HIDE + SEEK

Located in Chicago’s Randolph Row, Hide + Seek is a modern American bar and restaurant embodying comfortable elegance during the day and an alluring nightlife after dark.

The lighting concept plays off of this duality, with the design inspired by the members-only clubs in 1960s Paris. Upon entrance, guests are welcomed by a bold and dramatic feather chandelier, the texture amplified by four surface-mounted cylinder lights that illuminate it from all angles.

Decorative sconces accent paneled walls and glittering crystal chandeliers lead guests through the restaurant, all lamped with 2700K integral LEDs. At the dining tables, narrow beam downlights are used to expertly spotlight the tabletops, providing guests with a candle-like glow for an intimate dining experience.

The bar is a glittering feature that draws guests in from across the room. Custom millwork LED lighting details discreetly illuminate antique mirror finishes and the rows of glass bottles that decorate the bar shelving without revealing any direct lamp source. Dimmable architectural downlights in the ceiling provide a gentle radiance to guests conversing at the bar.

The biggest design challenge was in balancing the lighting and color temperature throughout the long and narrow restaurant interior. Large sash windows at the facade provide ample daylight for guests dining near the entrance, while the remaining areas of the restaurant, without windows, required higher output downlights and decorative chandeliers to deliver a seamless experience.

To support the operational transition of the restaurant from brunch to happy hour and from evening to nightlife, four different lighting scenes were programmed, giving the restaurant and bar a unique, tailored feeling at each time of day.