ProjectJacob’s & Co. Steakhouse Luxury Fine Dining RestaurantLocationToronto, CanadaLighting DesignMulvey & Banani Lighting, CanadaArchitectStanford Downey Architects Inc., CanadaInterior DesignDesign Agency, CanadaAdditional DesignMulvey & Banani, King Street Food GroupClientJacobs & Co. SteakhouseLighting SuppliersiGuzzini, AcolyteLighting ControlAcuity Brands - NLightPhotographyGillian Jackson (images 1-4); Mulvey & Banani (images 5-6)
In this Luxury Fine Dining Restaurant, carefully crafted lighting shapes the space, where layered illumination, a vertical gradient, and nuanced scene-based controls orchestrate fluid transitions throughout the day. Light frames the architecture, guides perception, and highlights the culinary narrative, creating an environment that feels both refined and intimate, where every guest experiences a sense of VIP care.
At the heart of the design is a vertical gradient of color temperature, from 2200K at the floor via integrated step lights to 2700K in ceiling coves. This progression sculpts textures, draws the eye upward, and enhances the richness of the interiors. Guests encounter a space that is simultaneously expansive and personal, where each moment feels deliberate and elevated.
The scheme complements a luxurious palette of wood, leather, and metallic accents. Warm light reveals material depth, while coves and carefully positioned pendants define focal zones, including the bar and dining areas. Recessed downlights, dim-to-warm and subtly integrated, deliver precision illumination without disrupting architectural integrity. Scene-based controls enable smooth transitions from vibrant daytime service to intimate evening ambiance, gradually deepening downlight warmth to evoke the soft glow of candlelight.
Intensity, shadow, contrast, distribution, and color were meticulously balanced to create depth and atmosphere without overwhelming diners. Cooler tones accentuate the freshness of seafood, while warmer hues enrich the presentation of meats and wines, reinforcing the artistry of each dish. Carefully placed pools of intimacy coexist with evenly illuminated surfaces, supporting both operational efficiency and guest comfort.
Challenges included coordinating complex ceiling curves and balancing colour temperatures across multiple light sources. Solutions relied on careful fixture selection, optical accessories, and precise integration with millwork and architectural details. Sustainability was addressed through efficient LED technology and intelligent controls, minimising energy use while maintaining visual quality.
By combining technical mastery, thoughtful integration, and expressive design, this project transforms the restaurant into an immersive experience. Lighting enhances architecture, showcases culinary artistry, and ensures every guest feels valued and celebrated. The design exemplifies excellence in contemporary lighting, setting a benchmark for how deliberate, integrated illumination can elevate both the environment and the human experience.