Case study: Balsan gets underfoot in Mercure London Earls Court

Nestled in the dynamic districts of Fulham and Chelsea, and just a minute away from West Brompton Station, the Mercure London Earls Court location makes it a prime choice for visitors keen to explore London’s iconic attractions such as the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the V&A. But it is the hotel’s interior, a masterclass in design, that truly sets it apart — Balsan is honoured to have been chosen to outfit the entire hotel with custom broadloom carpets, adding a layer of elegance and comfort that permeates every corner of the space.

Image credit: Balsan

From the stylish corridors to the minimalistic, culturally-inspired bedrooms, and culminating in the grand, pillar-free ballroom, Balsan’s carpets play a crucial role in tying together the hotel’s design theme; ‘Layers of Time’. This theme, inspired by the iconic Tardis from Doctor Who — a nod to the historical and cultural significance of the Earl’s Court area — has been artfully woven into the very fabric of the hotel, creating an environment that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in local heritage.

The collaboration between Balsan, Accor, and its interior design team was a true synergy of creativity and craftsmanship. Each space within the hotel was meticulously planned to ensure that the design narrative flowed seamlessly from one area to the next. The corridor carpets, for instance, are more than just functional elements—they are storytelling devices, guiding guests through the hotel with a narrative that reflects the passage of time and the layers of history embedded in the locale.

The project’s success is a testament to the strong partnership between Balsan and Accor. Arun Rana, Design Director – Design & Technical Services for Accor, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, commenting: “Balsan has been outstanding in developing the carpets for Mercure Earls Court. They have truly understood and embraced the concept vision of the designer but also the high expectations of our partner. The carpets are high quality, bespoke and very detailed. The corridor carpets have been a labour of love to tell a deep and rich story of layers of time, the intricate details are beyond any other carpet design I’ve worked on before, and Balsan exceeded my expectations. Balsan went above and beyond not only in design but in testing many samples, attending site, and providing constant support. We are developing a next-level Ballroom carpet design that will be a real showstopper… watch this space”.

This praise highlights the dedication and precision that Balsan brought to the project. The intricacies of the carpet designs, especially in the corridors, required a deep understanding of both the hotel’s theme and the technical demands of creating bespoke flooring that could withstand the rigours of a busy hospitality environment while still offering aesthetic appeal.

Image credit: Balsan

The grand ballroom, another key area of the hotel, is set to become a showpiece, with its carpet design currently under development. This space will soon feature a carpet that not only complements the grandeur of the room but also serves as a focal point, elevating the overall experience for guests attending events or functions. The Mercure London Earls Court now stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design and high-quality materials can transform a space into something truly special. The hotel’s interiors, enhanced by Balsan’s bespoke carpets, offer an immersive experience that blends luxury with a strong sense of place. Every step guests take within the hotel is a journey through time and culture, made possible by the meticulous attention to detail in every element of the design.

Image credit: Balsan

As Balsan continues to innovate and push the boundaries of flooring design, projects like the Mercure London Earls Court serve as a reminder of the impact that well-crafted, bespoke flooring can have on a space. The collaboration with Accor has been a remarkable journey, and the results speak for themselves—a hotel that not only meets the expectations of its guests but exceeds them in every way.

Balsan is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Balsan / Accor