When the opportunity to renovate a prominent hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile presented itself, designers drew inspiration from Gwen Lux, the female sculptress who designed and crafted the mythological stone bas relief sculptures on the façade of the historic building the hotel calls home. Every detail of the design was impacted and influenced by the historical and physical context – from a color palette that ties into the city’s seasons, to patterns and finishes reminiscent of what is referred to as Chicago’s “Decade of Luxury,” to furniture and lighting inspired by the hotel’s close proximity to lavish retail.
The Gwen’s entry is a showcase for replicas of Gwen Lux’s original sculptures. Bronze metal screens inspired by the vertical art deco fluting on the building’s façade and built-in furniture groupings create natural meeting spaces and niches. Furniture is adorned by luxurious velvets, leathers and faux furs which add texture amidst the light blue, green, bronze, grey and black color palette. In the lobby bar, materials and form continue to draw on luxurious art deco designs and the building’s historic elements – bronze metals, marbles, a brass channeled bar edge, and antiqued mirror. A large metal mesh modern chandelier accents the design like jewelry.
The palette shifts to tonal variations of ivory and mink-grey with deep charcoal accents in the guestrooms. Pale peach, pink and deep greens in pillows and blankets are a contrast against the neutral palette. A custom mural, influenced by Gwen Lux’s actual carvings serves as a memorable backdrop against the upholstered headboards.
Distinction | MICHELIN Guide: One Key Hotel
