Butcher & Rose Steakhouse is the latest addition to Columbus, Ohio’s culinary scene, offering a fresh, modern take on the classic steakhouse experience. Departing from the typical dark, moody interiors of traditional steakhouses, this new dining spot embraces a more vibrant, romantic atmosphere.
“Soft color palettes, floral motifs, and jewelry-inspired design elements come together in the form of chandeliers, pendants, and glass-enclosed wine display cases. These elements work in harmony to enhance the interior spaces, creating a lighter, more modern atmosphere,” explains Design Advisor Eve Quellman.
The space is thoughtfully designed with layers of light to create a dynamic, yet intimate atmosphere. Eye-catching, oversized chandeliers and lighted cascading flower installations provide texture and interest in the main dining space. The use of these bespoke lighting elements add visual interest and complements the restaurant’s inviting ambiance.
“From various vantage points within the space, Butcher & Rose features striking vertical architectural elements that occupy the visual foreground in the space. This namely includes the major columns with decorative floral capitals and special feature millwork panels at the perimeter of the space. Our team was able to integrate lighting elements into these moments, which helps create a brighter mood throughout the space and brings attention to the unique architecture that is present,” explains Lighting Designer Kevin Smolkis.
The main dining area offers a seamless blend of warmth and modern elegance, creating a relaxed yet refined vibe. The entire floor feels open and airy, welcoming guests into a space where finishes, millwork, and lighting harmoniously create a memorable dining experience.
An impressive mural of bulls serves as a dramatic focal point in the dining room, drawing guests’ eyes as they enter. The mural is highlighted by recessed accent lighting with linear LED accents at the base and top to frame the art.
At the main bar, layers of light come into play — gem-like pendants, soft die lighting and integrated shelf lighting deliver dynamic views. Across the room, the wine display is a true standout, with a meticulously designed lighting technique that uses small point-source lights to illuminate bottles, creating a striking visual effect.
“We were to create a visually rich, but ‘soft and modern’ experience that supports the overall aesthetic and design theme of the restaurant,” says Eve.
On perimeter walls throughout the restaurant, amber-hued translucent millwork panels are backlit, accentuating their textural qualities and the restaurant’s color palette. The lighting design is carefully calibrated to offer the perfect ambiance, using primarily 2400K sources for accent and millwork and 2700K recessed adjustable lighting for functional task lighting on table and bar tops.
“We conducted several rounds of calculations for both the decorative lighting and supplemental downlighting to fine-tune the optimal dimming levels required across the entire space,” says Kevin.
Affectionately called the Pavilion, the restaurant includes an adjoining glass box dining space with the intent of connecting occupants to the outside. With its transparency and visibility from the street, delivering a jewelry box of sparkle and texture was important to the design. Greenery has been strategically integrated throughout the room, with a stunning tree taking center stage. Tiny lights embedded in the wood ceiling and surrounding millwork subtly accent the foliage, casting a serene glow and enhancing the space’s connection to nature.
Butcher & Rose Steakhouse tackles the challenge of reinventing the traditional steakhouse experience with a fresh, inviting design that prioritizes both atmosphere and functionality. The lighting choices are particularly integral to the restaurant’s success, with each element serving a purpose while enhancing the space’s overall vibrancy and charm. Ultimately, Butcher & Rose introduces an exciting new take on a familiar dining experience, blending modern elegance with timeless appeal.
