Revelry Apartments, a multifamily building in Madison, Wisconsin, was designed to cater to a young, vibrant crowd. Located near the university, Revelry’s identity was crafted to be “extroverted”—a space where every day feels like Saturday, as is the philosophy of the developer, Saturday Properties. The overall design aimed to capture a sense of playfulness, boldness, and activity, contrasting with a quieter “introverted sibling” building, which will be developed as part of the project’s second phase.

The design vision called for bright, primary colors and lively textures and fabrics, evoking a boutique hotel aesthetic with a post-college feel. Visitors and residents are greeted with an immediate view of the outdoor pool deck, drawing them toward a central hub featuring a bar and an open, inviting atmosphere.

“This project created a unique opportunity for me to play with color,” said Monica Coleman, Interior Designer, Cunningham, “which is something I don’t normally do – just playing with patterns and color and finding where to celebrate it.”

Henricksen’s challenge was to execute this vision while navigating budget constraints and a tight timeline, all while incorporating custom pieces and art installations that would energize the space.

Cunningham’s design team and Henricksen collaborated closely to bring Revelry Apartments to life. After the initial project scope was priced and was found to exceed the budget, Henricksen led a value engineering process to refine the design within budget, making adjustments while preserving the bold, social spirit of the space.

Despite the tighter timeline, Henricksen sourced and installed a variety of commercially rated, custom furnishings, including custom rugs and accent pieces. Art installations curated by the Parade Group added a layer of personality, with Henricksen overseeing the installation to ensure the pieces complemented the furniture, palette, and textures selected for Revelry Apartments. Key pieces included gold boucle fabric seating and a yellow-patterned banquette, evoking a mid-century feel that contrasted with darker tones, bringing a sense of playfulness and sophistication. Furnishings became the personality of the space, creating focal points and inviting moments to lounge or connect.

“I think Henricksen did an incredible job in moving forward the brand that we wanted,” said Nate Brice, Saturday Properties.

Henricksen showcased adaptability, commitment to quality and creative problem-solving during the installation phase of the project. For example, as the project neared completion, Henricksen discovered an unexpected chair rail in a hallway, conflicting with plans to hang artwork. With just two days to opening, the Henricksen team provided three solutions to the problem and implemented the chosen approach, ensuring a seamless finish and maintaining the design intent.

“On every project you run into surprises,” said Brice. “Henricksen was extremely adaptive and helped us deal with any curveballs.”

Revelry Apartments serves as an example of how Henricksen can balance creativity with practical constraints to deliver spaces that resonate with clients and end-users. Through flexibility, value engineering, and attention to detail, Henricksen helped create a unique, memorable environment that aligns with Madison’s energetic vibe.