one another in an eye-catching fashion, while citrus and floral tasting notes combine to delight patrons’ palates. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Nocturnal Reverie
Rich wooden tones set against a dark backdrop make for a dramatic ambiance full of contrast and mystery. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Nocturnal Reverie
Rich wooden tones set against a dark backdrop make for a dramatic ambiance full of contrast and mystery. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
A Symphony of Eclectic Elements
Art, culture, and revelry intertwine in this space that embraces its International District pride. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
A Symphony of Eclectic Elements
Art, culture, and revelry intertwine in this space that embraces its International District pride. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Design Inspired by Tradition
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the International District through intricate art installations, innovative cocktail craftsmanship, and luxury-infused traditional design elements. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Design Inspired by Tradition
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the International District through intricate art installations, innovative cocktail craftsmanship, and luxury-infused traditional design elements. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Resplendent in Red
Accent pendant lights make the red walls and gold accents seem lit from within, creating a sense of opulence from otherwise simple materials. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Resplendent in Red
Accent pendant lights make the red walls and gold accents seem lit from within, creating a sense of opulence from otherwise simple materials. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Details in Relief
This piece of Zhujin Mudiao — traditional Chinese woodcarving — serves as a focal point on an otherwise-unadorned wall, allowing the exquisite details of the relief sculpture to spin a tale in images for those seated nearby. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Details in Relief
This piece of Zhujin Mudiao — traditional Chinese woodcarving — serves as a focal point on an otherwise-unadorned wall, allowing the exquisite details of the relief sculpture to spin a tale in images for those seated nearby. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Dynasty Dweller
Floral, tea-infused cocktails are trademarks of the venue, with funky names and eye-catching colors that embody Dynasty Room’s eclectic and unpretentious approach to place-making. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Dynasty Dweller
Floral, tea-infused cocktails are trademarks of the venue, with funky names and eye-catching colors that embody Dynasty Room’s eclectic and unpretentious approach to place-making. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Something Both Familiar and New
Décor elements of the Four Seas Restaurant create a sense of comfort and familiarity amidst a reinvented interior, providing a delightful experience for patrons both habitual as well as new. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Something Both Familiar and New
Décor elements of the Four Seas Restaurant create a sense of comfort and familiarity amidst a reinvented interior, providing a delightful experience for patrons both habitual as well as new. Dynasty Room | Photo by Austin Day.
Notes & Credits
Architecture and Interior Design by Board & Vellum.
Wolf Temple, gift shop kiosk, custom wallpaper, and other art and experiential installations by Electric Coffin.
General Contracting by Dynasty Room proprietor, I-Miun Liu.
Photos by Austin Lane Day.
Love the Dynasty Room? See another collaboration between Board & Vellum, I-Miun Liu, and Electric Coffin: Oasis Tea Zone Capitol Hill.
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