Roger Thomas Draws Inspiration from Nevada’s Landscapes for Refreshed SW Steakhouse Design
Roger Thomas Draws Inspiration from Nevada’s Landscapes for Refreshed SW Steakhouse Design
The geology of the Las Vegas desert serves as muse for the reimagined space
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 15, 2015) – Wynn Las Vegas perpetually elevates guest experience. The most recent example of this commitment to excellence is the complete revitalization of SW Steakhouse, one of the most sought after reservations on The Strip, led by Wynn Resorts Executive Vice President of Design Roger Thomas.
“Food and design both have elements of farm and earth,” comments Thomas. “SW Steakhouse serves elevated classic American food that comes from American earth and I honored that by drawing on American geology in my design.”
The horizontal lines throughout the restaurant are inspired by the sandstone that form the Las Vegas valley, the influence continues in the Tucci marble from Italy and stone pieces carved in Jerusalem. The initial designer of SW Steakhouse, Vincente Wolf, established strong architectural elements including these split face Jerusalem stone horizontals throughout the room. Thomas complimented Wolf’s original concept with handwoven fabric panels installed in a geological formation resulting in random repeat, an ode to the organic patterns in nature. Mr. Wynn prefers horizontal textures, which are not commonly found in wall coverings; therefore, Thomas commissioned artisans in Germany, France, Italy, Holland and Southern California to create these panels to adorn the walls in the new iteration of SW Steakhouse.
The horizontal textures drawn from the environment throughout the room especially compliment the vertical lines adorning the bar wall in Las Vegas artist Tim Bavington’s Full Fathom Five, a visual representation of the song “Elephant Stone” by the band Stone Roses. A mirror strategically place behind the bar highlight the energy of the space. The bar top is made from metals woven together on an 18th century European loom then transported to Oregon to be encased in glass. Many guests will recognize the detail on the bar edge to be reminiscent of Cartier LOVETM Bracelets; these signature screws were used in the 1930s by a French furniture designer and return to their original purpose once again at SW Steakhouse.
The expanded terrace allows groups to reserve an adjoining indoor and outdoor space for private events or, when not in use, adding five more outdoor tables to the coveted terrace alongside the Lake of Dreams. Other noticeable elements include an antique grill, leafed in white gold; carpet created by Thomas in the “Prince of Wales” plaid, popularized by the Duke of Windsor when Prince of Wales; and the half-round centerpiece, previously copper, hand-made from resin.
Throughout the restaurant are storage pieces designed by Thomas. Each drawer within the piece was designed to the exact measurements to hold specific items, making the piece of furniture a true “mise en place” – a French culinary term for “everything in its place”. The drawers open from each direction allowing the SW staff access to essentials of linens, flatware and crystal simultaneously, for efficient and orchestrated service. Each piece is adorned with a Brazilian rock crystal, a playful symbol marking the proper place for the restaurant’s crystal glassware.
SW Steakhouse offers guests a spectacular view of the Lake of Dreams water show offering classic American steakhouse fare. SW is open nightly starting at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 702 770 DINE (3463).
ABOUT WYNN LAS VEGAS
Wynn and Encore Las Vegas are two luxury hotel and casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The iconic travel destinations are operated by international resort developer Wynn Resorts, recipient of more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world. Wynn Las Vegas opened on April 28, 2005 and has been recognized as the best resort in Nevada on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” for six consecutive years. The resort features 2,714 lavish guest rooms and suites, more than 111,000 square feet of state-of-the-art casino space, 14 casual and fine dining restaurants, a spa and salon and an on-site Ferrari and Maserati dealership and 18-hole golf course. Wynn Las Vegas is home to Le Rêve – The Dream, the aquatic and aerial theatrical experience named Best Show in Las Vegas for four consecutive years, and Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers, a production with 35 singers and dancers and a full 31-piece on-stage orchestra composed of quintessential numbers from some of the most celebrated composers and lyricists to ever grace American theater stages. Encore, an expansion of Wynn Las Vegas, opened on Dec. 22, 2008. Featuring an additional 2,034 all-suite accommodations, a 72,000-square-foot casino, five restaurants and a spa and salon, Encore is located adjacent to Wynn Las Vegas. Combined, the two resorts boast four distinct nightlife and day club experiences, approximately 283,000 square feet of meeting space and 98,000 square feet of retail space. For more information on Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, visit www.wynnpressroom.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @WynnLasVegas and www.facebook.com/wynnlasvegas.
