Case study: inside Mandarin Oriental with Hospitality Projects

Hospitality Projects’ latest project with Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, in collaboration with
Studio Indigo and Clivedale Group,  showcases its dedication to creating furniture that harmoniously aligns with the hotel’s vision of blending timeless elegance with modern luxury…

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair - Hanover Suite Living Room

Hospitality Projects understands that designing and specifying furniture for a luxury hotel is an art form that requires a careful balance between aesthetics, functionality and the hotel’s unique brand identity. Its goal is to create environments that not only reflect the hotel’s vision but also provide guests with a memorable and immersive experience. The brand has a design philosophy that hinges on creating a meticulously planned layout that serves its purpose while allowing all design elements to coexist harmoniously.

Mandarin-Oriental-Mayfair-Suite-Kitchen-

Image credit: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

The first step in the design process is to gain a deep understanding of the hotel’s brand identity. Whether the brand embodies modern elegance, timeless sophistication, or a unique thematic appeal, Hospitality Projects ensures that each piece of furniture it designs reflects these qualities. The approach involves meticulously planning each space to harmonise aesthetics with functionality, so every area of the hotel—from guest rooms and serene spas to vibrant dining spaces—contributes to a cohesive and luxurious guest experience.

The fundamental rule in hospitality is to understand the target clientele—so, who are the guests? Every design decision made, from furniture layout to material selection, is guided by a thorough understanding of who these guests are and what they value. The ultimate aim is to enhance the experience for the specific clientele the hotel seeks to attract and retain, ensuring their stay is both comfortable and captivating.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair - Mayfair Suite

Image credit: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

While visual appeal often captures attention, the true essence of furniture design lies in crafting a functional narrative. In guest rooms, for instance, the design focus extends beyond beauty to ensure every piece serves a purpose. The Hospitality Projects design team study layouts to accommodate the room’s dimensions and the guests’ needs, strategically maximising space without compromising style. Thoughtfully selected pieces, from modular seating to custom-built features, create a harmonious flow, making the room not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly practical. The result is a space where elegance meets efficiency, offering guests both comfort and convenience.

Material selection is at the heart of this design process, as the brand strives to create luxury hotel furniture that is not only durable and easy to maintain but also environmentally sustainable. It handcrafts its pieces from solid hardwoods like walnut, showcasing their natural beauty and rich grain patterns while ensuring longevity and easy upkeep. By incorporating eco-friendly, low-VOC materials, Hospitality Projects produces furniture that is as responsible as it is stunning. Additionally, it carefully balances colour palettes, natural forms, and greenery to create spaces that foster a relaxing and immersive environment for guests. Colour can subtly influence emotions and behaviour in hotel rooms.

Mandarin-Oriental-Mayfair-ABar-Lounge

Image credit: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

The latest project with Mandarin Oriental Mayfair showcases a dedication to creating furniture that harmoniously aligns with the hotel’s vision of blending timeless elegance with modern luxury. The success of this project was the result of the creative collaboration between Hospitality Projects, Studio Indigo and Curiosity. Studio Indigo was responsible for creating the concept for the suites, designing the overall aesthetic, selecting the furniture, and creating the layouts of the rooms in alignment with the client’s vision, with Curiosity focussing similarly on the FOH areas. Hospitality Projects played an instrumental role in bringing that vision to life through the development of the custom furniture and bespoke materials. Immersing the design in the vibrant essence of London’s art, fashion, culture, and historic wealth, over 2,000 bespoke items were crafted for the hotel rooms alone.

In addition to pieces for the 50 rooms and suites, more than 140 pieces of furniture were designed and manufactured for The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Akira Back Resturant, ABar Lounge and Front of House, including dining tables, chairs, banquette sofas, amenity shelves, walk-in closets, and reception counters. Each piece was meticulously designed to reflect the hotel’s luxurious feel, whilst embracing their oriental heritage, with golds and creams dominating the colour palette to create a seamless flow of opulence throughout the hotel.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair - Mayfair Suite - Dressing Room

Image credit: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Materials were carefully selected to mirror this luxury, pairing exquisite marbles with ornate woods and rich fabrics, further elevating the guest experience to new heights. This project exemplifies Hospitality Projects ability to deliver bespoke furniture solutions that not only fulfil but enhance the hotel’s unique vision, ensuring that every guest enjoys the pinnacle of urban luxury in the heart of London. Understanding Mandarin Oriental’s strong sustainable beliefs and practices, each piece was hand-made in England and materials were sourced that worked within the brief.

In every project, Hospitality Projects is dedicated to creating spaces that leave a lasting impression. From the initial design to the final touches, every detail is carefully crafted to transform each space within the hotel into an artful exhibit where visitors embark on a memorable experience. Its commitment to quality craftsmanship and ethical practices ensures that each space not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Hospitality Projects 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: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair