CHLEO, KINGSTON

The hearth has long stood as the cornerstone of a home. It is the provider of fire, which has shaped us deeply as humans. 

The elemental quality of cooking over a flame is the foundation for creating nourishing meals. But fire has played a deeper role in creating society. Warmth emanating from a fire, humans are drawn to the light and heat in this central gathering space.

The familiar thread of gathering around a fire transcends culture and lifestyle and is at its core a moment where people gather and share stories; even the scarring of a flame leaves remnants of human history. Conversation emerges freely in a dimly lit room, forging connections with the people around you. 

There are few actions so intimate as pulling up a chair to chat with a friend as they prepare a meal for you.

The remnants of a fire’s past leaves a mark on human experience. Charred ash and the single plume of smoke from a cooling flame indicate the presence of a gathering, a fleeting moment in time. The physicality of fire helps to tell our stories and was the inspiration behind the design for Chleo; a wine bar in Kingston, NY.