We approached the design for Bar Pastoral, a 45-seat cheese and wine bar, with an eye for the rich history of the products it sells. Places like the famous wine regions of Sonoma, Tuscany and Provence, which used caves to traditionally age cheese and wine. Inspired by these caverns, particularly the ones we got to see first hand in Loire Valley, France, we opted for barrel-vaulted ceilings, which diffuse delicate ambient light from overhead and give the tall space a more intimate feel. With light fixtures made from salvaged milking machinery and butter churns by Ted Harris, and natural plaster finish applied by Anna Wolfson, Bar Pastoral also celebrates the unique talents of local Chicago artisans in a cozy, rustic space, perfect for conversation. Other design elements include custom-designed Herringbone wine shelving from reclaimed local Black Walnut, a tin-faced, soapstone cheese bar, and a wine bar of antique Oak.