Thursday, 30 August 2012

A restaurant legacy…

I am not really sure how I came across the Chicago Pump Room, all I know is that I saw those incredible glowing resin orbs suspended above restaurant tables and chairs and I stopped dead in my tracks. A little further research revealed that the once legendary Pump Room (frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart) fell somewhat off the radar until being given a dramatic makeover by hotelier Ian Schrager. Although Ian had extensive help from his in-house architect Anda Andrei, he actually came up with the design ideas himself! Apart from the spectacular light fittings which initially caught my eye, there are so many elements to love – the simple yet beautiful chairs, the small intimate booth areas and the curved gold walls above the bar. 

What a truly special place to sit down and enjoy a meal. 

380668-Wool_curtains_can_close_off_one_end_of_the_hotel_s_restaurant_the_Pump_Room_for_private_dining_Photo_by_Nikolas_Koenig_380675-A_metal_armature_supports_500_individually_custom_cast_resin_orbs_in_the_Pump_Room_Photo_by_Michelle_Litvin_380674-By_the_library_s_fireplace_chairs_surround_a_leather_topped_table_all_custom_Photo_by_Michelle_Litvin_380672-A_fictitious_portrait_by_photographer_Hendrik_Kerstens_hangs_against_the_reclaimed_wood_enclosing_a_structural_column_in_the380677-The_communal_table_is_solid_rift_cut_bleached_oak_Photo_by_Michelle_Litvin_380678-Surfacing_the_interior_of_the_bar_s_niche_is_12_karat_white_gold_leaf_Photo_by_Michelle_Litvin_380676-Celebrity_photos_were_moved_to_the_new_street_entrance_to_the_Pump_Room_Photo_by_Michelle_Litvin_380669-The_lobby_s_sofas_chairs_and_tables_are_all_custom_Photo_by_Michelle_Litvin_380671-LED_strips_outline_antiqued_mirrors_in_the_lobby_Photo_by_Michelle_Litvin_

Photography by Michelle Litvin, article via

at

12 comments:

  1. Unknown30 August 2012 at 21:02

    Amazing!!!

    http://estilohedonico.blogspot.pt/

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Will @ Bright.Bazaar30 August 2012 at 23:36

    Hi Meghan!

    WOW! I would love to dine here one day - so dramatic and great design. Cheers from London!

    Will

    ReplyDelete
  3. classiq31 August 2012 at 01:16

    I'm proud that Anda Andrei is Romanian and she is one of the most talented architects in the world. She and Schrager have been partners for more than 20 years. Amazing design!
    Ada

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rowena @ rolala loves31 August 2012 at 02:06

    Dining there would indeed be a special experience. It's lovely when restaurants pay such care to the details of their decor and it's cool when a place has such a wonderful history as well.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

    ReplyDelete
  5. Inés31 August 2012 at 03:43

    Chicago is definitely a city that I have to know and the Chicago Pump Room is a "must experience" in my path!
    Fantastic pics, dear!

    Besitos, Meghan!

    Inés
    SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. homestilo31 August 2012 at 04:52

    What a grand space. I really like the art work used- it infuses the same old meets new feeling as the rest of the place does.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design31 August 2012 at 04:56

    Oh wow, it's amazing!! I would love to have a meal here!

    ReplyDelete
  8. k31 August 2012 at 05:00

    sitting in there would be quite cool!

    ReplyDelete
  9. michele31 August 2012 at 08:33

    oooooooh, it's stunning and must be put on my list!

    smiles.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  10. rooth31 August 2012 at 13:02

    I really like that bar, very chic and almost cavelike

    ReplyDelete
  11. Vic Bibby31 August 2012 at 14:29

    Wow, what history the place has, if only the walls could talk! It looks spectacular. x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Maria M.31 August 2012 at 16:09

    Incredible! There are so many beautifully amazing elements, I can't choose which one I like the best! Thanks for sharing with us. :-)

    ReplyDelete

Go on! Leave a comment - you know you want to!