San Diego’s iconic Starlite bar has opened its doors once again, unveiling a full-scale redesign led by Bells + Whistles.
Supported by local hospitality group CH Projects, the reimagining marks a meaningful return for Bells + Whistles. Starlite was the Los Angeles firm’s first project nearly two decades ago.
Unveiled in 2006, Starlite was conceived by Tim Mays and Matt Hoyt as a hybrid between a classic midcentury steakhouse and a casual neighborhood bar. Bells + Whistles founders Jason St John, Barbara Rourke, and Jason Lane were tapped to custom-fabricate every element, drawing inspiration from a cross-country road trip that included a stop at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. The original design fused dramatic influences—from cathedral-like stalactite ceilings to nods to Frank Lloyd Wright, 1970s Italian futurism, and subtle references to Star Wars.
Starlite’s new chapter
For the Starlite revival, St John and Rourke revisited their initial concepts, approaching the restoration with a blend of experience and nostalgia. Creative partner and CH Projects founder Arsalun Tafazoli contributed to the process, encouraging a bold, unconstrained reimagining of the space.
The refreshed space pairs raw, cave-like rock walls with rich, tactile materials and custom details. At its heart, a sculptural hexagonal bar anchors the room beneath a cascading chandelier designed to evoke a constellation of stars, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the moody interiors.
Warm copper, walnut, and plush velvet elements layer Starlite with a grounded sense of luxury, while a mirrored ceiling amplifies the cavernous atmosphere. Bespoke touches—including a DJ booth wrapped in molten metal—add an artistic, otherworldly touch that result in an environment that feels both transportive and intimately familiar.
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