I still remember the first time I watched Monaco play at Stade Louis II back in 2016—the energy was electric, and you could feel something special was brewing. Fast forward to today, and Monaco soccer has transformed into one of Europe's most exciting projects, blending youth development with strategic signings that keep fans like me on the edge of our seats. The club's philosophy has always been about nurturing talent while staying competitive, and honestly, I think they've struck a remarkable balance. When I look at their current squad, what stands out isn't just the raw skill but the stories behind each player—like the recent signing of a promising forward who's been training intensively in the US. As one insider shared with me, "I definitely hope he maintains his level. That's why we brought him in. Even though he hasn't played recently, he told me he's working even harder there than before because that's all he's doing." This kind of dedication is what sets Monaco apart; it's not just about talent, but the relentless drive to improve.

Now, let's talk about the key players who are shaping this rise. Take Wissam Ben Yedder, for instance—the captain and top scorer with 25 goals across all competitions last season. His leadership on and off the pitch is undeniable, and in my view, he's the heartbeat of this team. Then there's Aleksandr Golovin, the creative midfielder whose vision and assists have turned games around time and again. I've followed his progress since his CSKA Moscow days, and his growth at Monaco has been phenomenal—he contributed 12 assists in the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season alone. But what really excites me is the younger generation, like Eliesse Ben Seghir, the 18-year-old winger who burst onto the scene with that stunning debut goal. I mean, watching him play feels like witnessing the future of French football unfold. And let's not forget the defensive backbone: Guillermo Maripán and Mohamed Camara bring stability that's crucial for a team aiming for European spots. From my perspective, this mix of experience and youth is Monaco's secret sauce—it keeps the squad dynamic and adaptable.

Looking ahead, the future prospects for Monaco are brighter than ever, though not without challenges. The club's financial strategy, which relies on developing and selling talents like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Kylian Mbappé in the past, has been both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it funds new signings and infrastructure; on the other, it risks losing key players too soon. Personally, I believe if they can hold onto their core for another season or two, they could seriously challenge for the Ligue 1 title—maybe even make a deep run in the Champions League. The management's focus on data-driven recruitment, like the recent emphasis on players training abroad, shows they're thinking globally. As that insider noted, the commitment from new signings working overseas reflects a broader trend: Monaco is tapping into underrated markets to find gems. In the next 5 years, I predict they'll break into the top 3 in France consistently and become a regular in European competitions. But let's be real—it won't be easy. They'll need to navigate financial fair play and rising competition from clubs like Lens and Nice. Still, as a longtime follower, I'm optimistic. The passion I saw back in 2016 is still there, just sharper and more strategic. Monaco isn't just building a team; they're crafting a legacy, and I, for one, can't wait to see where it leads.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.