Early Concept Developent

When we first met with the founders of Kinslahger Brewing Company, their tasting room was still in the early design phase with their architect. As the first craft brewery in Oak Park, Kinslahger wanted its space to feel distinct from local bars and restaurants. We collaborated closely with the architect and general contractor to execute the interior details we envisioned. A palette of charcoal grey, black, and ivory became the foundation for the room’s warm, moody aesthetic

Every furnishing in the tasting room was intentionally selected to echo true vintage craftsmanship. The bar stools were original Toledo drafting stools salvaged from the General Electric Plant in Indiana. We sourced original Navy chairs from the historic Firestone Tire Factory in downstate Illinois, had them stripped, refinished, and powder-coated in a gleaming silver with restored wood seats. To balance these industrial touches, we designed and commissioned a 24-foot banquette in rich black leather—creating inviting, comfortable seating that anchored the entire space.

We used a textured anaglyptic wall covering imported from England to mimic the authentic look of the early 20th-century tin ceiling. The existing ceiling was stripped of its layered paint, and the architect ran a series of finish tests to achieve the perfect effect. A zinc bar top was chosen for its ability to catch the light and complement the metal seating, while the bar and wainscoting received a spray-painted finish with a lustrous sheen—bringing classic refinement to the room’s dark smokey palette.