Inside WOW!house 2025: A Shepel' Home Bar by Toni Black of Black Sheep

At WOW!house 2025, every space tells a story. In collaboration with Shepel', interior designer Toni Black of Black Sheep reimagined the home bar as a new kind of social hub — warm, inclusive, and deeply personal. We sat down with Toni to learn more about her vision, the inspirations behind the design, and the principles that shaped this evocative corner of the house.

Photos by James McDonald

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What inspired your vision for the Home Bar?

When I was first asked to design the bar, I immediately thought, How can I make this different? Traditionally, bars can feel very masculine. But I wanted to soften that — to make it warm, welcoming, and emotionally open. 

You’ve said, “The kitchen is no longer the hub - the bar is.” What did you mean by that?

That was my mantra throughout the process. In many homes, the kitchen is the place where people gather — but I thought, why not shift that energy into the bar? The concept was to take the home bar and make it a true gathering space. Somewhere to pause and connect. I envisioned a space where my mother, my grandmother, my friends — everyone — would feel at home. A place to celebrate with us. 

Tell us about some of the design choices — the curves, the textures, the atmosphere.

I wanted to change the language of architecture. So we lowered the ceilings and removed any harsh angles. Everything curves. There’s a softness to the space that reflects femininity, but also fluidity and comfort. The bar itself is a nod to nostalgic furniture — freestanding, with legs — so it feels like an object.

Craftsmanship is clearly important to you. How did you express that in the design?

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to bring craftsmanship back into space. So we used wall coverings by Arte that echo hand-crafted techniques. SHAPEL' did incredible work with the marquetry and timber, and even the carpet was part of that story — made by Kahhal 1871, an Egyptian company that’s been around for five generations. Every detail speaks to legacy.

One of the most personal touches in the bar is the artwork. Can you tell us about it?

That piece is so special. My daughter, Kaylah Black, is a young artist, and when I started this project, I thought — what if she created a piece specifically for this space? The bar is about storytelling, connection, and the interplay of generations, so it felt right. Her work lives in the space now, and it carries all of those values. It’s a moment of pride for me — and I hope for her too.

In just a few words — what do you hope people feel when they walk into the Home Bar?

Safe. Nostalgic. I want them to feel like they belong here. That’s the essence of the space.