The Palmer House Hilton

Chicago, IL

The Palmer House Hilton, built by Potter Palmer as a wedding gift for his wife Bertha Palmer in the late 19th century, has been a significant landmark in Chicago since its debut.  The recent $150 million renovation respects the history and tradition of the historic hotel, while employing modern techniques and design touches to redesign the environment to appeal to the twenty-first century guest.  A space of impressive volume, boasting an intricately embellished ceiling, stately torchieres and rugs featuring an overscaled peacock feather motif, the Lobby of the Palmer House is designed to complement the flow of guests and revelers.  Moving from the entrance lobby and dramatic arrival stair, through the reception and lobby seating, and on to the opulent Empire Room, guests are constantly reminded that they are in one of  Chicago's most fabled locations.

While the renovated space features the refined profile of more contemporary furnishings, fabrics and finishes, many of the motifs were derived from existing architectural details.  The building's original bronze peacock gates, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, inspired the design of a series of three carpets, each in a stylized plumage pattern.  The public space color scheme, derived from the ceiling's mythological Greek tableaux, blends gold, chocolate and moss green onto plush fabrics and soft leather.  The design team highlighted original features as well; the original terrazzo floor was unearthed from old wall-to-wall carpeting, and the previously darkened ceiling received its own revelation in the form of enhanced uplighting.