Every time I’ve traveled to Chicago, Illinois, I’ve absolutely loved it there. From the great restaurants to Lincoln Park Zoo, to Old Town and Second City, there are always lots of fun things to do in Chicago…in the summer, at least. I’ve never been brave enough for a winter vacation in the Windy City! Now, a new luxury hotel in Chicago brings a new level of sophistication to this most cosmopolitan of midwest cities. The Elysian’s interior design and architecture brings iconic 1920′s Paris design to mind; the designers were inspired by Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and the Art Deco movement that was born in 1920′s Paris. The entire interior scope shows off the results of their inspiration. I spoke with Lisa Simeone and Gina Deary, the owners of the Simeone Deary Design Group in Chicago, about their part in creating the luxurious Parisian feel of The Elysian hotel. Anyone curious about creative, inspired interior design, or finding an incredibly romantic luxury hotel stay for a Chicago trip, should find this interesting.
Many Chicago travelers are saying that The Elysian is the best new luxury hotel in the Windy City. Could you please describe what, if anything, is inherently “Chicago” about the Elysian?
Aside from the fact that the Elysian flagship is based in Chicago and that the architect and interior designer are Chicago based – the design of the Elysian is not necessarily inherently Chicago but embodies the spirit of the glamour and excitement of an urban city. We did make reference to design motifs found in Chicago art and architecture during the 20’s and 30’s – and these are woven throughout the hotel – but the overall feeling is more European and not city specific.
What was your inspiration? Do you always tend towards such sleek, high-end decor?
Our inspiration came from many and varied sources from our client’s wishes, to the architecture of the building; however we built the foundation of our design on the artisan movement, the Paris exposition, the glamour period of the 20’s and 30’s and the timeless designs of Coco Chanel and Christian Dior.
Typically our design aesthetic leans toward the project that we are working on and the concept that we develop for that particular project – currently, in addition to the Elysian hotel, we are working on a ranch resort in Wyoming, a green café in Illinois and an uber modern high end home downtown.
To what degree (if any) did you work with the architect, to ensure a sense of flow from the exterior to the interior of the building?
At our firm, we feel it is critical to work with the architect to ensure this flow….we strongly believe in cohesive and congruent design – it gives a project harmony that is evident to the guest.
What would you hope that the interior conveys to Chicago tourists staying at the Elysian?
We hope that the interiors give any guest that stays at the Elysian that sense of wonder and awe, that each and every detail was thought about to enhance the guest sensory experience and that they feel transformed to a time when high design and detail and client service really meant something.
If there is one thing you could go back and change, tweak, or improve, what would it be?
This is a tough question because there are many little things that we would love to go back and tweak – not so much on the design side, but more on flow and planning. Truly, the end result of this project is almost exactly as we envisioned it.
The Elysian just officially opened around 2 months ago. How would you say it has been received so far?
From the comments we hear, it is very well received and guests are quite inspired by the design…..it also helps that the talented and passionate staff of the hotel are extremely dedicated to the guest experience. This was truly a project that does not come along every day.
Well, looking at all the lovely photographs of The Elysian, I have to believe that Lisa Simeone and Gina Deary’s inspiration is paying off in spades. This is an absolutely beautiful looking luxury hotel in Chicago; one that almost makes me consider a winter trip to the midwest. After all, as windy as Chicago is in the winter, it must be incredibly pampering to come in from the cold and warm up in The Elysian.
Really elegant!! I like the interview format. Very interesting.
Wow! What a gorgeous hotel.
estou ansiosa para conhecer este hotel. Um Beijao.
the first time i see this beautifull hotel,was on travel chanel on the luxury best hotels to stay,now i have to save and take my family to chigago,and brighton.plus.