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Balena, Chicago
Interior Design | New Construction
Client: Boka Restaurant Group
Type of Client
Hospitality: Restaurant
Project Area
5,200 sf
With 555 International
Inspired by the inherent luxury and architectural style found in a classic Italian villa.
All aspects of the design were intended to produce the ambiance of an Italian villa. Gentle archways and smooth plastered walls supply an approachable elegance. This Italian restaurant embodies warmth with its neutral palette, vintage leathers, and natural textures.
While with 555 Interiors, Shilpa was integral to Balena’s production and execution. In addition to delivering the design, her talent involved implementing the many fine details for the space.
A creative blend of earth tones gives warmth to the space. The Bar area is also unique in its juxtaposition of materials and form. The team designed a rugged liquor display hung by heavy chains while the front bar is less robust and composed of a smooth leather top. Built-in hutches and comfortable dining chairs add warmth to the mood and overall aesthetic.
Another feature within the space is the existing high-pitched ceiling. It houses a generous skylight accentuated with large scale handcrafted bronze wired light fixtures. They give interest to the ceiling while layering materials and offering contrast. For the flooring, an interesting encounter occurred when the original building was being stripped down to construct the newly designed space. The team uncovered a butcher style hardwood beneath the floor tile. Once cleaned and refinished, the vintage repurposed wood floor provided an additional unexpected appeal.
Lastly, the team made the restaurant environment more engaging and planned a visual connection into the kitchen allowing guests an opportunity to watch the chef and his daily preparations. This feature supplies the restaurant a similar experience shared by those dining in an Italian villa.
