Seoul’s Oldest Jazz Club Gets a Dramatic Red-Tinged Revamp

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

When Seoul's oldest jazz club moved to a new location, the management turned to interior design studio Make Better (mttb) to help them with the transition. All That Jazz opened its doors in 1976, and in its nearly 50 years, has become a focal point of jazz in South Korea, serving as a launching pad for many Korean musicians. Mttb was tasked with creating a mood and bringing a visual to this important cultural center in Seoul.

For the redesign, mmtb had to balance All That Jazz's new brand identity with respect for its past. To do so they used red as an integral color in the design, as the color also flowed through the previous location. Guests are hit with red as soon as they arrive on the second floor of the commercial building where the club is now located. After opening the red door, they are led down a glass-enclosed corridor bathed in red light. In this way, mttb's design immediately immerses visitors and sets them up for the warm, cozy interior they'll discover at the end of the hallway.

By layering the red in the lighting and upholstery, mttb has created an inviting environment away from the outside world. From a functional standpoint, the design firm has created a layout that maximizes the audience experience. Along one wall, a DJ booth to control sound is set up next to the bar area. Booths swathed in red upholstery line the perimeter, while the central area is filled with tables.

To pay homage to the club's past, mttb incorporated black and white images of musicians on the ceiling. As portraits were used to decorate the walls of the original location, this is a fitting touch. The final effect is a sumptuous environment that is striking and moody without distracting from the main star of the club—the music.

When Seoul's oldest jazz club moved location, the managment asked local interior design firm Matter Better (mttb) to design the new space.

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

The color red is a driving force in the design and starts from the moment guests walk through the door.

Door to All That Jazz in Seoul

A glass-enclosed corridor transitions into the main space and prepares guests to leave the busy city behind.

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

Swathed in layers of red, the interior is a rich and warm environment to experience jazz.

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

Bartender at All That Jazz in Seoul

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

Mttb focused on small details, bringing the history of the club forward into this new era.

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

Interior Design by mttb at All That Jazz in Seoul

Musicians Onstage at All That Jazz in Seoul

Matter Better (mttb): Website | Instagram

All images via Yongjoon Choi. My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by mttb.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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