Sepia
Chicago, Illinois
Photography by Tony Soluri, Soluri Photography
This fine-dining, Michelin starred restaurant is nestled in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Both the name and design of the restaurant are a tribute to the 19th century print shop it is housed in.
Guests are greeted at the entry with a mix of hand-crafted custom and restored millwork in rich, dark wood tones. A beautifully restored bar with original carvings, antique mirrors, custom shelving and a marble inlay perfectly blend the restaurant’s historic elements with modern function and form. The muted tones in the original exterior brick walls and custom art nouveau tile floors complement the modern elements like the floor-to-ceiling wine storage, custom built-in banquettes and dramatic bespoke chandeliers. Custom upholstered banquettes and a private dining room provide more intimate dining niches and dining experiences for guests.
The design seamlessly melds together refined and rustic with vintage and contemporary to create a harmonious and timeless ambiance. Blending the different styles results in a space that feels both sophisticated and approachable and serves as a perfect backdrop to the restaurant’s inventive American cuisine.
“Any Architectural work that does not express serenity is an error.”
— Louis Barragay