By David Shiller
Nestled beneath the bustling streets of downtown Wilmington, DE, Simmer Down at The Quoin Hotel is more than just an underground bar and lounge—it embodies the transformative power of lighting design. Housed in the historic Frank Furness bank building, the venue’s unique architectural features and artistic flourishes presented both a challenge and an opportunity for the lighting design team at BEAM, ltd. The result is a sophisticated space where light is not merely functional, but an integral part of the experience.
The Quoin Hotel’s subterranean lounge is defined by its original brick, barrel-vaulted ceiling, low ceiling heights, and extensive hand-painted murals. These elements create a rich tapestry of textures and colors, but they also impose strict limitations on how lighting can be integrated. The preservation of historic materials was paramount; any intervention had to be reversible, unobtrusive, and respectful of the building’s architectural heritage. “Challenges for the lighting design included the curved brick vaulted ceilings, the low ceiling height, the extensive hand-painted murals, the limited budget, and ensuring sufficient task lighting is provided,” explained Kirsten Kent Carangi, principal at BEAM, ltd.
BEAM, ltd. worked in collaboration with Stokes Architecture & Design, DEDC Engineering, Lighting Control Solutions, and the client, Method Company. The design brief called for a solution that would provide sufficient task lighting for staff and guests, highlight the unique features of the space, and maintain an intentionally dark, intimate ambience—all within the limited budget.
From the outset, the lighting concept was clear, as Carangi stated, “Integrate light into the furniture and millwork, avoiding the historic materials, making the unique architecture and art the primary focus. Concealed lighting illuminates the beautiful furniture, rich finishes and varied textures, and provides a glare-free, visually comfortable design.”
Concealed lighting became the primary tool. By embedding light sources within banquettes, shelving, and the bar, the designers ensured that the fixtures disappeared, leaving only the effect—soft, warm illumination that enhances the furniture’s finishes and the art’s vibrant colors. This approach fit nicely with the speakeasy-inspired atmosphere.
The lighting scheme at Simmer Down is a study in layered illumination, carefully balancing general, accent, and task lighting to create a dynamic yet cohesive experience. The primary source of ambient light comes from Luminii Bosca Dynamic White Grazer warm-dim uplight coves and indirect coves installed behind the banquettes lining the long walls, which bathe the hand-painted murals and the undulating brick ceiling in a soft, golden glow, enhancing the texture and depth of the space. The use of warm-dim technology allows the color temperature to shift seamlessly from a vibrant 3000K to a cozy 1800K as the lights are dimmed, mirroring the natural warmth of candlelight and reinforcing the intimate mood.
Strategically placed mono-point fixtures from HK Lighting highlight shelving and artwork, drawing attention to key features without overwhelming the senses. Decorative Chamber Sconces from Workstead, with warm-dim lamps, provide an additional layer of eye-level illumination, adding sparkle and contrast while maintaining visual comfort.
“Every luminaire is elegantly detailed, requiring close coordination between the design team and all trades to achieve a high level of design,” said Carangi. “This included evaluating cove details to confirm the luminaires were not visible but still accessible, organizing remote driver locations since there are no accessible ceilings or walls, and coordinating with contractors to minimize exposed conduit.”
The bar is the heart of Simmer Down, and its lighting is both functional and theatrical. Vintage table lamps dot the countertop, offering pools of warm light for guests. Diode LED’s Blaze X LED strip lights are integrated into the bottle displays and beneath the bar top, accentuating the millwork and providing essential task lighting for bartenders. The interplay of vintage and modern fixtures creates a sense of timelessness, bridging the gap between the building’s historic roots and its contemporary use.
“Lighting control is integrated into the overall hotel system, allowing for an automatic shift in the scenes through the night,” Carangi added. “Care was taken to confirm all luminaires dimmed down to 0%. Primarily dedicated LED sources were used to reduce energy consumption and minimize maintenance.”
At 0.61 watts per sq ft., the final project delivers low energy consumption and complies with ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, reflecting a commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality. Executing a nuanced lighting design in a historic, low-ceilinged space required meticulous planning and coordination. The design team worked closely with contractors to conceal all light sources at or below eye level, maintaining the integrity of the historic envelope. To preserve the original brickwork, no luminaires were mounted to the ceiling. Every luminaire was detailed for both invisibility and accessibility to ensure that maintenance could be performed without disrupting the design. Remote driver locations were organized, as there were no accessible ceilings or walls for traditional installations. In addition, exposed conduit was minimized to preserve a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
The illumination at Simmer Down was designed to enhance the materials in the space. The warm-dim uplight coves softly illuminate the perimeter, reflecting off the murals and brick to create a gentle, enveloping glow. The shielded, Decorative Chamber Sconces from Workstead add points of contrast and visual interest, while the bar’s integrated lighting highlights the craftsmanship of the millwork. By focusing on the interplay of light and material, the designers created an environment that feels both luxurious and transporting. The illumination is not the main event, but it is ever-present, subtly guiding the eye and enhancing the experience.
For Method Company, the benefits are clear: Simmer Down features a dramatic, speakeasy-inspired environment that complements the architecture and interior design. Illuminance levels in the main areas are a comfortable 5 footcandles, ensuring that guests can dine and socialize with ease, while staff have sufficient light for cleaning and maintenance. By respecting the historic architecture, embracing the latest in lighting technology, and focusing on the guest experience, BEAM, ltd. created a lounge that is beautiful, enjoyable, and showcases light as an essential ingredient in the art of hospitality.
the Designer | Christina Spangler, LC, is a senior lighting designer at BEAM, ltd.
Jason Bradshaw, LC, Member IES, is a lighting designer at BEAM, ltd.
the Author | David Shiller is a business development and marketing consultant to the lighting industry as well as the publisher of LightNOW, an online lighting industry trade publication. He is a 20+-year veteran of the lighting industry and co-chair of the American Lighting Association Engineering Committee.