This May, the National Design Academy invited designers to travel back in time to the roaring 1920s with a challenge that fused vintage glamour and contemporary luxury. Inspired by Chanel’s timeless elegance, participants were tasked with designing a luxurious speakeasy bar that captured the secretive sophistication of the Prohibition era, rich with monochrome palettes, sumptuous textures, and dazzling Art Deco details.
With various material choices, and an emphasis on intimate, mysterious lighting, this month’s challenge set the stage for truly captivating creations. Our expert tutors sought submissions that balanced creativity, functionality, and a strong alignment with the iconic Chanel-inspired theme.
And now, the results are in. Let’s meet the talented designers who brought their visions to life, earning their spot on the NDA podium.
🥇 1st Place: Hetvi Thanki
About Hetvi
No. 1920
Drawing inspiration from Coco Chanel’s enduring elegance, Hetvi’s No. 1920 combines the charm of the 1920s with a contemporary twist. Every material was thoughtfully selected to embody this concept. Plush velvet upholstery adds depth and comfort to the seating, inviting relaxation. Gold-toned metal tiles introduce warmth and subtle glamour, particularly around the bar. Sleek marble countertops contribute a polished, classic look that enhances sophistication. A striking gold chandelier takes centre stage, casting a cosy glow and evoking vintage refinement. The inclusion of a black and white photograph adds an artistic touch, while the jeweled brooch influences intricate decorative details. Together, these elements craft a space that feels both luxurious and timeless.
Tutor’s Take:
Hetvi’s design beautifully captures Chanel’s timeless elegance through careful material choices and balanced textures. The use of gold-toned metal tiles in the bar area, adds just the right hint of glamour. The gold chandelier also draws attention, casting a warm glow that perfectly enhances the vintage elegance of the space.
Although her background lies in physics, design has always been Hetvi’s true calling. Currently honing her skills and preparing for a design career, she has mastered AutoCAD and 3Ds Max to transform creative ideas into practical realities. For Hetvi, design transcends aesthetics- it’s about crafting meaningful spaces that enhance daily life.
Winning first place in the NDA Mattoboard Challenge has fueled her ambition, boosting her confidence to pursue formal interior design studies. Though not an NDA student or alumnus, Hetvi’s talent is greatly undeniable.
Connect with Hetvi:
Instagram: @hetvithanki
🥈 2nd Place: Jamie Ackrill Rush
Jamie Ackrill Rush’s “Midnight Luxe” immerses us in a world of moody opulence and feminine grace. This Chanel-inspired speakeasy design marries Art Deco luxury with timeless sophistication, offering an experience that whispers exclusivity and high fashion. The moodboard reflects a meticulous composition, perfectly capturing Chanel’s iconic aesthetic.
Tutor’s Take:
Jamie’s Midnight Luxe stands out with its rich Art Deco textures and the perfect balance between moody opulence and feminine grace. The thoughtful use of natural elements adds warmth and a fresh twist to this sophisticated speakeasy concept.
About Jamie
After years in hospitality, Jamie took a bold step by earning his professional interior design diploma, eager to redesign the spaces he once worked in. He plans to pursue a degree in retail design, aiming for opportunities in retail and hospitality sectors. Jamie particularly loves weaving natural elements into his work, bringing the outdoors inside. This isn’t Jamie’s first triumph in the Mattoboard Challenge Series. He claimed third place in the April Mattoboard Challenge which you can read more about here!
Connect with Jamie:
Instagram: @jsrstudios01
🥉 3rd Place: Sana Saleh Abood
Midnight Reverie: A 1920s Speakeasy Dream
Sana’s “Midnight Reverie” invites us into a hidden realm of luxury and sophistication. Inspired by the clandestine elegance of 1920s Paris and the mystique of Prohibition-era speakeasies, this design radiates hidden luxury and moody indulgence. The visual concept blends monochrome and gold Art Deco patterns for dramatic geometric beauty, velvet and tufted furniture to evoke the intimacy of secret bars, crystal chandeliers and vintage instruments to summon the opulence of underground jazz lounges, iconic Chanel elements like pearls and perfume symbolising glamour and rebellion, and cocktail culture spotlighting golden drinks and marble textures.
Tutor’s Take:
Sana’s “Midnight Reverie” impresses with its rich layering of textures and bold Art Deco patterns that perfectly capture the speakeasy’s secretive glamour. The blend of vintage elements and Chanel-inspired details creates a captivating atmosphere full of drama and sophistication.
About Sana
Sana recently completed her one-year Interior Design degree in India and earned a diploma from the National Design Academy in Dubai. She never abandoned her dream, proudly embracing her status as a graduate. Interior design is her passion—she’s tackled numerous projects, reveling in colours, materials, and sourcing décor and furniture. Sana has honed skills in portfolios, technical drawings, and material selection. Now, she’s eager for training and job opportunities, driven by hard work and perseverance with a dream of one day designing her own home. Sana’s also no stranger to victory, having secured first place in the very recent April Mattoboard Challenge.
Connect with Sana:
Instagram: @_theartofsana_
Facebook: Sana Saleh
LinkedIn: Sana Saleh Abood
A heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and participants! Each submission showcased remarkable creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the brief.
Stay tuned for June’s Mattoboard Challenge, where we’ll explore new themes and design inspirations.
Which design resonates with you the most? Let us know in the comments or tag us on our socials with your thoughts! Follow us on social media to be the first to hear about upcoming challenges, and who knows? You could be our next winner!🤩
