Preciosa Lighting Heats Up Las Vegas Speakeasy

It’s the 1920s. Prohibition is in full force in the US. Art Deco glamour is the sophisticated style that’s all the rage, especially at speakeasies, illicit bars that secretly serve the forbidden alcohol. The mysterious nature of these pubs, the irresistible pull of visiting one and the nostalgia that comes with the vibe now can be found in modern day Las Vegas.

Venetian Casino Resort of Las Vegas Sands Corporation tasked Simeone Deary Design Group, under a consulting agreement with Gensler to create a destination bar that would sit within the Palazzo’s busy casino floor which is surrounded by light, sound and constant energy. The design team at Simeone Deary Design Group, led by co-owner Lisa Simeone, chose to take a step back and approach their conceptual direction from a different perspective, as Jessica Alexander (Senior Project Designer at SDDG) explains.

As the Palazzo is based on an Italian Renaissance theme, the design team chose to create the persona of a dazzling Sicilian socialite they named Rosina. “Rosina became so detailed that she truly began to take on a life of her own,” according to Ms. Alexander. “In fact, we became so enamoured with this concept, we continually referred to “her” and every time we needed to make a design or branding decisions we would ask ourselves – what would Rosina want? What would Rosina do?”

“The glass-enclosed room resembles a faceted jewel box featuring partially see-through spaces, reflective surfaces, and soft finishes,” Ms. Alexander continued. Bold Art Deco patterns intrigue from the outside, while the interior has a decadent feel with a colour palette of black, champagne, amber, and blush. The design team knew that the lighting needed to reflect Rosina’s personality and truly bring her defiant glamour to life.

“We felt that the final lighting types successfully balance shadows of light and dark and illuminate the space from within,” Ms. Alexander said. “Elegant blush coloured crystal chandeliers, brass detailing, and crystal strands shimmer throughout the bar and inside the private banquette seating areas, all reflecting Rosina’s personal style and high-end taste.”

Award-Winning Concept

Rosina’s exotic appeal and one-of-a-kind accents led the space to be honoured with a 2018 Hospitality Design Nightlife Award for Best Speakeasy/Cocktail Bar or Lounge. The lighting adds sparkle and evokes a sense of the roaring-twenties party scene with a touch of romance and glamour.

Preciosa Lighting was entrusted with the development of Simeone Deary Design Group’s vision for custom lighting throughout the space. Simeone Deary Design Group has worked with Preciosa on previous projects and has always had a positive experience.

“The level of detail and care that the team takes throughout the entire process, from shop drawings to mock-ups, really makes a difference in the final product,” she said.

Simeone Deary Design Group is an award-winning design group, specializing in hospitality spaces. Ms. Alexander personally enjoys hotel projects because the varying spaces leave plenty of opportunity to tell a story. She also has her eye on current lighting trends.

“Lately I have been noticing a lot of brass material being used in lighting and unique shapes being used for shades and overall fixture compositions,” she said.

Ms. Alexander can’t emphasize enough the importance of lighting in public spaces.

“Great lighting and design has the power to bring a space to life and truly transform the guest experience,” she said. “Simeone Deary Design Group’s goal with every design is to create a sense of place that results in a unique experience for guests. Thoughtful lighting selections, along with the layering of details, can deliver memorable concepts.”