apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Oh God yes - built in bar is a MUST!!
How about wallpaper and built in bar?

If there is room, I would start with a narrow bench that the seat could lift up. Something you could put stuff on (ie: shopping bags) with storage inside for your bar. Perhaps on locking wheels so it could be easily removable when dealing with large furniture? Are you able to decorate around the door in what would normally be a "common" area? Tying the same theme from the entry of your condo, through the elevator, to the main entrance would really help.

Tufted velvet, leather, or (more economically) pleather...

I wouldn't do a built in bar (too permanent) - but with upholstered/tufted walls, I could see a faancy portable bar cart.

Can't see the light fixture in the elevator from the photos but perhaps add a mini chandelier???

How much do you think you're going to use the elevator to move stuff?

I could also see making it your library.

Wait, so this elevator is no longer functional? Is it shared or private? I am a little confused, but will give some advice anyway...

If it is still functional, a bar doesn't make much sense (especially wet). Also, as has already been mentioned, make sure whatever is in there can be removed for heavy loads.

I dunno, with the metal grate and everything art deco comes to mind, like this pic I found on Google's Image Search for 'art deco elevator'

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/688076362_794bc587c7_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/687333291_7aebd580a4.jpg?v=0

Just keep in mind if you do install something heavy (like a library) it will affect your weight limit.

I love the idea of graphic wallpaper and a interesting light fixtures but a built-in bar seems really weird. A bar cart maybe with enough room... how big is this thing?

Definitely a bar. I love the idea of just bringing the bar to whatever floor you are on.having a romantic night at home? bring the bar to the floor where the bedrooms are. Having a party? Set up a bartender in the elevator. Let the guests call the bar to whichever floor they are on. I live in arizona and am thinking how badly i wish our homes had elevators. Just so I could set up a bar. The entrance into the elevator should be a bookcase on barn door hinges to create a "secret passageway."

Upholstered panels in a large graphic pattern. Like wallpaper but can handle the abuse of moving furniture and bar carts running into it.

I love the tuffed walls idea in a durable/washable material (which would also pad furniture when moving it and prevent it from scratching itself or the walls)

Also like the chandelier idea if it wouldn't get in the way of heads or furniture moving.

I also agree that any furniture should be removable and like the storage bench idea.

Music would be funny for guests...some sort of small hidden stereo or sound machine in the ceiling.

It could also be decorated for the seasons/holidays too. Mini christmas tree, pumpkins, snow man etc.

I also think, if possible, it would be fun to customize the buttons and/or labels so that they read something other than just 1, 2, 3.... Maybe labeled like store departments.

Mirrors, twinkly chandelier, bold dark graphic wall paper, lots of sparkle and texture.

Oh go crazy...

How about a Puppet theater?

Or mirrored disco ball room?

Or cover the walls with old machine and elevator buttons and funny signs - a la Charlie and the Glass Elevator (or whatever it was called) buttons all over that you could ostensibly push to go to the moon or the 5th dimension or floor 13 1/2 or whatever.

Or cover it with sayings - words. THings people might whisper to each other in the closet.

It could be your 3 minutes in the closet space - with a bottle you could spin.

Or it could be your superman tollbooth where you transform into a superhero - with costumes on the walls.

Or make it the ultimate barbie dreamhouse - with a 3" thick dollhouse set up all around and barbies or other dolls posed in various "rooms."

Ultimate bachelor pad type of set-up 70s lights and drinks and glow in the dark paintings of half naked ladies with afros.

Or just go crazy with black lights and bad glow in the dark paintings.

Do you have any collections of kitschy things? You know some people collect smurfs, etc - you could display them here.

Or make it like an escape pod on a space ship.

Or a coffin for a vampire.

Okay - I could go on and on but I think you the idea - make it CRAZY!

I think my favorite one of these is the one with all the buttons. You could have one that says "Whatever you do, don't press this button" and then have that one linked to some crazy sounds.