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Hi-Lo Restaurant & Catering

Restaurant Renovation in Art Deco Style • Lakefield, MN

spaces renovated

  • Main floor
  • Speakeasy Basement

scope & priorities

Transform a long-standing local restaurant into an upscale dining destination with an art deco twist, honoring its history while giving it fresh appeal. A second challenge: convert a dark, underutilized basement corner into a stylish speakeasy with a moody, sultry vibe that complements the main level.

the challenge

The new owners wanted a major refresh but needed help bringing their vision to life. The restaurant needed cohesive design features and materials that tied old and new together. In the basement, low ceilings and awkward existing conditions made reworking the layout tricky—especially relocating the bar to create better flow and a show-stopping focal point.

the

design concept

A glamorous art deco-inspired space layered with modern touches to feel fresh yet timeless. The main level highlights bold design details and a nod to the restaurant’s long history, while the speakeasy leans into deep tones, cozy textures, and a moody, hidden-lounge vibe perfect for live music and cocktails.

Rich textures, warm tones, and Art Deco touches create a cozy yet elevated atmosphere for both everyday dining and special evenings.

Upscale Warmth with Art Deco Flair

The design preserves the legacy of this decades-old restaurant while layering in fresh details that celebrate its story, even bringing the original outdoor sign back to life as a glowing feature inside.

Honoring History

From the stunning bar for handcrafted drinks to be served from to an elegant private meeting room, the layout balances lively social energy with intimate gathering spaces.

Spaces for Every Occasion

Explore the main spaces in detail

Main floor

Speakeasy Basement

the

transformation

Hi-Lo is now a destination restaurant that draws visitors from miles away. Guests enjoy elevated dining in a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere upstairs and then head downstairs for craft cocktails and live music in the newly transformed Icebox speakeasy—a cool, intimate space that feels like a secret escape.

After

Before

kim • ocheyedan, ia

"Before we started, I felt like every room was unfinished. Now everything flows so nice with a warm, classy feel."

tami • granville, ia

"I felt like I didn’t have a decorating style before I hired Katie. My favorite part was her ability to organize."

megan • lakefield, mn

"Katie pulled everything together for me, with little to no effort on my part. It was EXACTLY what I had hoped for."

lori • windom, mn

"Katie handled all the pieces and orchestrated everything. So great to work with someone local with great ideas!"

jill • worthington, mn

"We could never have done this remodel without her! Being able to see the actual plans beforehand was huge for us."

living waters covenant church

"Katie makes it seem effortless! She helped us make our space much more cohesive, functional, and beautiful."

jan • adrian, mn

"Katie is just a wonderful, caring, talented person who helped an elderly couple create just the home for us."

lisa • jackson, mn

"I did not want to be overwhelmed by too many choices and Katie narrowed them down for me."

Nicole & Minilik

"It was exciting and emotional to see our vision reflected so clearly, knowing that every detail had purpose & meaning."

What clients are saying about their revived spaces

full-service interior design

Here are Revive Interiors, we specialize in comprehensive interior design services for new construction and remodeling projects. We help with everything from space planning and cabinetry design to material selections and layout decisions—essentially, the structural and foundational elements of your space. Whether home or business, we partner with you to make your space function effectively and beautifully without the overwhelm. If you're building a new home or planning a remodel, that's where we truly shine!