Behind the Design: How The Board Room Redefined Libertyville’s Dining Atmosphere

If you’ve ever walked into a restaurant and instantly felt the mood shift—where the lighting, textures, and music quietly tell you that you’re in for something special—then you already understand what makes The Board Room in Libertyville so unique.

This isn’t just another spot on the local dining map. It’s a carefully curated experience—part modern design statement, part social retreat—that’s transformed Libertyville’s idea of what a new restaurant can be.

A New Chapter in Libertyville’s Dining Story

Located at 137 Lake Street, right in the heart of downtown Libertyville, The Board Room stands where a local pizza joint once lived. Owner Liz Turnbaugh, also known for the popular My CharCUTErie brand, envisioned something more refined for the space—a destination that blended approachable luxury with a warm, social feel.

From the moment the doors opened, it was clear this wasn’t your typical restaurant reboot. Locals were drawn to its promise: craft cocktails, shareable plates, and a sophisticated atmosphere that felt more Chicago-chic than suburban predictable. Within months, The Board Room earned a loyal crowd and the Daily Herald’s nod as one of Lake County’s best new restaurants.

Design That Speaks Before the First Bite

The Board Room’s aesthetic balances elegance and comfort—that sweet spot where you can celebrate an anniversary, close a business deal, or catch up with friends without feeling out of place.

The foundation is a black-and-white palette, modern yet timeless. Against it, walnut tabletops, brass accents, and warm lighting create a cozy glow that flatters both the room and everyone in it. Each element has intent.

Instead of standard bar stools, the team opted for custom chair-style seating, designed for comfort through those long, laughter-filled dinners. Subtle touches—like picture-frame TVs that display digital art when idle—blend technology into design without stealing attention.

Even the layout feels deliberate. The bar area invites conversation; the dining room, with its lower lighting, feels intimate. Together, it’s a seamless example of restaurant design in Libertyville that’s visually compelling yet functional—a rare combination that elevates the dining experience.

Ambiance Crafted for Connection

Ambiance can’t be measured in square footage—it’s felt. And The Board Room gets it right.

The lighting is soft but not dim. The soundtrack hums in the background—just loud enough to set a rhythm without drowning out conversation. Every design decision was made with social connection in mind.

The concept of shared plates plays a role, too. When dishes arrive to be passed around—charcuterie boards, fire-cracker shrimp, sliders—it shifts the dynamic from “my meal” to “our moment.” It’s dining reimagined for conversation and community.

Guests often describe it as “swanky, but not stuffy.” It’s the kind of ambiance Libertyville’s been quietly waiting for—upscale energy without big-city pretension.

A Stylish Setting with Purpose

What’s most impressive about The Board Room’s interior design is that it never feels overdone. Every inch serves a purpose—either to create flow, enhance comfort, or simply delight the eye.

Large mirrors add depth and reflect light, while strategically placed greenery softens the darker tones. The combination of modern textures and vintage hints—metal, wood, marble—keeps the space visually dynamic without clutter.

Even the outdoor area, currently being updated with operable window enclosures, reflects that same thoughtfulness: an all-season extension of the indoor vibe, perfect for cocktails under the sky or brunch with a breeze.

It’s this intentionality that’s made The Board Room a benchmark for restaurant ambiance in Libertyville—a setting that works equally well for weekday dinners, corporate events, or special celebrations.

When Good Design Meets Good Taste

A beautiful restaurant only matters if the food and drinks live up to the setting. Here, they do.

The menu is built around shareable plates, featuring local ingredients and creative presentation. Pair that with their award-winning wine list, craft cocktails, and an ever-changing list of seasonal specials, and it’s easy to see why tables fill fast.

Favorites like the charcuterie boards nod to Turnbaugh’s My CharCUTErie roots, while dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts or flatbreads balance indulgence with elegance. The beverage program leans into classics with a twist—think smoked old fashioneds and citrusy gin spritzers served in stemware that feels as good in your hand as it looks on your table.

When you combine that with the ambient lighting and modern playlist, the sensory experience feels cohesive—proof that great restaurant design and great food aren’t separate ideas but parts of a single, immersive story.

Community at the Core

Despite its upscale feel, The Board Room remains deeply local. The team collaborates with nearby vendors, sources fresh produce from local partners, and participates in Libertyville community events.

Guests often mention how welcoming the staff is—from the host’s first smile to the bartender’s easy conversation. For regulars, it’s not just about the food—it’s about familiarity. A place where your drink order might be remembered, and where Friday night feels like both a treat and a tradition.

This blend of design sophistication and small-town warmth gives The Board Room its lasting charm. It’s not trying to be a big-city import—it’s Libertyville’s own version of modern dining done right.

A Design Philosophy That Works

If there’s one takeaway from The Board Room’s success, it’s this: design is more than décor—it’s emotion.

The right lighting makes you linger. The right textures invite touch. The right seating arrangement encourages conversation. These subtle cues shape how we feel, connect, and remember a place.

That’s why The Board Room has become more than a restaurant. It’s a case study in how restaurant design and ambiance can elevate not just a meal, but an entire evening.

For Libertyville, it’s a symbol of progress—a new restaurant that raised the bar for what a dining experience should look and feel like.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a team celebration, or simply craving a well-mixed drink in an inspired setting, The Board Room checks every box.

It’s proof that when vision, craftsmanship, and community come together, the result isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an atmosphere. One where every wall, chair, and candle tells a story of taste and togetherness.

So, the next time you find yourself in downtown Libertyville, take a detour from the ordinary. Step into The Board Room, where design meets experience, and ambiance meets authenticity.

Explore The Board Room Libertyville’s elegant design and atmosphere. Discover how this new restaurant blends style, comfort, and modern dining to create Libertyville’s most talked-about experience.