The Violet Hour
Client: Chef Paul Kahan, One Off Hospitality
Project: Violet Hour
Location: Chicago, IL
With a hidden entrance to foster an initial sense of discovery and the privilege of being “in the know,” The Violet Hour draws on the pared down styles of the early 19th century English Georgian and French Directoire as English clubs and French salons represent the earliest modern venues for socializing and drinking. The design not only relies on stylistic cues from these precedents but uses spatial references (such as the partitioning of space into several smaller rooms, the use of extra high wing back furniture groupings, and the breaking down of the bar into several separate lengths) to create places of intimacy conducive to the art of conversation. The look is seductive with a hint of refinement; comfortable but with moments of luxury. The cocktail takes center stage in each room with curtained partitions framing bartenders and high-mirrored back bar cabinets highlighting specialty liquors and ingredients. Richer surfaces and colors are contrasted against cleaner more minimal ones. The color could be referred to by many names – French blue, Periwinkle, Wedgwood, Cornflower – all of which were common to the historical inspirations. Overall, interior elements have been designed to heighten the experience of having private experiences within a larger active environment.