ROOM 1904
Designing a visual world of intrigue for a modern speakeasy experience.
PROJECT SCOPE
Visual Identity, Social Media Design, Brand Collaterals, Content Creation and Photography.
INDUSTRY
Food & Beverage
Developed as part of my role at Modish Creative, in 2023..
Lead strategy, design, social media and identity development.
Context & Challenge
Room 1904 is a speakeasy tucked inside a historic bar in downtown Detroit, inspired by the elegance and indulgence of the early 1900s. With velvet seating, vintage lighting, and a rotating cocktail menu, the space blends old-world glamour with a modern edge, creating an experience that feels both exclusive and unforgettable.
The challenge was to build an expressive brand identity that captured its richness and opulence. The visual language needed to channel the past without feeling dated, striking a balance between timeless sophistication and contemporary appeal. Every design decision, from color to layout, had to carry a sense of mystery, mood, and intention.
The creative goal: to build an identity that captures the brand's thoughtfully curated persona and create a long-lasting buzz.
PROJECT SCOPE
Visual Identity, Social Media Design, Brand Collaterals, Photography & Art Direction
INDUSTRY
Food & Beverage
Developed as part of my role at Modish Creative, in 2023.
Lead concept, design, and identity development.
ROOM 1904
Designing a visual world of intrigue for a modern speakeasy experience.
Room 1904 is a speakeasy tucked inside a historic bar in downtown Detroit, inspired by the elegance and indulgence of the early 1900s. With velvet seating, vintage lighting, and a rotating cocktail menu, the space blends old-world glamour with a modern edge, creating an experience that feels both exclusive and unforgettable. The challenge was to build an expressive brand identity that captured its richness and opulence. The visual language needed to channel the past without feeling dated, striking a balance between timeless sophistication and contemporary appeal. Every design decision, from color to layout, had to carry a sense of mystery, mood, and intention.
Context & challenge
Strategy & Insights
For the logo we drew inspiration from vintage keyholes, monarch crests, and turn-of-the-century design cues, but filtered it through a modern lens to ensure the identity felt elevated and relevant. From the serif swashes to the rich, jewel-toned palette, every element was designed to immerse guests in a world that felt cinematic yet authentic.
Custom typography and ornamental details were used to make the brand stand out in its own unique way. The iconography was built for flexibility, creating moments of intrigue on signage, menus, and digital touch points. While the color story reinforced the moody, intimate ambiance of the space.
Strategy & Insights
For the logo we drew inspiration from vintage keyholes, monarch crests, and turn-of-the-century design cues, but filtered it through a modern lens to ensure the identity felt elevated and relevant. From the serif swashes to the rich, jewel-toned palette, every element was designed to immerse guests in a world that felt cinematic yet authentic. Custom typography and ornamental details were used to make the brand stand out in its own unique way. The iconography was built for flexibility, creating moments of intrigue on signage, menus, and digital touch points. While the color story reinforced the moody, intimate ambiance of the space.
Design in the Details
Every brand touchpoint was treated as an opportunity to extend Room 1904 experience. From menus to coasters to launch invites, each material was carefully tailored to match the space’s opulent energy. For the menu, custom illustrations, textures, and printing choices were all designed to immerse the customers in a larger experience. One where every interaction, down to the table tag or cocktail napkin, deepened the story. The goal wasn’t just aesthetic cohesion, it was immersion.
DESIGN IN THE DETAILS
Every brand touchpoint was treated as an opportunity to extend Room 1904 experience. From menus to coasters to launch invites, each material was carefully tailored to match the space’s opulent energy. For the menu, custom illustrations, textures, and printing choices were all designed to immerse the customers in a larger experience. One where every interaction, down to the table tag or cocktail napkin, deepened the story. The goal wasn’t just aesthetic cohesion, it was immersion.
ONLINE PRESENCE
Every post, reel, and story was crafted to reflect the secrecy of a true speakeasy: revealing just enough to spark curiosity, while keeping the magic behind closed doors. We leaned into dramatic photography, mix of bold and nostalgic graphics, and vintage-toned storytelling to shape the feed. Reel content embraced this mystery too, often giving only glimpses of the space, a drink being served behind velvet, or the flicker of candlelight.
The strategy worked. In just 6 months, Room 1904’s Instagram grew organically to 6,000+ followers. Local buzz followed, with Detroit-based influencers reaching out for collaborations, eager to experience what they’d only seen hinted at online.
ONLINE PRESENCE
Every post, reel, and story was crafted to reflect the secrecy of a true speakeasy: revealing just enough to spark curiosity, while keeping the magic behind closed doors. We leaned into dramatic photography, mix of bold and nostalgic graphics, and vintage-toned storytelling to shape the feed. Reel content embraced this mystery too, often giving only glimpses of the space, a drink being served behind velvet, or the flicker of candlelight. The strategy worked. In just 6 months, Room 1904’s Instagram grew organically to 6,000+ followers. Local buzz followed, with Detroit-based influencers reaching out for collaborations, eager to experience what they’d only seen hinted at online.
SETTING THE STAGE
The brand identity gave Room 1904 a clear, cohesive presence that matched the atmosphere of the space itself - elegant, intriguing, and immersive. From print to digital, every touchpoint was designed to enhance the guest experience and spark curiosity. The result is a visual language that invites people in, sets the tone, and leaves a lasting impression.
