IN BED WITH GARRETT SINGER: Reimagining Winnie’s Jazz Club
This March, designer Garrett Singer of Garrett Singer Architecture + Design brings a bold new vision to Refinery’s speakeasy-style lounge, Winnie’s Jazz Club. Singer’s redesign cements the space as a true jazz destination where golden-age glamour meets contemporary New York edge, setting the stage for nightly live jazz alongside elevated cocktails and cuisine. We caught up with Singer to hear the inspiration behind the redesign and his vision for Winnie’s next act.
Step behind the velvet curtain at Winnie’s Jazz Club, where designer Garrett Singer has transformed the speakeasy-style lounge into a glamorous, modern ode to New York jazz culture.
How does the re-imagination build on the space’s original design philosophy?
“Winnie’s is rooted in the building’s rich history as part of New York’s Garment District, but the re-imagination is about turning that legacy into something new and experiential. We wanted the space to feel like a modernized echo of its early 1900s social life where glamour, music, and nightlife converge. The design draws on the romance of a flapper-era speakeasy but introduces bold contemporary graphic moments and colors so it feels timeless rather than nostalgic.”
Can you describe the fabrics, textures, or patterns featured throughout?
“Textures and patterns are the primary focal and touch points of the space. We leaned into plush velvets in deep amber and teal to create warmth and sensuality, paired with a spectacular Mokum wallpaper that adds richness and graphic sophistication. Upholstery and drapery were selected to feel soft, enveloping, and lounge-like, while the bold 1970s-inspired carpet introduces energy, pattern, and a playful modern contrast.”
What are a few favorite design details or “hidden gems” guests might not notice at first?
“The sepia toned peacock wallpaper has incredible depth up close, and its subtle pattern reveal a really sophisticated backdrop to the space, a perfect “insta moment” background. Even the 1970s-inspired carpet is intentional: it creates movement and rhythm underfoot, like a visual interpretation of jazz itself. We felt like it had a retro hotel vibe to it as well.”
How does the layout influence the guest experience?
“The layout was designed to feel intimate but energetic. Seating is arranged to encourage both engagement with the stage and private moments within the crowd, creating a balance of social vibrancy and personal escape.”
Are there visual references or storytelling elements that pay homage to jazz history or the city’s jazz culture?
“Drawing off the building’s history as a former hat factory, we have incorporated subtle peacock touches in the velvet patterns and wallpaper as a creative nod to the feathers used in fancy hats from that era. In general, Winnie’s draws from the romance of New York’s golden-age jazz lounges where style and music blurred together in a nightlife setting. The speakeasy undertones, the velvet warmth, and the stage-driven layout all nod to that cultural lineage while keeping the space firmly modern.”
Were any furnishings, lighting, or art pieces custom-made for this project or sourced from local craftspeople or vendors?
“All the seating and carpet have been custom made for this space. Every material was hand selected with the goal of making Winnie’s to feel crafted and one of a kind, like it could only exist in this building, in this city.”
Did any particular eras, subcultures, or artistic movements influence the aesthetic?
“The vibe is quintessential NYC. It lives at the intersection of flapper-era glamour, Prohibition nightlife, and bold modern graphic energy, with a touch of 1970s lounge culture layered in. That mix creates something unique and enticing and really makes sense in this hotel.”
How does the space reflect the personality or ethos of Winnie’s as a jazz club?
“Winnie’s is intimate, stylish and a little mysterious. The immersive design reflects an environment where jazz is a central theme to a well-appointed intimate space.”
If you could summarize the feeling guests should take away from the space, what would it be?
“There is no doubt that everyone who passes by will want to peak behind the velvet curtain, and then be completely blown away by what they find hidden inside. Winnie’s should feel like stepping into a secret New York dream: part speakeasy, part modern lounge. A glamorous hidden gem you cannot believe you came across in this unassuming hotel lobby.”
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday | 4 PM – 12 AM
Live Jazz: Daily from 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome and reservations can be made via SevenRooms.
