The Hideaway Splashway

Like many projects we see nowadays, our client initially shared AI‑generated concepts as inspiration, but many of those ideas were not practical for real‑world fabrication or their budget. Using those images only as a loose reference, paired with references to several of our past projects the client mentioned, our designer developed an original sign that captures the charm of classic roadside motel signage—particularly the bold, playful forms found along historic Route 66.

Because the sign needed to be two‑sided and incorporate a substantial amount of text, we carefully balanced aesthetics with constructability and budget. The final design preserves the vintage character the client wanted while using materials and lighting strategies that keep the project efficient and durable.

To maximize visual impact, the primary “Hideaway” name features real neon, giving the sign an authentic mid‑century look. Additional nostalgic elements appear in the arrow, which uses chasing circus bulbs to guide visitors toward the entrance. For the remaining text, we used cut out letters backed with acrylic and internally illuminated with LEDs to draw the eye but stay within budget. The result is a contemporary interpretation of a classic roadside icon.