Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Delavan, Wisconsin, the 8,400-square-foot transformation of The Village Supper Club is a masterful homage to Wisconsin’s revered supper club culture. Designed to cater to a diverse clientele, the interior radiates a sublime, understated elegance, welcoming guests in both suits and shorts. The design pays meticulous attention to the local context, harmonizing with the neighborhood's residential scale by utilizing vernacular materials and construction techniques typical of Wisconsin’s landscape.
The exterior is distinguished by a striking horizontal band of stone and wood, centered around a vertical, asymmetrical entry hearth, setting the stage for the warm and inviting atmosphere within. The design’s core objective is to ensure every guest feels like they have the best seat in the house. From the low-slung entryway, guests are greeted by an expansive dining space where the ground plane drops away, unveiling a breathtaking lake vista through a 26-foot-tall wall of glass. An innovative amphitheater-like layout in the dining room guarantees unobstructed views for all.
Every detail is meticulously crafted, providing “hidden in plain sight” luxury and comfort at every touchpoint. The interior seamlessly blends warm wood finishes, weathered fieldstone, tufted green upholstery, woodland-inspired blue wallcoverings, plaid carpeting, and chandeliers that merge classic elegance with modern sophistication. Salvaged elements from the existing building were upcycled, adding emotional value. Even the restroom whimsical wallpapers paired with black-and-white mosaic tiles offer an unexpected freshness.
The main dining room conceptually nods to the heartland’s iconic “pole barns,” featuring exposed heavy beams that span 40 feet, evoking a sense of timeless charm. Recessed a few feet below the glass facade is an outdoor cedar deck that wraps around the main dining room to a large event space anchored by another monumental stone hearth, establishing the lakeside “front door” for boaters. This deck offers spaces for guests to gather around fire pits, dine al fresco, and enjoy hosted entertainment.
Despite not having any restaurant experience, the new owners embarked on this renovation project to rescue the 55-year-old restaurant from demolition and transform it into a cherished gathering place for future generations. Their personal connection to the project, having raised their family on the lake and frequently visited the supper club for dining, cocktails, dancing, and camaraderie, was the driving force behind the transformation.
This narrative inspired the entire team of designers, contractors, and vendors to go above and beyond, forging new partnerships and achieving flawless execution for an undeniably immersive guest experience that celebrates and cultivates community.
The Village Supper Club stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, hospitality-driven design. It is a destination that honors tradition while embracing the future, truly embodying the essence of a modern supper club.
