Hotel Designs

NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR HOTELIERS, DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
square marble candleholder by Lusso on a pile of books and a vase of flowers

Touchpoints of luxury from Lusso

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Touchpoints of luxury from Lusso

As guest expectations of hotel design and experiences soar, notes of luxury in the guestroom accessories can become the small differentiators that make the strongest statements. We spoke with luxury lifestyle brand Lusso, which supplies a range of its high-end products to luxury hotels around the world…

square marble candleholder by Lusso on a pile of books and a vase of flowers

Lusso prides itself on an exceptional production process from beginning to end, however, the final finish of a product is the one that is recognised and remembered. The brand’s materials and finishes include its trademark and durable stone resin, which is the core material of Lusso’s baths and basins, along with sustainably sourced marble and a selection of rich brassware shades. Lusso’s most coveted finishes include the luxurious Italian Carrara marble, along with its brushed gold and matte black.

For hotels and developments with a pet-friendly policy, Lusso ensures that no member of the family is excluded from the luxury demographic and provides the finer things in life even when it comes to man’s best friend. The luxury pet bowls, available in a selection of beautiful marble finishes, match the rest of the brand’s marble homeware accessories.

Nothing completes a room quite like a scented candle and Lusso’s Cassis and Nectar scented candle instantly sets the mood for a luxury ambience, enhancing the space with a sweet floral aroma. A well designed candle can appeal to all the senses and can make a visual statement along with a sensory one as the perfect centrepiece for a console tables, side tables or a coffee table. Keep the design cohesive and match the candles with the rest of  interior narrative with a product like the Cassini Candle Holder in the same lavish marble.

Elevate the guestroom experience by focussing on the details. It’s easy to overlook the essentials, particularly in bathroom design, however, by being mindful when choosing fixtures and fittings, nothing needs to be excluded when it comes to luxury design. Products such as soap dispensers, wall brackets, toilet roll holders and storage baskets can all be matched to the design theme, enabling the same finishes and colours to run from room to room.

Lusso 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: Lusso

Dining room in contemporarty boutique hotel in Tel Aviv

The first ever hotel in Tel Aviv unveils a new look

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The first ever hotel in Tel Aviv unveils a new look

An Eclectic architecture-style property and the first-ever hotel in Tel Aviv has been reimagined by Bar Orian and ICONIQUE as a 44-key boutique hotel. Hotel Designs got a sneak peek inside…

Dining room in contemporarty boutique hotel in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv’s first-ever hotel, built in 1913, has re-opened after it was reimagined by architecture studio Bar Orian and design studio ICONIQUE into a design-savvy boutique hotel.

Elkonin Tel Aviv, part of the MGallery Hotel Collection, shelters 44 rooms in the charming neighbourhood of NEve Tzedek. It encompasses a glass-ensnared modern structure, which combined with the original edifice, reflects the past and present of Tel Aviv.

Room 207 Superior Terrace Times Two, Elkonin Hotel, Tel Aviv

Image credit: Accor

The hotel was originally constructed in iconic Eclectic architecture and Art Deco-styles in 1913 by Malka and Menachem Elkonin with the mission of creating a welcoming retreat for international and local visitors to Tel Aviv-Jaffa. The hotel quickly became the gathering place for some of the world’s most prominent figures in art, literature, politics and royalty, including Albert Einstein, King Abdullah of Jordan, and the first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion.

Exterior of Elkonin Hotel

Image credit: Amit Geron

Following the passing of Menachem Elkonin, the hotel lay dormant for several years before being acquired in 2004 by Franco-Israeli entrepreneur Dominique Romano, who was captivated by its rich heritage and set out to revive the boutique hotel in avant-garde French style.

Working alongside local architecture firm Bar Orian, Romano restored the 20th-century property, preserving its original architectural motifs while also adding a sleek and modern site-specific glass tower that provides access to the rooftop on the seventh-floor. The exclusive rooftop at Elkonin Tel Aviv is elevated with a swimming pool with striped-tile flooring and the Rooftop Bar, inspired by the Côte d’Azur, serving a specially curated menu of cocktails and light snacks and featuring sweeping vistas of the Tel Aviv cityscape and Mediterranean Sea.

Malka Suite, Elkonin Hotel, Tel Aviv with abstract and light artwork

Malka Suite, Elkonin Hotel, Tel Aviv

The interiors were designed by Adriana Schor of ICONIQUE studio, who created a timeless and sophisticated European-style ambiance with custom-designed furnishings and lighting by Art et Floritude. Schor presents a sense of understated elegance and simplicity throughout the hotel, drawing inspiration from the culturally rich city of Tel Aviv and the spirit of the French Riviera.

Room 204, Deluxe Terrace, Elkonin Hotel, MGallery Accor, Tel Aviv

Room 204, Deluxe Terrace, Elkonin Hotel, MGallery Accor, Tel Aviv

The neutral colours and soft materials used throughout the hotel serve as a prelude to its peaceful atmosphere. Much of the hotel features exquisite herringbone floors, rattan (wicker) accents, custom-made Italian terrazzo and original ceramic tiles, coupled with a blue and terracotta colour-scheme. Elkonin Tel Aviv boasts 42 thoughtfully designed rooms and two suites with well-appointed bathrooms stocked with Clarins amenities and bespoke furniture made exclusively for the project.

The hotel also features a destination restaurant, L’Éoque by Jöel Robuchon that serves up a combination of French haute cuisine with Middle Eastern influences flavours and spices.

Cafe, Elkonin Hotel, M Gallery, Tel Aviv

Image credit: Accor

Tranquility lies at the heart of Elkonin Tel Aviv’s ethos, which is home to Israel’s first spa by Clarins. The Clarins SPA is designed as a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, with five treatment rooms, dressed in shades of white and beige, a relaxation lounge and Turkish-style hammam.

> Since you’re here, why not read our exclusive review of another MGallery hotel?

Main image credit: Amit Geron

CHIASSO BATH MIXER against a wooden wall

Product watch: introducing Chiasso from BAGNODESIGN

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Product watch: introducing Chiasso from BAGNODESIGN

Combining two of the hottest trends in bathroom design into one beautiful collection, Chiasso is a new mixer range from the high-end BAGNODESIGN brand by SANIPEX GROUP…

CHIASSO BATH MIXER against a wooden wall

Chiasso by BAGNODESIGN is a contemporary collection of basin and shower mixers, which is available in four versatile brassware finishes, but where the range really stands apart is with its beautiful accent porcelain handle.

Available in chrome, brushed nickel, soft bronze, and PVD gold, the inserts on the handles are customisable, and available in 12 finishes, with the opportunity to correspond with Alpine washbasins and countertops by the same brand. Bespoke inserts can also be produced in the SANIPEX Slab Fabrication Facility in Dubai, making Chiasso a fully customisable option that can be matched to the bathroom countertop and wall tiles.

Image of CHIASSO & SESTRIERE bathroom tap from BAGNODESIGN

Image credit: BAGNODESIGN

While the porcelain accent inserts draw the eye, the style points don’t end there. The mixers’ large, fluted handles and elegant, simplistic spout also combine to make this a stand-out brassware collection. The fluted design features in particular tie together seamlessly with the brand’s Orology and Bosco furniture choices, for a cohesive bathroom design.

Chiasso and Alpine tap in modern bathroom

Image credit: BAGNODESIGN

The Chiasso mixer range includes a three-hole deck-mounted basin mixer, three-hole concealed basin mixer, concealed thermostatic shower mixer, four-hole deck-mounted bath mixer, concealed stop valve, and a concealed two-way diverter.

Black tap and gold tap with white walls

Image credit: BAGNODESIGN

“Inspired by the trend of mixing natural materials with metal, the Chiasso range combines natural stone effect inserts with high-end brassware for a contemporary and elegant look,” said Katy Olsen, BAGNODESIGN Brand Manager, SANIPEX GROUP. “With 48 combinations to choose from selecting your style is as personal as choosing your most coveted watch or jewellery.”

Sanipex Group, which is planning some exciting events during Clerkenwell Design Week, 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: Bagnodesign

bathroom in stone and wood with sculptural wooden curtain beads by studio LOST Royal senses Crete

Roundtable: what materials matter in hotel design

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Roundtable: what materials matter in hotel design

Digging deeper into materiality and discovering the relationship between luxury, creativity and sustainability in hotel design, Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with seven leading designers to get a grip on what materials matter in hotel design. Pauline Brettell writes…

bathroom in stone and wood with sculptural wooden curtain beads by studio LOST Royal senses Crete

Surrounded by the innovative use of materials running through the design of the Squire & Partners was unquestionably an appropriate setting for this roundtable conversation – inside a dome structure, overlooking London’s skyline. What’s more, the honest dialogue between leaders of the design community took place an hour before the venue opened its doors and Hotel Designs hosted MEET UP London.

With a backdrop of stripped back surfaces contrasting with (luxurious) finishes, the panel discussed not only the materials, but also the matter and mode of manufacture and why this does in fact matter! Discussion covered questions of material innovation and development, notions of luxury, locality and sustainability within the shifting boundaries of hospitality – all in the process of getting a better understanding on where this path is leading design, or is it where design is leading the development of materials?

On the panel:


With a plethora of research being done around new materials for the construction and design industry – including products like graphene, hempcrete and even microalgae – in reality, how close are we to using some of these materials in design over other traditional ones in projects? The conversation started off right on point, by looking at what new products are not only available, but are actually fit for purpose and being put to practical use in projects. Can in fact the use of innovative materials transport a project, as well as making meaningful materials more accessible across the design board?

grey and silver soft furniture in the lobby at The Westin London with textured textile in the centre

Image credit: Studio Moren

Hamish Kilburn: In reality, how close are we to using some of these materials in general architecture/design over other traditional ones in projects? 

Maria Cheung: We are using Graphenstone paint right now in projects, which is a wonderful success story, as it is a product that is actually a practical and viable alternative. A mix of natural lime-based paint with graphene technology, it provides a durability and ticks all the sustainability boxes along with the aesthetic ones and practicality of application. Considering the thousands of metres of paint designers specify in commercial projects, this is a really exciting and practical material development, that can actually make a difference.

Lucy Bagshaw: There are so many exciting material and product innovations that as designers we see and discover at trade fairs and via suppliers, only to find when it comes to specifying them, they are either not suited to commercial application or, importantly, not tested for purpose. As designers, especially working in commercial and hospitality arena we are constantly faced with regulation and specification issues and we need to keep pushing to encourage suppliers to not only develop the products but take it that step further, do the testing and make it a viable option to specify.

David Harte: The reality is, is that the creative force in developing alternative materials often comes from smaller companies These creative small businesses often find it more difficult to move a product forward and get it up and running and tested for use for commercial interiors.

gold ceiling, patterend wallpaper above painted panelling in interior by studio moren

Image credit: Studio Moren / Jack Hardy

HK: How much of the progress in developing alternative materials is in coming from other industries, for example the fashion industry?

MC: Waste product from the fashion industry is clearly coming into our material supply chain. A few years ago, we saw a beautiful surface product called Really, which was developed from recycled denim, but it wasn’t, at the time a practical option for interior specification. However, the manufacturers took the feedback on board and have, over time, been able to produce a hard wearing, scratch resistant worktop, that is both beautiful and fit to purpose.

Constantina Tsoutsikou: Ensuring materials can be specified for the contract market definitely takes time and it is often the last step in the process of research and development. Unfortunately, once that is done, what started out as a sustainable product often becomes less so to make sure it is fire retardant, anti- slip and all the other regulations that need to be met.

sunlight and natural materials on spa swimming pool designed by Studio LOST

Image credit: Studio LOST

While it is clear that there are some commercial success stories out there, many of the new and innovative products exploring alternative materiality remain a work-in-progress. Designers around the table agreed that it was key that collaboration between designers and suppliers is essential to keep pushing the process forward until both the creative and the practical elements join forces in what then becomes a successful product that functions well, looks good and ticks sustainable boxes. This means keeping an eye on the long-term vision and can be a process involving time, conversations and collaborations.

HK: As expectations of the hotel experience both shift and accelerate, it is key to understand these shifts and how materiality plays into it. Is in fact materiality the new luxury as luxury brands focus on feeling rather than just a finish?

David Harte: Tactility is what people really engage with – luxury is a feeling rather than a finish. It is a sense that can be created through design and the elements you interact with.

Brigitta Spinocchia Freund: Design is about approaching materials differently and understanding how this relates to what people are ultimately looking for from a hotel experience now. Across our projects, we explore and introduce concepts of spirituality in design and this can come across in many different ways – locality and sustainability are certainly part of that conversation, as is the carbon footprints of a product and a design. People are also looking for more now in terms of a hotel experience and materials need to evoke feelings.

white, wood wire and stone surfaces and materials in the palais de la plage by Spinocchia Freund

Image credit: Spinocchia Freund

HK: With this shift in expectations, can materials then help to define a brand in hotel design? Are brands in fact open to exploring alternative paths and materials to communicate the same brand message by using a new vocabulary?

Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins: Risks are not necessarily being taken at the luxury level yet – lifestyle, mid-market and commercial clients seem to be more open to innovation or exploring unproven products. The aim to be net zero can sometimes involve taking a chance and in our experience, commercial clients are more open to that innovation and the element of risk that comes with it. To some brands, maintaining luxe means perfection, so materials need still to look new and fresh over time. Embracing longevity in materials involves an acceptance of patina and imperfection.

MC: Mid-level brands are maybe a bit more adventurous, being less concerned with perfection than a luxury brand. While there are still brand guidelines in place, there are usually elements for us as designers to play with. Working on a Ruby Hotel for example, there are quite specific brand guidelines, but there is still room for some design dialogue in the public areas, which allows us to interpret and reflect the location. Hopefully the result is about the brand but also, importantly, about the design collaboration between brand guideline and the local project-based designers.

CT: In the luxury segment, brands tend to look for similar touch points. The wording may sound similar– comfort, warmth, luxury – but then we interpret them differently across the brands and through the design details.

bathroom with marble and wood in Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne by Jestico + Whiles

Image credit: Jestico + Whiles

Taking the conversation further, having noted that there is still some reluctance in the luxury market to explore alternatives that are not yet tried and tested, can designers persuade clients to move away from the use of materials that come with high carbon costs? What are the touchpoints that can swing a conversation? While price point certainly remains an issue, if the sustainable and ethical threads can be woven into the design narrative by the designer and the client can see enough value in the story, they might be tempted to go there. The role of the designer is integral to providing the client with both the information and narrative.

LB: Everyone loves to tell a story and if a client can see enough value in the story behind a sustainable product or material, then they are usually more likely to get on board the idea of lowering the carbon footprint – although the concept of carbon and carbon footprint still needs to be communicated in a tangible and relatable way.

BSP: As a designer, if you can come up with a story behind a material – the artisans, how it was created, its sustainable story – operators see the value of the story behind the product and are in fact proud to share the narrative behind a product. Design is increasingly becoming about the story and this can be used to shift the balance in terms of materials used.

CT: We are also finding that it can sometimes be almost halfway through the process before actual materiality is shared and the client gets to experience and understand the materials in real life rather than via zoom or renders. Those meetings when the client is able to touch and feel the texture of materials are completely different and are often the point when materiality can win over other considerations like budget.

MC: It is great to find a material that sums up a project and gets the client onboard with the design vision. We recently developed a project around the concept of tide along the River Thames, incorporating tones and textures of rusted metals from the river banks. Finally, after a process of collaboration and conversation, Based Upon developed a material for us that worked on an aesthetic level in the design, as well as on a practical level for the client which was really exciting.

HK: There are a lot of brands out there that are using recycled plastic and creating statement pieces with character. Plastic has its connotations for not being luxurious. By looking at what is on the market today, can you see this changing?

MC: What actually defines luxury today is key to the question and one of the things that elevates a product is the level of craft involved. It is about the time and talent spent transforming a material into something beautiful. You can do that with plastics, the designs using ocean waste by furniture designer Brodie Neill being a case in point.

Jorge Hernandez: In the past recycled material have sometimes been a bit in your face with regards to plastic being the base product. What we are seeing now, as we continue to engage in the development process of materials, is a more understated use of the base product in materials like engineered leather and solid surfaces. While this is more about engineering than creativity, understated sustainability is becoming more common practice in the development of materials.

bathroom vanity with white integrated sink and chrome tap

Image credit: Bathroom Brands Group

HK: Over the last few years, manufacturers have answered calls from the industry for more variety – bathrooms specifically when it comes to different finishes available. Has this changed the role of bathrooms from being practical spaces to being more driven by experience? 

DH: The boundaries are definitely shifting and in some cases, disappearing as the bathroom comes right into the guestroom. This is definitely a credit to what is on the market from suppliers that we can do this and allows designers to make the bathroom a more inviting and design-led space as opposed to being separate and purely functional. It is rare to be asked to design a bathroom as a single entity now as both the bedroom and the bathroom constitute the guestroom experience.

JH: As bathroom product designers we are constantly exploring materiality in the bathroom – looking for innovations to make within the space and exploring the materials that will drive design forward. We need to ensure that designs and materials evolve both in terms of functionality and sustainability. The challenge is working with different material to get different finishes across the line to be able to crossmatch products and provide a broad range of design solutions.

Squire & Partners was the Exclusive Style Partner at MEET UP London. Bathroom Brands Group, which also supported this roundtable, 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: Studio LOST

A large, modern and contemporary suite bedroom inside Park Lane New York

Checking in: Park Lane New York – a reawakened iconic hotel

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Checking in: Park Lane New York – a reawakened iconic hotel

When Hotel Designs learnt that industry powerhouse Yabu Pushelberg had completed its two-year reimagination of the historic Park Lane New York, we needed to react fast. So, we sent Tonje Odegard over the pond to check in to the landmark hotel to explore its new design era…

A large, modern and contemporary suite bedroom inside Park Lane New York

Where do I start with this remarkable transformation of the renowned Park Lane New York? Global design studio and industry heavyweight Yabu Pushelberg has, in collaboration with LUCID (the hotel management Highgate’s in-house design team, who has kitted out the hotel’s new rooftop bar), reawakened the spirit of an iconic hotel and enhanced the guest experience even further.

Refurbishing a historic hotel without losing the integrity and identity that so strongly resides in its walls is a tall order. For guests entering the hotel for the first time and for seasoned visitors returning to their home-away-from-home there is a strong sense of expectation. It’s for this reason the designers decided to embrace Park Lane’s eccentric legacy and let it shape the new design language; give the guest what they would want and anticipate from an institution like Park Lane but package it up in an entirely new and unforeseen delivery.

Image credit: Alice Gao

Situated at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, there are a lot of other iconic competition in the neighbourhood, from The Plaza Hotel, Carnegie Hall, and The Museum of Modern Art. In other words, the team at Yabu Pushelberg knew that there were more than one reason to make the designs stand out.

Nonetheless, the design studio’s starting point for the design narrative started as it always does, with an immersion in the hotel’s locale, culture, and heritage. We’re talking old New York, decadence, glamour, glitz, and elegant vibrancy. Inspired by the hotel’s natural exuberance, the studio sought to inspire Park Lane New York’s renaissance. Rather than dismissing the hotel’s past, Yabu Pushelberg chose to celebrate its storied history by asserting its original spirit as an anchor upon which to build layers of wit, charm, exploration, and discovery.

Close-up of vanity area / desk in suite with navy blue, textured desk and soft seating

Image credit: Adrian Gaut

In fact, the designers used the hotel’s previous owner, the iconic American businesswoman Leona Helmsley and her dog Trouble, as an inspiration for the design story. Known for her flamboyant and mischievous personality, the designers aimed for a colour palette that would evoke those exact emotions. This includes sophisticated creams starkly contrasted by deep and dark features. In particular, they focused on her dog, who was left with the entirety of his owner’s remaining fortune upon her death. The designers have imagined a young, dapper, and handsome dog residing at the hotel, living a life of lavishness, hosting opulent extravaganzas, proper tea parties, and chic soirées to be shared and enjoyed alongside his discerning and worldly companions.

Elsewhere, inspiration was drawn from the hotel’s leafy surroundings near Central Park and upper Manhattan’s overall sophistication. New York’s ubiquitous newsstands and landmarks such as Grand Central Station and beloved Bemelmans Bar served as further sources of design creativity.

A large guestroom inside New York hotel, with botanical inspired wallpaper

Image credit: Adrian Gaut

This is most apparent in the bedrooms, which are effortlessly luxurious. Either with city views or vistas overlooking Central Park, visitors are guaranteed epic New York views, which does the majority of the work. Painted dressing room screens and headboards mirror the naturalistic park scenes in an artistic and stylish way while deep pastels, bright colours and dark blues add that touch of glamour. The distinct Art Deco of New York’s yesteryear is the overarching theme with posh velvets, patterned wallpapers, and curved edges.

A similar theme of Art Deco opulence follows through to the guest bathrooms, with golden taps, spacious showers, free-standing circular baths, and monochrome floor tiles against marble wall slabs.

Black and white striped wallcoverinngs in modern bathroom with luxurious marble sinks

Image credit: Adrian Gaut

Taking a closer look at the public areas, elegant details are what create the magic. Yabu Pushelberg repurposed Park Lane New York’s original chandeliers, sconces, and fixtures to sustainably infuse a modern graciousness throughout the property. This is particularly apparent in the nooks and crannies of the lobby. Curvy Art Deco furniture, illustrated wallpaper, animal figurines, and landscape-printed custom armchairs are just a few of the ones worth mentioning. The lobby’s curvy staircase fits nicely in with the glossy wall panels depicting natural wood and we especially love the separated check-in area, entered via Art Deco arches.

Dramatic chandelier above large dining table

Image credit: Adrian Gaut

Moving onto the hotel’s F&B outlets, let’s start with the Rose Lane bar directly opposite the lobby, on the ground floor with its own separate entrance. The most striking features here are the giant crystal chandeliers and illustrated wall panels contrasted against deep, dark walls and ceilings. Adjacent to it is the conservatory-styled garden, which provides more seating. The brightness and airy feel to this space is an intriguing juxtaposition to the main bar space and provides respite to the dark and sensual indoor area. Full of greenery, it feels fresh and invigorating.

Warm, inviting bar with luxury design details such as large chandelier and high ceilings

Image credit: Alice Gao

Harry’s New York Bar follows the similar dark, mysterious and sexy colour scheme as Rose Lane, but perhaps takes it even a step further. Masculine hues and materials such as deep navy blue, mahogany, two-toned marble, and velvet create the sophisticated finish. It feels old school and grown-up, especially with the help of the colourful art displayed on the wall and the textured and embossed ceiling.

Finishing on top, we find ourselves in the newly added rooftop bar, Darling, which has been conceptualised by LUCID. Transformed from an old penthouse residence, it has quite a different design language than the rest of the hotel. We welcome that, though, for a bit of spice and variation. The rooftop’s wrap-around terrace is covered, because at 47 floors it would be windy to say the least, but the solution is a black-and-white striped canvas roof which adds texture and intrigue to the space. This monochrome palette is contrasted by bright greens, warm oranges, and leafy patterns, complemented by lots of shrubs to create an energetic oasis.

Light bright area with casegood featuring plants and artefacts

Image credit: Alice Gao

Nearby Central Park is yet again referenced throughout, especially via the greenery, but also via a giant and intricate mural on the staircase where guests arrive – bold colours, florals, and animals set the tone. The indoor lounge and bar area features a sprawling mural designed by artist En Viu, and continues the visual artwork thread of storytelling found throughout the property. Elsewhere, there are pressed metal ceilings, black-and-white floors, and panelled walls, all juxtaposed with rich coloured furniture, marble tables, and ornate lighting.

While the aura of The Park Lane’s past has managed to remain intact over the years, it became obvious that the spirit of the hotel was weighed down by dated interiors. To capture the magic and share the wonder of The Park Lane Hotel’s epic tale with the New York of today, the hotel was in dire need of a refresh. By remixing the original qualities and defining characteristics of Park Lane New York with spirited modernity allowed Yabu Pushelberg to reassert the hotel as a present-day landmark imbued with thoughtful consideration and elevated flair.

Main image credit: Adrian Gaut

Hamilton Litestat sockets in wall charging phone

Project Support Team – Hamilton’s best-kept secret is out!

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Project Support Team – Hamilton’s best-kept secret is out!

We have just broken down exactly what Hamilton Litestat’s Project Support Team offers designers and hoteliers.

Hamilton Litestat sockets in wall charging phone

Hamilton Litestat, which is Headline Partner for MEET UP North on July 6, has been a pedigree within the hotel sector since the ’80s. In that time, the decorative wiring accessories brand has worked on a range of high profile boutique and international hotel design projects.

This is due, in part, to the behind-the-scenes efforts of its Project Support Team – quite possibly one of the wiring accessory industry’s best-kept secrets – that has been trusted by brands such as Hilton, Accor, IHG, Hotel Indigo, Bespoke Hotels, Whitbread, Marriott, Marine and Lawn Hotels & Resort Group, and Mastcraft Group, among others.

A guestroom inside Hotel Indigo Bath and cut out images of Hamilton products

Image credit: IHG/Veerle Evens

The dedicated team of wiring accessory experts are an oracle of creative guidance, design and technical know-how that aspire to be your go-to-team throughout any hotel interiors project – from advice on aesthetics and on-trend finishes to bespoke product designs for projects requiring something a bit special and unique!

With hotels demanding ever more attention to detail in design, and guests expecting access to the latest in lighting control and charging technology, its unique service delivery approach comes into its own.

Hamilton’s structured and immersive approach offers start-to-finish support, which can be broken down into six steps.

Step one: The site visit

Experience has taught the company that it can add the greatest value to a project when involved from an early stage…so why not get them in! A site visit allows the team to fully understand the brief and associated design challenge, in situ, for themselves. From here, the team can make considered product suggestions and help identify and resolve any possible technical issues before they become a problem.

Of course, some clients already know exactly what they want. Hamilton’s team are still keen to share ideas and can offer a wealth of support throughout the project delivery.

Step two: Product selection

With its extensive portfolio of 23 designer collections, in 23 different finishes, most decorative wiring accessory briefs can be met by choosing a collection and finish from its standard designer range.

No one is better placed than the team at Hamilton to understand the merits of each collection and how they can support your award-winning project – with or without customisation.

  • Design guidance: With a wealth of industry knowledge, as well as full visibility of existing projects being processed in its factory, Hamilton Litestat can offer you of-the-moment insight into trending designs and finishes.
  • Know-how to take cost out of a project: When the budget for wiring accessories is tight but your client’s expectations remain high, the team will work with you to come up with the best value-engineered solution for your project without compromising on the quality or aesthetics, providing an affordable and effective solution that meets the brief.
  • Updates on new technology: With aesthetics just one part of the story, Hamilton’s team’s technical expertise means that the company can advise on current electrical regulations, which is especially relevant in large or complex projects.
  • In addition, the team can ensure that your decorative wiring solution stands the test of time as technology evolves. A great example of this is the introduction of USB-C charging and the development of combined USB-A&C power sockets which are currently available in a couple of charging options. With knowledge of your requirements, as well as wider industry and cultural trends, the company’s team can help you select the right one for your project.

Step three: Project quotation for your client meeting

With the insight garnered from step one, and decisions made in step two, the team provide a fully costed solution, with product descriptions and corresponding datasheets that include: installation guide, quality standard information, product guarantees and warranties. With this information to hand, you’re able to present and substantiate your design decisions with assurance on quality, technical data and price.

Step four: Free product sample service

Because Hamilton knows that seeing, touching and feeling is believing, its team can not only provide swatches of all of its standard plate finishes, but a production example of the finished product itself. Anything that will complement your mood board and help you sell your design scheme into your client. All samples are produced in its Bristol factory, which means a quick turnaround from them to you.

A gold plate with white socket

Image credit: Hamilton Litestat

Step five: Custom-made plates… a special!

Hamilton’s Bristol-based Bespoke Design Team are on hand to turn your product ideas into custom-made solutions when an interior scheme requires something a little different…or even a little special!

Media and control plates can be customised to your bespoke technical requirements and made to match any standard accessories selected as the basis of your decorative wiring accessories scheme.

For example, the bespoke functionality requirements of the accessories at Thornbury Castle Hotel were achieved with bedside plates that included individual toggle-switch control of the room chandelier, table lamps and bedside lamps and a single power socket with 2.1A USB port for charging smart devices. To enhance the guest experience, the function of each switch was clearly etched on each plate. The bespoke plates were based upon the brand’s Hartland collection, which, finished in Antique Brass, with its slim, sleek profile was the ideal box-fix design to harmonise with the ornate brass bedside lamps and dark wood panelling.

To kick-start the process, Hamilton’s in-house engineer will create a CAD line drawing to achieve the initial buy-in of both you and your client. From here, the company’s free sample service and finish swatches can be supplied to support your mood boards, finalise the design and obtain sign-off from your client.

With all design and manufacture taking place at the company’s Bristol HQ, which is set up with projects like yours in mind, the team are able to produce bespoke orders with a swift and seamless turnaround. It is worth bearing in mind that custom-made plates do take a little longer to produce than plates from the company’s standard range, however they will keep you updated on lead times throughout the process to ensure your expectations are met.

Custom-made plates - a collage of sockets and design sketches

Image credit: Hamilton Litestat

Step six: Advice on product lead times

Standard or bespoke – whatever the product mix to make your final list, Hamilton will ensure you’re kept up to date through the whole project, on product lead times and to co-ordinate the delivery of your accessories to site. The team will even pack product in room-by-room boxes if required. Working closely with your electrical contractor – particularly on those more demanding briefs or challenging sites, the team will help to make sure every detail of your brief is met.

Reassuringly expert

Wherever you’re based, the company has a Project Support Team member nearby who will be happy to visit you at your studio or workplace and get your project on the right tracks. Safe in the knowledge that your decorative wiring accessories are in expert hands, you can enjoy the freedom to focus on other aspects of the project, to ensure both you and your client come away smiling.

> Since you’re here, why not read our Q&A with Gavin Williams, Sales and Marketing Director at Hamilton Litestat?

Hamilton Litestat 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: Hamilton Litestat

Render of a sustainable modular designed cabin with desk and bed

Is the future of hotel design carbon-positive?

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Is the future of hotel design carbon-positive?

Ahead of joining a panel discussion at Interior Design & Architecture Summit, James Walsh, Creative Director of Studio Anyo, who has worked on a number of modular hotels for brands such as CitizenM, YOTEL, room2 and others, shares his ecological-design ethos on how to achieve a carbon-positive future in hotel development…

Render of a sustainable modular designed cabin with desk and bed

We are living in an eco-system that is on the verge of collapse due to global warming; reaching a point of no return possibly within our lifetime. So how sustainable is a discretionary industry based on leisure activities for a limited group of individuals?

In a time when people do not have clean water to drink, an industry that thrives on large, chlorinated swimming pools are claiming to be sustainable, but while the chlorine may be killing the green algae, the hospitality is still the same colour – greenwashed. The fundamentals of the travel industry are based on air travel, which is the most polluting of our carbon outputs with little sign of improvement until 2050 targets for carbon reduction and biofuels are capable of being implemented.

Meanwhile, hotels are asking their guests to reuse their towels and save on the cleaning bills – sustainability, tick – rather than requiring them to offset their travel carbon. It is time to reset and move toward a true sustainable approach for the leisure industry.

Render of wooden walls in cabin

Image credit: Studio Anyo

So where do we start? There are two components that we must review to start creating a more sustainable industry. First is the carbon cycle, and then we need to review the impacts on our eco-system.

Let’s start with the carbon story, as it is perhaps the most pressing; given we are having incredible success at slow cooking the entire planet with excess heat due to the higher levels of carbon content in our atmosphere. Although the additional heat may seem great to the sun-worshipers, the frog in the pot will tell you that it is not sustainable for a long period. The carbon story is made up of two parts, the amount we use to create the building, embodied carbon, and the amount we need to use the building – operational carbon, travel, cleaning towels etc.

Yotel Gatwick render of modular room

Image credit: YOTEL

Embodied carbon is now well-understood. It is modelled and embedded within many ESG requirements and a low-hanging fruit in terms of a move towards a sustainable future.

The start is simple: use more trees, wood, bamboo, earth walls etc., anything that grows and reduces carbon bringing a carbon credit to the building. Anything we make or process is carbon negative, and materials that use a carbon-intensive process, like concrete, for example, has a major negative carbon cost.

Transport plays its role. Importing timber from halfway around the world isn’t the way forward and adds more green to the greenwash. This part of the industry is maturing, and a lot of great work is happening in this area, particularly in the offsite manufacturing processes, which assists in reducing the carbon content of the building when done properly. All you must do now is state that you want a carbon-neutral building and add the cost impacts to your appraisal; let’s say 10 per cent uplift; and away we go.

3D model of hotel within the city map

Image credit: Studio Anyo

Operational carbon is where a lot of the cheating begins, and what is counted and what isn’t is a dark art controlled by the marketer. ESG policies should be entered into the Booker prize for fiction and carbon statements should be read as great works of mathematical manipulation where fact bears little relationship to reality.

So, what are the basics you need to produce more energy than you consume, and offset the amount of carbon need to create the building and the guests of the building using it? The fact is, currently, almost every activity requires energy to be used to undertake that activity releasing carbon to the atmosphere in the process. The challenge is to reduce/ eliminate the amount of carbon each activity takes.

There are many great examples of how these that can be easily implemented, sourcing renewable electricity, low water systems, removal of gas cooking etc. but it needs to be looked at holistically to be effective, and the fact is these costs need to be added to the guest’s bill.

A render of a carbon-positive hotel room

Image credit: Studio Anyo

Let’s push the two narratives together to achieve a happy and healthy ending. If we reduce the amount of carbon used to create our buildings and reduce the amount of carbon used by our guests, then through the use of renewable energy sources possibly also within the building, i.e. solar panels, we can generate more energy than we need and use that to mitigate the carbon equation.

We can pay back our carbon costs within, say, 10 years and operate as a carbon positive enterprise, but we will need to do more to mitigate the damage done to date. This means the industry can, after the payback period, become carbon-positive and reduce the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere and perhaps, well, save the frog.

Finally, staying with the now truly greener frog, it would be great if the industry helped reduce the carbon story, but we must also look much further at our impact on our eco-system. The industry tends to focus on the most sensitive environment on the planet, so we experience how the frog lives and see it in its native environment. Without better consideration of the how we impact nature with our resort designs, we will destroy the very environment we are so keen to experience.

Through biophilia and permaculture/pattern design systems, we can look to nature to design our buildings to enhance the local environment, examples would be a living swimming pool which cleans its own water with reedbeds rather than a sterile chorine filled pool. Food for thought, perhaps, but are we willing to swim with the frogs rather than enjoying cuisses de grenouille?

James Walsh will join Editor Hamish Kilburn and a handful of other design experts to discuss ‘the green agenda’ the Interior Design & Architecture Summit, which takes place on June 26 at Hilton Canary Wharf London. Qualified designers are eligible to attend for free – just speak to Josh Kingsmill from Forum Events to book your place. If you are a supplier, and would like to meet qualified designers and architects at the event, please speak to Olivia Jackson.

Main image credit: Studio Anyo

black and white and wood bathroom design with bath, shower and double basin by KEUCO

KEUCO celebrates 70 years of beautiful bathrooms

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KEUCO celebrates 70 years of beautiful bathrooms

A lot has changed in the seven decades since KEUCO was founded in 1953, but the goal and vision of the early days has remained – to make bathrooms that are both beautiful and comfortable…

black and white and wood bathroom design with bath, shower and double basin by KEUCO

Continuing the KEUCO story where it began, the company continues to develop and produce quality products in Germany and the headquarters are still located in Hemer, Westphalia, where it was originally formed in 1953. The original focus was on bathroom accessories, but the brand has continuously expanded, revised and supplemented its range and today offers an abundant range of fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets, washbasins and bathroom furniture all proudly  ‘Made in Germany’.

old sepia photograph of original KEUCO factory with branded van

Image credit: KEUCO

After all these years KEUCO knows precisely how to skilfully merge tradition with innovation to create outstanding bathrooms and have collected numerous design prizes for its innovative bathroom furnishing concepts and products along the way.The company is still family run and owned as 100 per cent of the company shareholders are all members of the original founders. Today, the company is managed by Lubert Winnecken and he is assisted by a management committee, this team is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business.

yellow bathroom designed in the 1970's by KEUCO and designer Luigi Colani

Image credit: KEUCO

The brand has a history of championing design and designers to make a statement in the bathroom. The 1970’s saw the trendsetting range by German designer Luigi Colani , the most famous designer in Germany at the time who worked alongside the brand to develop the first revolutionary bathroom design with accessories, light and mirrors all made by KEUCO.

The next decade saw the Solitair cabinet Sesam striking a strong pose and becoming an icon in the bathroom, while moving on to 2023 with the launch of AXESS  with Studio FA Porsche, KEUCO continues to make bold design statements in the bathroom through its collaborations.

The design integrity as well as the continuity championed by the business, means the employees consider themselves to be part of an extended family business, one that values its employees and understands that it is the combination of the company’s historical knowledge with individual expertise that creates the KEUCO brand.

KEUCO 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: KEUCO

Extreme Wow Suite - Living room inside W Milan

New renders released of W Milan, landing this autumn

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New renders released of W Milan, landing this autumn

The disruptive hospitality brand, W Hotels, will make its debut in the fashion capital of Italy with a 116-hotel to open in Milan, designed by Patricia Urpuiola, this autumn. Here’s what we know…

Extreme Wow Suite - Living room inside W Milan

Given the brand’s relationship with fashion – it is literally written into its DNA – W Hotels’ debut arrival in Milan, this autumn, makes a lot of sense. Following the opening of W Rome, the disruptive hotel brand will make its mark in Italy’s fashion and design capital with the launch of a 116-key hotel that is expected to become the city’s up-and-coming  hotspot.

W Milan, owned by Gruppo Statuto and managed by Marriott International Inc., will be located in Piazzetta Bossi, just behind the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala and moments from the bohemian Brera neighbourhood.

W Lounge render with mirrored ceiling at W Milan

Image credit: Marriott International

The design project of Studio Urquiola has reinterpreted the Italian Rationalist architecture of the original ’50s building with a vibrant and contemporary interior design that catches the Milanese essence through its colours, materials, finishings and inspirations.

W Milan will feature 116 stylish guestrooms including 14 suites and one Extreme WOW Suite, the brand’s signature take on a Presidential Suite.

The hotel will boast an eclectic mix of dining destinations, bringing world flavours to cosmopolitan guests and locals connectors alike. Japanese restaurant, Odachi, will showcase authentic cuisine in a sophisticated setting while those looking for a truly Italian experience can indulge at Scena by Michelin star Chef Andrea Berton.

Rooftop with pool at W Milan

Image credit: Marriott International

W Lounge will be a welcoming space at the heart of the hotel for guests to socialise over aperitivo, Milanese light bites and beats of live performances. A standout feature of W Milan will be the iconic rooftop, complete with a pool and lounge areas providing the perfect spot to soak up the energy and skyline of the city. By night, Aria, the rooftop’s skybar transforms into the city’s hottest new hangout serving delicious food, cocktails and DJ sets.

Main image credit: Marriott International

central stone fireplace with seating below ranch style wooden beams in the lobby of Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Omni PGA Frisco Resort – marking a new chapter for golf hotels

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Omni PGA Frisco Resort – marking a new chapter for golf hotels

International architecture firm, SB Architects, part of Egis Group, known for creating spaces that capture the history, culture and context of each location, has announced the opening of the new Omni PGA Frisco Resort, a mixed-use development in Frisco, Texas…

central stone fireplace with seating below ranch style wooden beams in the lobby of Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Nestled alongside the PGA of America Headquarters, Omni PGA Frisco Resort is made up of 500 luxurious guestrooms and suites, ten exclusive four-bedroom ranch houses for hosting events and parties, 13 restaurant and bar concepts, over 12,000 square metres of indoor-outdoor meeting space, four pools, a leading-edge golf training centre, a destination Mokara Spa – and the list goes on. Inspired by Texas modernism, SB Architects’ design for the development created an exciting golf and resort experience for advanced players, those new to the game and everyone in between, through the introduction of ’boutique experiences’ located throughout the resort development.

ranch style patio with wood and stone surfaces running along the length of Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts / SB Architects

“The opening of the Omni PGA Frisco Resort represents an important milestone, not only in my career but for all of SB Architects given the size, scale and innovative vision of this impressive project,” said Bruce Wright, Senior Vice President and Principal, SB Architects. “It’s rare to get an opportunity to work with so many talented partners to create a true multifaceted project that will have such a profound impact on the future of golf as well as the City of Frisco, Texas. I’m so proud of the collaborative effort to transform this site not only into a world-class golf resort but a destination for excitement and gathering that will be enjoyed by so many for years to come.”

ranch house style guestrooms clustered around the golf course at Omni PGA Frisco

Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts / SB Architects

Throughout the pedestrian-focused property, the architectural design is warm, approachable and contemporary, to reflect the future-thinking approach of the development. Distinctive massing, courtyards, and layered natural materials were utilised to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The use of stone, large overhangs, wood detailing and ironwork all work together to create a modern contemporary feel. With golf at the heart of the resort, the guestrooms are positioned to prioritise views of the two championship courses – Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West.

The design challenge was to develop a destination resort of a residential scale and balance to accommodate 500 rooms and the significant group meeting space that is a signature of Omni Hotels & Resorts. SB Architects approached the challenge by creating smaller districts within the resort, weaving in pauses for reflection along the way to break up the scale of the project and keep people engaged with the architecture. The pedestrian-friendly environment is centered around the sport of golf but thoughtfully programmed as the Texas version of a boardwalk, with activities and events along the retail corridor that are designed to be equally engaging to non-golfers.

leather benches, wooden floors and beams and comfortable seating in the space around the lobby and clubhouse

Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts / SB Architects

Created in collaboration with design partners Robert Glazier; Interior Designer, Jeffrey Beers International; and General Contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie; the resort is slated to become a leading destination for golf, providing an unparalleled experience for all visitors. In addition to the luxurious guest rooms, the property offers private ranch homes with dramatic views of two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by legendary designers, Beau Welling and Gil Hanse. Additionally, the resort features a lighted ten hole short course and two acre putting green, a Lounge by Topgolf, PGA Coaching Center and a practice facility anchored by a clubhouse and entertainment district. The result is a development that provides a full deck of offerings with multiple layers of different experiences.

golfing resort amenities alongside couches and clubhouse facilities at onmi pga

Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts / SB Architects

“We set out to create an environment and destination that not only caters to the world-class golf aficionados, but also to the general public to whom golf might not be the draw,” said Regan Holton, Vice President of SB Architects’ Dallas office. “The Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) region is thriving with innovation and optimism, this portfolio-defining project galvanized SB Architects to launch our Dallas office. With a marquee set of clients in Texas, we’re excited to continue to pursue local opportunities.”

After PGA of America’s 56 years in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the move to Frisco, Texas signals an exciting change. Named the ‘2018 Best Place to Live in America’, Frisco will be transformed with this development, bringing new vitality and economic growth to the local community. The inspiring architecture of the Omni PGA Frisco Resort complements the vision for this bold, state-of-the-art development, set to bring in a new chapter for the future of golf in America.

Main image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts / SB Architects

Large suite with white interior design scheme inside Park Hyatt Jakarta

Inside Park Hyatt Jakarta, designed by Conran & Partners

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Inside Park Hyatt Jakarta, designed by Conran & Partners

Following Conran & Partners completing the interiors of Jakarta’s latest luxury hotel, Park Hyatt Jakarta, Hotel Designs has been given the keys to explore the sophisticated design narrative…

Large suite with white interior design scheme inside Park Hyatt Jakarta

Occupying 19 floors of a new landmark 37-storey building, the design inside the 222-key Park Hyatt Jakarta needed to work hard in order to achieve its aim of being the city’s most desired luxury hotels.

A dramatic lobby inside Park Hyatt Jakarta with gongs as backdrops

Image credit: Himawan Sutanto

With the expert team at Conran & Partners on board from initial concept stages, led by Principal Tina Norden, the hotel’s design scheme was simple: to inject the simple beauty and natural elements, such as Indonesian rainforests, into sophisticated spaces. “Park Hyatt as a brand focuses on contemporary luxury with a residential feel and importantly all hotels are conceived individually with no Park Hyatt the same,” Norden explained. “Our concept for Park Hyatt Jakarta focuses on bringing some of the beauty and variety of Indonesia to the city, highlighting nature, natural resources and crafts but elevating these to the level of a sophisticated hotel.

“Guests staying at Park Hyatt Jakarta may not venture further into Indonesia, even if they are this will be their starting point. We wanted to give the guest a first glimpse not only of the city, but also the country through our concept and give them a stylish base to explore.”

A lounge chair by the window in hotel overlooking Jakarta

Image credit: Himawan Sutanto

The hotel’s design features a rich and warm colour scheme that transitions from darker tones on the lower levels to lighter, brighter hues on the higher floors. The interiors showcase an array of natural materials sourced from local artisans and suppliers, such as lava stone, intricate wood carvings, tribal shields, copper, and other traditional crafts.

Modern, contemporary guestroom in hotel with wooden headboard and walls

Image credit: Himawan Sutanto

The hotel’s sustainability approach incorporates quality natural materials and a timeless design, alongside a strong cultural element, the design team working closely with local artisans, such as ceramists, to provide accessories, and art consultants sourcing native Ikat patterns and artwork, such as typical Indonesian wedding crowns and jewellery pieces, for the guest rooms.

Dark, luxury marble bathroom with gold accents

Image credit: Himawan Sutanto

Each space within the hotel, including the extensive food and beverage offerings, has its own identity while remaining consistent with the overarching concept. Guests are welcomed by an open planted entrance featuring a carved stone artwork by renowned sculptor Richard North Lewis, leading to a lower lobby adorned with local shields and a ‘rock glass’ chandelier.

The sky lobby, with its stunning city views, is a striking and impressive greeting for arriving guests. The communal residential space on this floor is divided into four distinct areas, each providing a unique experience. A grand helical marble staircase in a double height glass volume overlooking the city leads guests to the Dining Room, which has bright and airy interiors, an open kitchen allowing guest to enter and help themselves to food, as well as more intimate event spaces.

A plush dining area with high ceilings and terrace-like boundaries between tables and booths

Image credit: Himawan Sutanto

Conran & Partners drew inspiration from traditional Indonesian textile motifs and crafts with Lombok games, bespoke furniture, and locally sourced Ikat panels and artwork displayed across all 20 floors of the hotel. A significant portion of the FF&E was crafted by Indonesian-based furniture supplier, Saniharto, using native timbers and materials from the region.

Following years of design research to ensure that each element of the hotel sensitively reflects the brand and its iconic destination, Conran & Partners’ latest project is a true reflection of hotel luxury in 2023; paired-back, understated and purpose-driven. Without trying too hard, it has also effortlessly become the jewel of the crown in Jakarta’s latest new-build property.

Main image credit: Himawan Sutanto

view from across the street with fountains in foreground of proposed Rosewood Seoul

Rosewood set to open in Seoul in 2027

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Rosewood set to open in Seoul in 2027

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by Eleven D&C Co., Ltd., one of Korea’s leading real estate developers, to manage Rosewood Seoul, a new build ultra-luxury hotel set to open in 2027. Here’s what we know…

view from across the street with fountains in foreground of proposed Rosewood Seoul

The location of Rosewood Seoul holds significant cultural, historical and geographical value and places visitors within an exceptional area of the city. Situated beside Yongsan Park in the heart of the city, the hotel will exist within The Parkside Seoul, a revolutionary development occupying the former site of the United Nations Command. The mixed-use neighbourhood will also include high-end retail and residences connected by expansive outdoor spaces, creating a new environment for activity and human interaction. With frontage along Noksapyeong-daero, one of Seoul’s main thoroughfares, The Parkside Seoul serves as a connector to both the city’s traditional business district to the north and the modern Gangnam area to the south.

“Seoul is one of Asia’s most dynamic metropolises known for its innovation while simultaneously honouring its distinctive history and heritage,” said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “We look forward to exploring this destination through the Rosewood lens and are thrilled to be working with our partners at Eleven D&C Co. to create an elevated lifestyle experience that will bring attention to Seoul amongst a new generation of ultra-luxury travellers.”

Led by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the American architecture firm that has guided several of Rosewood’s projects across Asia, including Rosewood Hong Kong, Rosewood Bangkok and Rosewood Guangzhou, Rosewood Seoul’s design will channel Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place philosophy. This guiding principle ensures that each property’s destination serves to inform the entirety of the guest experience and Rosewood Seoul will be no exception. Inspired by Seoul’s famed architecture, known for its futuristic lines and eye-catching facades, the new hotel will blend seamlessly into the sleek and contemporary skyline of the city.

With interiors by design firm Space Copenhagen, Rosewood Seoul will feature approximately 250 guestrooms and suites, making it amongst the largest in the city. An urban resort in its own right, the property will boast a selection of amenities, including seven restaurants and bars and comprehensive wellness facilities. Curated to welcome both guests and locals, these offerings will also transform the hospitality landscape for residents. Through a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere, Rosewood Seoul will invite creatives, innovators and tastemakers to enjoy a collaborative and enriching environment.

Rosewood Seoul will also be home to an Asaya, Rosewood’s comprehensive wellness concept focused on the intersections between physical, mental and emotional well-being. This expression of Asaya will be designed to incorporate offerings that speak to Korea’s cutting-edge approach and commitment to health and beauty. Spanning 4,500 square metres, it will have multiple treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and relaxation areas, indoor pool, luxury locker rooms and saunas, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an indoor golfing facility. Additional hotel facilities will include extensive, multi-purpose event space totalling 1,800 square meters and Rosewood Explorers, the brand’s culturally inspired kids club concept.

The property will seek to offer as diverse an experience as the destination itself. A gateway for international business and a trendsetter in fashion, art, design, and music, the capital city is a natural fit for Rosewood’s unique approach to delivering luxury lifestyle experiences across Asia and around the globe.

Main image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

COLLAGE OF various images of hansgrohe Pulsify Planet Edition hand shower

Product watch: introducing Plusify Planet Edition from hansgrohe

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Product watch: introducing Plusify Planet Edition from hansgrohe

Bathroom brand hansgrohe has launched the Pulsify Planet Edition hand-shower, which represents a holistic wellness approach to product innovation…

COLLAGE OF various images of hansgrohe Pulsify Planet Edition hand shower

In most households, and hotels, the hot shower represents one of the biggest sources of energy costs and CO2 emissions but is also an indispensable daily wellness ritual we cherish. This creates a direct conflict for users, wanting to meet their wellness needs whilst also being conscious of conserving water and energy.

To help ease this conflict, hansgrohe, which has reported an increase of 11.9 per cent in sales last year, has achieved another milestone. And it comes in the form of sustainable product development – introducing the Pulsify Planet Edition hand-shower. The product not only represents a holistic approach to product innovation, considering both user experience and sustainability, but also considers resource conservation in all areas of the product life cycle.

When designing the Pulsify Planet Edition hand shower, innovators at hansgrohe asked themselves; “What impact does the production, use and disposal of a hand shower have on the environment?” and “How can the bathroom contribute to a more sustainable future?”. This led to the consideration of the entire product life cycle in the design.

Steffen Erath, Head of Sustainability, Hansgrohe SE, explains: “Taking a hot shower for one minute consumes about as much energy as driving an electric car full throttle on the road for the same amount of time – with Pulsify Planet, we had to make sure this high energy usage was being addressed.”

To reduce energy usage, Pulsify Planet only has six litres of water flowing through the hand shower per minute, without compromising on showering comfort. However, the production and disposal of chrome-plated products can also have an environmental impact.

“We looked at all aspects of the product life cycle, and managed to switch to a recyclate wherever water didn’t flow through the Pulsify Planet Edition,” added Raphael Zajac, Product Management at Hansgrohe. “Looking at the production process, we focused on cycles to ensure the materials could be recycled for as long as possible. This not only reduces the use of resources but also lowers transportation routes needed in the manufacturing process.”

Pulsify Planet Showerhead

Image credit: Hansgrohe

To close the loop in the sustainability principle ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, the handle of the Pulsify Planet Edition is made from recycled plastic, and manufactured completely chrome-free. Hansgrohe developed a unique process for extracting the material used to make the handle itself with an ABS-coated plastic, made from end-of-life products and rejects, which are then shredded and cleaned. This is followed by a conversion into a high-quality granulate, which is a cleaner alternative to petroleum and fossil-based primary plastics, significantly reducing energy consumption during production. The process of developing ABS-coated plastic gives the material a sandy colour with small flecks, giving the products a unique look and elegant appearance.

To bring the complete Pulsify Planet collection to the bathroom, the product range includes WallStoris Planet Edition accessories and a textile shower host, the hansgrohe Designflex Planet Edition. With their neutral yet sleek design, the collection blends harmoniously into the modern bathroom, not only in terms of appearance but also functionality.

Hansgrohe 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: Hansgrohe

Red and orange design scheme inside restaurant in Harrods

Lighting up Studio Frantzén in Harrods, London

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Lighting up Studio Frantzén in Harrods, London

London’s iconic department store called upon the creatives at Northern Lights to create a striking lighting scheme that enhanced the dining experience at Frantzén…

Red and orange design scheme inside restaurant in Harrods

Perched at the top of Harrods in London rests Swedish chef Björn Frantzén’s latest restaurant offering. Studio Frantzén serves critically acclaimed Nordic cuisine with an Asian twist, where diners can expect a fully immersive experience as they enjoy their dishes ‘from the fireplace’. The aesthetics echo the flagship restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm, set in a luxurious and contemporary interpretation of Scandinavian design.

Orange hues inside restaurant in Harrods with icile chandeliers

Image credit: Northern Lights

Swedish designers Joyn Studio were appointed to transport guests from luxury retail to fine dining gastronomy. Nordic energy is injected throughout the impressive double-height atrium and roof terrace overlooking London’s skyline below, where everything from custom tableware, a hand-painted mural and bespoke luminaires has been meticulously designed to create a harmonious, connected atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

In the atrium the lighting emphasises the sheer grandeur of the space with a bespoke French tip candle chandelier, the creation of which was born from a collaboration between designers, consultants and suppliers. Artisan fabricators at Northern Lights worked closely with Front Studio, the concept creators for the chandelier, interior designers Joyn Studio, lighting consultants Lighting Design International, and the Harrods project management team to realise such an ambitious piece in less than eight weeks.

Close up of restaurant in Harrods, with reflective lights on ceiling

Image credit: Northern Lights

Inspired by the beauty of Swedish Christmas lights, the statement piece was expertly engineered by Northern Lights to give the impression of real candles floating effortlessly in mid-air.

“Mild steel was used for the construction of the 14 arms to maintain structural strength, keeping each arm ‘floating in space’, and finished in a custom powder coat chrome finish to subtly reflect the light,” explains Ives Bryan, Design Engineer at Northern Lights. “Each candle section houses individual mini connectors inside to minimise visual impact and facilitate ease of maintenance. One of the slimmest lamp holders available was used inside the vertical tubes to keep the candles as thin and as delicate as possible. The result is a breathtaking display that captures the essence of twinkling floating lights, bringing intimately dimmed, warm feature lighting to the double height space.”

To complement this striking statement piece, the mezzanine ceiling houses fifty bespoke hammered flush mount chrome pendants, ensuring guests below experience an interesting viewpoint of decorative lighting to further add to the intrigue and drama of the building.

The luminaire parts are all replaceable on-site and require minimal maintenance, whilst British manufacture keeps sustainability top of mind through a localised supply chain and a reduced logistical carbon footprint.

“Having worked with Harrods previously, we know their expectations and how to exceed them,” added Donna Bruce, Managing Director at Northern Lights. “This project showcases the passion and expertise of our team to create bespoke lighting installations that really deliver on their promise. It was fantastic to see this piece go through the various stages of production in our factory, but to then see it in-situ – that’s when it really comes alive.”

> Since you’re here, why not explore behind the factory doors, inside Northern Lights?

Northern Lights 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: Northern Lights

dark walls and gold ceiling in the Lucky Penny in Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse

Hotel Genevieve – exploring the layers of Louisville

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Hotel Genevieve – exploring the layers of Louisville

Situated in Louisville’s growing East Market District, Hotel Genevieve is a new hotel project from hospitality group Bunkhouse in collaboration with real estate development firm, Mountain Shore Properties and is Bunkhouse’s largest hotel to date…

dark walls and gold ceiling in the Lucky Penny in Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse

Designed in collaboration by Bunkhouse and ROHE Creative, a female-owned and operated Philadelphia based interior design firm, Hotel Genevieve is inspired by a city that is much more layered than bourbon and horses, with design that represents the nuances that make Louisville a destination for all. An intersection of unexpected opposites, the hotel dives into the River City’s history. Richly decorated, each design accent tells a story, from bold usages of colour to a playful mix of vintage and modern furniture, and a vivacious art program featuring local talent.

plants and floral couch in foreground with dark wall and art in the lobby at hotel Genevieve

Image credit: Nick Simonite

As Bunkhouse’s first urban core hotel, the design leans heavily on verdant green hues to contrast the metropolitan structure and location. Luxurious and feminine architectural details bring life to the space and reference the city’s namesake, King Louis XVI, heavily featuring Louisville’s vibrant local flora and fauna, with Goldenrod shining throughout the suites and ground floor restaurant.

“Louisville is such a great town,” said Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman of Standard Hotels and Bunkhouse Group.”Beyond the Derby and the bourbon trail, both of which we love, the city has a lot to offer culturally in terms of the art scene and food scene as well. We were particularly taken by the NuLu neighbourhood which has this incredible vibe and community which we are excited to be part of. Like all our hotels, we hope and believe that Hotel Genevieve will become an anchor of the neighbourhood where locals and visitors mix seamlessly.”

eclectic mix of art framed against a velvet draped background in the lobby at Hotel Genevieve

Image credit: Nick Simonite

Turning off of Market Street in the heart of the bustling NuLu neighbourhood, guests are greeted by a large-scale mural leading to the neighbouring Rabbit Hole Distillery. Once inside the lobby, vibrant hues and curated accents such as terrazzo floors, provide the backdrop for vintage furniture and artwork that reference Louisville’s storied history, from horse racing and beloved musicians, to its quilting heritage, which is made modern by the locally-based Anchal Project and Jeffrey Sincich. As guest’s check-in, they can explore the curated selection of retail that Bunkhouse is known for, including their first collaboration with Block Shop Textiles on their coveted Kimono Robe and items from local makers.

patterned tiled floor and mid century leather furniture in bar at Hotel Genevieve

Image credit: Nick Simonite

Four distinct culinary concepts are found throughout the hotel, concepted by Culinary Director Ashleigh Shanti, who brings a distinct voice rooted in African American food to the city. Awarded 2019 Eater Young Gun and named a 2020 finalist for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year, Shanti weaves her passion for food history and storytelling to create an inviting culinary perspective. Each concept will feature unique, immersive takes on Southern classics with global flair, overseen by Executive Chef Devon Rosenblatt (previously from lauded North End Café).

Rosettes, the ground-floor all-day restaurant named for the ribbons won in horse races, offers a lively food experience driven by simple, local rustic ingredients and inspired by al fresco Parisian cafés and Shanti’s Southern/Appalachian background. Attached to the lobby, the space is elegant while maintaining a warm atmosphere, boasting brasserie details — cafe curtains, Royer-inspired lighting, and outdoor seating — that invite guests to linger over morning coffee and celebratory dinners.

banquettes below vintage orange lighting in rosettes restaurant in Hotel Genevieve

Image credit: Nick Simonite

The rooftop lounge, Hotel Genevieve Bar, offers cocktails and light-fare inspired by French street food with Mediterranean influences set against sweeping views of the city and the Ohio River. The light-filled space with indoor and outdoor seating is loaded with toast-worthy accents like the grand chandelier over the bar and features an elevated and fun take on traditional, shareable bar food.

Mini Marché is the hotel’s mini market located off the lobby, which is part convenience store, part pop art installation, offering local Kentucky provisions and handmade goods by local artisans along with coffee and grab-and-go selections for breakfast and lunch. Mini Marché is also the entrance to the secretive pocket bar, Lucky Penny, which has a speakeasy vibe and is open for cocktails and bar snacks late into the night. The intimate space offers a moody contrast to the rest of the hotel with decadent details and ample sparkling accents, harkening to the lineage of the disco ball that lies in Louisville.

terracotta painted walls and ceiling with two double beds and patterned cushions in guestroom

Image credit: Nick Simonite

The hotel’s name is inspired by a regional type of limestone, Saint Genevieve, which is a key ingredient in bourbon production and is prevalent throughout Texas, providing a link to the origins of Bunkhouse as it embarks on this new chapter in Kentucky. Saint Genevieve is also the patron saint of Paris, celebrating
both the French origins of Louisville and the many women that worked to bring the hotel to life. This inspiration can be seen throughout the rooms, which offer a truly immersive experience with colours — such as shades of blue, terracotta and warm yellow — enveloping every surface including the ceiling.

saturated yellow guestroom in Hotel Genevieve with curved furniture and a view through to yellow bathroom

Image credit: Nick Simonite

Custom, curvaceous consoles from ROHE in an ivory high-gloss lacquer reflect the saturated hues and add another layer of luminescence to the room. The bathrooms are equally luxe, with a vanity that speaks to the feminine curves of the console, crafted from cultured marble that is a custom mix of marble dust leftover from the ‘60s.

bathroom in Hotel Genevieve with yellow walls and ceiling, curved marble console and kimonos

Image credit: Nick Simonite

Hotel Genevieve’s downtown location in the hip East Market district, also known as NuLu (standing for New Louisville), is a dining hub for everything from upscale eateries to local BBQ, alongside a diverse bar and distillery scene, art galleries, specialty stores and antique shops, and historic restoration projects. In line with Bunkhouse’s ethos of creating community-driven experiences, Hotel Genevieve will celebrate Louisville’s culture through programming with partners such as Black Soil Kentucky, Louisville Orchestra, and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

Main image credit: Nick Simonite

natural colours of concrete, stone, linen in the guestroom at The Neela Stone Town

Sneak peek inside The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town in Zanzibar

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Sneak peek inside The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town in Zanzibar

Excitement is building as the latest hotel in The Neela Collection, The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, is preparing to open the doors to Zanzibar’s historic city this July…

natural colours of concrete, stone, linen in the guestroom at The Neela Stone Town

The Neela Collection was born from the desire to offer beautiful locations for families to spend quality time together while enjoying the freshest seasonal food surrounded by stunning natural beauty and the rich culture of Zanzibar. Each of the properties in the portfolio, can be found either in restored landmark heritage buildings or architecturally designed and built using local craftsmanship and international experts, have their distinct personality rooted in and authentic to their location.

street view with a cat and woman in Stone Town Zanzibar

Image credit: The Neela Collection

The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town has prioritised comfort and relaxation in 14 Deluxe and Superior rooms conceptualised by interior designer Nelly Levin. Seamlessly marrying vintage and new elements, the hotel draws from Stone Town’s rich cultural history and African, Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences to offer guests a warm and welcoming experience that is both contemporary and steeped in tradition.

round mirror and brass shower in the ensuite bathroom at The Neela Stonetown

Image credit: The Neela Collection

All Superior rooms have King Size beds, a luxurious standalone bath in the room, as well as a separate ensuite bathroom and large shower. The Deluxe Rooms are comfort epitomised, offering a choice of King Size or Twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower. High thread count linen makes resting that much more heavenly. All units in the beautifully restored building, which sits in one of Stone Town’s most desirable areas, offer luxurious room amenities one would expect from a high-end boutique hotel, but with the added touch of the Neela experience. Guests can look forward to unique room layouts that only a refurbished heritage building can offer.

guestroom in cream and brown with traditional wooden door in The Neela Stone Town Zanzibar

Image credit: The Neela Collection

Aside from its bespoke interiors and service, The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town will shelter some unique food and beverage options. The in-house Breadfruit Restaurant & Café will offer a fantasy of flavour embracing Stone Town’s myriad influences. a case in point being the Lobster Brekkie Bun, with butter poached lobster, scrambled eggs, kewpie mayo and black sesame, while The Benedict is like no other iteration of the breakfast classic: Mahamri muffins, pulled goat, poached eggs, semi-dried tomatoes, Zafarani hollandaise, and herb shoots.

For the outdoors inclined, guests have a range of options to choose from thanks to the Neela Collection’s partnership with a local tour operator. From sunset cruises on a traditional dhow to swimming with dolphins and kitesurfing, the hotel will ensure that every visitor comes away with memories that last forever.

In The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, developed by husband and wife, Steve and Raju Shaulis, in collaboration with a local partner, the trio have created an urban masterpiece that addresses an undersupply of high-end luxury hotels in Stone Town and which will now cater to the thousands of visitors who pass through its streets each year to marvel at breath-taking architecture and its famous homogenised character.

With several major projects across Africa, Asia and the Middle East in its portfolio, The Neela Collection is developing another oceanside boutique hotel in Fumba scheduled for opening in 2024, further cementing its position as the hotel group of choice in Zanzibar’s vibrant cultural heart.

Main image credit: The Neela Collection

Outdoor furniture overlooking sea

Fritz Hansen to reveal first outdoor collection at CDW 2023

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Fritz Hansen to reveal first outdoor collection at CDW 2023

During this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week, Fritz Hansen will launch its first outdoor furniture collection, Skagerak by Fritz Hansen, within a Nordic inspired, indoor garden installation at the London showroom…

Outdoor furniture overlooking sea

With creative installations, a wide-ranging talks programme and showrooms coming together to celebrate the power and language of design, Clerkenwell Design Week 2023 is hotting up to showcase the best the design community has to offer. Cutting through the noise as the brands and showrooms that use the festival as a springboard to launch new collections.

This year, Fritz Hansen will launch its first outdoor furniture collection, Skagerak by Fritz Hansen, with an immersive installation at the brand’s London showroom. As a backdrop to the launch – the creative installation will tell the story of sustainability and lasting design, through beautiful and classic outdoor furniture.

Skagerak by Fritz Hansen expands the existing collections of Fritz Hansen furniture and accessories, to bring the best of Danish design to every part of life – both indoors and out. Each piece of the outdoor furniture collection designed in collaboration with Hugo Passos and Aurelién Barby, is sold as flat-pack and made from the highest quality, sustainably sourced – FSC certified teak, which ages beautifully and requires minimal maintenance.

The collection includes…

Banco Bench

Bench infront of white brick wall

Image credit: Fritz Hansen

Banco Bench designed in collaboration with Hugo Passos is made from sustainable sourced teak and available in 2 versions – single or double facing. Originally conceived as a one-off piece for the 2019 Social Seating exhibition in Finland, the new version is more suitable for production but with the same beauty, derived from the simple premise of creating furniture to enhance the experience of nature. The backrest is expressive and functional – shaped perfectly for the contour of the back, enabling people to sit in either direction on the double facing bench.

The Plank Collection 

Garden table with umbrella up

Image credit: Fritz Hansen

A bench, table and chair designed in collaboration with Aurelién Barby, is formed from simple yet playful lines, and are all perfect for relaxing outdoors, family occasions or entertaining. Benches can be placed end to end, for larger gatherings. A neat, wide-slatted surface, slanted back and ledge, give a light feel to a strong bench.

During Clerkenwell Design Week 2023, Fritz Hansen will also reveal the Spring collections from Fritz Hansen that include the AntTM chair designed originally in 1952 by Arne Jacobsen, and produced for the first time in front upholstery, in both textiles and leather. Offering a tactile interplay of textures, the new version will be available in 16 colours curated by Italian creative and gallerist, Carla Sozzani.

The reveal of the PK4TM lounge chair sees the piece reissued for the first time since it was designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1952 and produced then in just 20 pieces for family and friends. In 2023 Fritz Hansen adds PK4 to the PK collection, permanently.

Fritz Hansen black lounge chair by square window

Image credit: Fritz Hansen

A new story of materiality focuses on Fauske marble as a new material option for the tables in the Kjærholm Collection. Named after the quarry in the Norwegian town of Fauske, inside the Arctic Circle, where it originates – Fauske has a raw textured touch and sea-like glistening dynamic, expressed through its complex and ancient mineral composition. “These tabletops are abstract works of art,” says Marie-Louise Høstbo, Creative Design Director, Fritz Hansen.

Fritz Hansen 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: Fritz Hansen

bookshelf with Morris & Co willow wallpaper in green behind books and vases

Product watch: Emery Walker’s House from Morris & Co.

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Product watch: Emery Walker’s House from Morris & Co.

Sanderson Design Group has introduced four new designs and six rediscovered William Morris classics in this collection, which explores the relationship between two extraordinarily creative families…

bookshelf with Morris & Co willow wallpaper in green behind books and vases

Collaborator, comrade, friend and neighbour – Sir Emery Walker was all these things and more to the now-iconic designer, William Morris. This collection centres on Walker’s abode, 7 Hammersmith Terrace, where a rich variety of original Morris & Co. furnishings still ornament rooms today. Rediscovering designs long out of production and incredible handmade artefacts from the house, this collaboration celebrates 7 Hammersmith Terrace as one of the last great vestiges of the Arts & Crafts movement.

Recognising the loving and creative relationship between the families of William Morris and Sir Emery Walker, the collection offers something fresh and reawakened for every lover of interiors. With one of the highest numbers of new and re-introduced Morris & Co. designs of any collection this century, this release marks a moment to be celebrated by William Morris fans across the world. Every measure has been taken to maintain the high craft standards first established by William Morris, with hand-finished touches along with the highest standard of woven and printed qualities. Where designs reference those in Emery Walker’s House, the original colourway is usually offered.

A new addition to the Morris & Co. range, Emery’s Willow features unmistakable bubble-like shapes as a backdrop, introducing an element of play to this 1874 design. The willow tree, with its delicately entwining branches and curling leaves, is a motif William Morris returned to throughout his creative life.

In the bedroom of Emery Walker’s House lies a most incredible object, now interpreted by the Morris & Co. design studio; a crewel embroidered coverlet. Created by May Morris, daughter of William Morris, for Emery’s wife, Mary, during the last bedridden years of her life, it exemplifies May’s astonishing needlework abilities. The May’s Coverlet addition to the collection is made using hand-guided embroidery on a 100 per cent linen base cloth to carefully replicate the fine stitching pattern by May Morris.

rambling rose wallpaper in green and pink on wall in cottage with fireplace and a wooden chair

Image credit: Sanderson Design Group

The final bloom in the Morris bouquet, Rambling Rose depicts that iconic stalwart of forest walks and cottage gardens alike, the English rose. Climbing, twisting and turning, this thorned rose’s beguiling labyrinthine structure betrays the rose’s symbolisation of earthly love and purity. A rarer feature in his wallpapers, the rose was a motif William Morris repeatedly turned to in tapestry as well as in poetry.

Sanderson Design Group 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: Sanderson Design Group

Contemporary bathroom with white freestanding bath and wooden-like sink

4 ways to transform the bathroom into a wellness oasis

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4 ways to transform the bathroom into a wellness oasis

For those seeking to create those moments of calm and serenity, Villeroy & Boch has created some simple tips for transforming the bathroom into a private wellness temple, which is perfect for unwinding and washing away the stresses of everyday life…

Contemporary bathroom with white freestanding bath and wooden-like sink

A quiet moment, relaxation, invigoration – wellness includes all of this, as it provides a temporary escape from daily routine and allows thoughts to wander. Creating the environment that facilitates this can be done by simply focussing on the details. Lighting, surfaces and colour all play a part in creating a space that can elevate the day-to-day functionality of the bathroom into a place of personal inspiration.

organic round freestanding villeroy & boch bath against a red wall with a crystal chandelier for lighting

Image credit: Villeroy & Boch

Add natural elements

Adding natural materials and accessories can help to create a relaxing atmosphere. Surfaces and textures like wood, bamboo and cotton can be used to bring nature from the outside in. Villeroy & Boch has a number of collections including Collaro, Antao and Finion which offer wood-toned furniture that radiates warmth and comfort. Introducing practical but pleasing wooden accessories also increase cosiness – a rustic stool can be used as a table and wooden bath shelves provide space for a book and or a cup of warming herbal tea.

white freestanding bath next to a plant and a window with a wooden stool in the bathroom

Image credit: Villeroy & Boch

Use soothing colours 

Incorporating comforting colours such as wintry blues or serene greens into the bathroom can help create a soothing atmosphere. However, it is important to think beyond just tiles and paint when thinking about your comforting colour scheme. Villeroy & Boch’s Artis washbasin range is a great option. The collection offers four forms and nine colours, which are perfect for incorporating calming colours into the wellness oasis.

rust artis washbasin by Villeroy & Boch

Image credit: Villeroy & Boch

Functionality

A functional bathroom is essential for a stress-free experience. With this in mind, choose fixtures and fittings that maximise space and make it easy to keep a bathroom clutter-free and organised. The Subway 3.0 collection from Villeroy & Boch is designed with functionality at the forefront without forgetting design considerations.

sage green bathroom walls with white bath and wooden surfaces from Villeroy & Boch

Image credit: Villeroy & Boch

Consider lighting

Avoid stark white lighting when designing a bathroom. Where possible, ensure that the bathroom is bathed in natural light by adding windows or even a skylight. Where this isn’t feasible, consider adding gentle lighting so that the user can customise the light to be softer. To do this, add dimmable ceiling lights or alternative forms of lighting such as More to See Lite mirrors from Villeroy & Boch.

stone coloured theano bath by Villeroy & Boch set on a stone surface

Image credit: Villeroy & Boch

Bring the outside in

Finally, focussing on nature will always contribute to a sense of wellness and can be easily achieved by incorporating plants into the design as many plants thrive in the tropical humidity of the bathroom. Bringing nature into the bathroom can help to create a calm, natural oasis which is the perfect place to relax and unwind from everyday stresses. Alongside adding colour, they also add texture to the bathroom and keep the bathroom looking lush and green as well as being a nod towards biophilic design.

Villeroy & Boch 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: Villeroy & Boch

banquette and cubicle with seating and bespoke lighting in the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay by HBA

HBA unveils news design for Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay

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HBA unveils news design for Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay

Drawing inspiration from the Wynwood murals, Art Deco architecture and the legendary sunrises and sunsets of Miami, HBA San Francisco developed an elevated new identity for the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay interiors true to the locale, its history and its vibrant culture…

banquette and cubicle with seating and bespoke lighting in the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay by HBA

HBA San Francisco has completed the redesign of Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, a 607-key hotel located at the intersection of Miami’s downtown arts and design districts using playful colours and the locations Art Deco history to establish a strong design narrative. Hues of sunset orange, soft coral and teal blue are infused throughout the lobby area, F&B spaces, guestrooms and suites and corridors. Furnishings and materials, sourced from artisans around the world and throughout the US, are woven together in a cohesive narrative, much like the cultural fabric of Miami.

view from above looking down on carpet in brown and blue deco design and seating in the lobby of Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay

Image credit: Noah Webb

“Walking around downtown Miami and the surrounding neighbourhoods of Wynwood and Brickell, we were reminded that art and inspiration are truly everywhere,” said HBA San Francisco Senior Designer Alecia Enriquez. “This essence of creativity and wonder is something we wanted the guest to feel from the moment they arrive. Seeing our vision come together has been incredibly rewarding.”

curved focal wall with wooden screen behind the reception in the lobby of the Marriott hotel in Miami

Image credit: Noah Webb

Setting the tone for the experience found within, the lobby arrival is a refreshing welcome. Voluminous ceiling heights invite natural light and spatial exploration, while soft curves create balance and warmth with beauty. Miami’s local art, architecture and colour palette are articulated in the application of material. Above the reception desk, an undulating focal screen made of natural wood captivates the eye, then draws it down to the wall behind where intricate tile work recalls Miami’s turquoise waters. Custom rug patterns at the convivial seating groups express bold geometry and combined with backlit accent lighting, add energy and excitement to the lobby lounge space.

Journeying beyond the lobby leads to the discovery of a new coastal dining concept and bar, Gold Coast Kitchen + Cocktails, as well as the addition of Marriott’s first downtown Miami M Club. Reconfigured to provide connectivity with the outdoors, the restaurant and bar open outward for life and fun to carry onto the waterfront deck, where touches of vibrant colours invigorate the senses and luxurious lounge seating positions guests for dining with a view.

outdoor seating in pink and blue with woven hanging seats overlooking the Miami waterfront

Image credit: Noah Webb

Inside the restaurant, the dining room design takes cues from Streamline Moderne style with contemporary sensibilities in a watercolour-inspired palette. A banquette serves as a playful diversion with structural relevance, punctuated by porthole-like openings in an affectionate nod to Miami’s cruise industry while also maintaining visual connection within the space. Fluted blue tiling in the buffet area brings an element of texture and is illuminated by rope lighting for a moment of understated theatricality.

blue banquette seating in M Club Miami with porthole window lighting above. Design by HBA for Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay

Image credit: Noah Webb

“By relocating the bar and opening up walls, we were able to make the food & beverage experiences more amenable to the environment they’re in by giving them line of sight to the bay,” continued Enriquez. “In the bar area, we focused on deeper shades of teal with pops of murals to cultivate energy. The handmade Italian tiles at the bar front provide cohesiveness with the vernacular of the lobby, yet applied here in an original interpretation. Custom pendant lighting adds further dimension and visual interest.”

entrance to M club in Miami with art deco motifs and lighting

Image credit: Noah Webb

Elsewhere, the M Club showcases pastel tones of the colour palette to usher in a more relaxing while still spirited mood. At the entry, an oversized lampshade suspends from the ceiling with distinction. Black metal accents, terrazzo stone on the tables, ribbed tile work and geometric screening elements of natural wood continue the storyline rooted in Miami’s culture and history.

Guestrooms and suites are elevated with fresh white at the walls along with new furnishings and fixtures. Behind the headboard is a custom mural that makes its own art statement. Carpet patterns are reflective of the ocean and seamlessly transition into the guestroom corridors.

Main image credit: Noah Webb

Hamish Kilburn Editors Letter May 2023

Editor checks in: has it really been five years?

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Editor checks in: has it really been five years?

Editor Hamish Kilburn marks five years leading the editorial direction of Hotel Designs with a few words about embracing the in-between moments and championing the risk-takers…

Hamish Kilburn Editors Letter May 2023

If there was ever a week to remind myself of the whirlwind that I call ‘my editorship’ it was this one. In seven days, I have visited a brassware factory in Wolverhampton, explored Venice in style (nothing can beat a water-taxi transfer from the hotel to the airport) and hosted one of our most successful networking events to date, MEET UP London 2023. Even as I write this, trying to capture five years in one, punchy Editor’s Letter, it feels apt that I am squished in the middle seat, battling with food poisoning, on a long-haul flight to embark on Hotel Designs’ next hotel review – travel and design journalism is not what it used to be.

While the end destinations for each of those mini trips are, indeed, extraordinary, the in-between moments captured along the way are just as heart-racing, albeit for very different reasons. I like to think them as the corridors of the hotel, easy to ignore when in a rush to get from A to B, but often they are captivating, long-winding spaces that channel guests from one state of mind to another.

My ‘corridor adventures’ are anything by luxurious and are perhaps full of more drama than most, a statement that anyone who has ever travelled with can endorse or challenge. Take my recent trip to Venice, for example. While catching the first flight out of London Gatwick, I managed to abandon my laptop in the airport’s security line, leaving me with no choice but to write and file an article on my phone during the flight. Or last night, missing the second to last train home from London to join a Zoom call with an international client, hoping that the bad WiFi connection in the train station terminal would conceal the shadows that were lurking under my eyes. Believe it or not, it’s these experiences, which connect to wider journeys, that make the job what it is – there really is never a dull moment on the editorial desk.

As I mark five years of being Editor of Hotel Designs, doing what I know best, keeping busy leaving little time to celebrate or think, I am determined to start embracing and making memories out of the moments in time that to the naked eye may look insignificant. These chapter fillers tell the true story about the role I lead. While the far-flung destinations that my editorship has unlocked over the years – from St Lucia to Italy, Mauritius to the Maldives – have left me speechless, it has always been the people behind the design who have fuelled my curiosity; the designers, architects, hoteliers and creatives who have created and curated these one-off experiences and, so often, made the impossible feel not only possible, but also practical.

It’s this passion to amplify authentic design narratives, shared I hasten to add by every member of the Hotel Designs team, in every department, that helped shape this wonderful, bold brand into what it is today. Not only are we able to serve our loyal readers with the latest news as well as engaging features from around the global hospitality and hotel design landscape, but we are also able to champion them annually with The Brit List Awards 2022, a campaign that continues to identify gamechangers in our industry, from design to development, hospitality to technological innovation.

Last year, for the first time in our campaign’s history, in amongst the nine individual and worthy award winners, Kerry Acheson, an Associate at Ica, who became the first woman to win Architect of the Year following her work on Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. For our whole team, this was a moment I doubt we will ever forget.

Kerry Acheson, Associate, Ica, accepting her award at The Brit List Awards 2022

Image caption: Kerry Acheson becoming the first woman to win Architect of the Year at The Brit List Awards. | Image credit: Hotel Designs/The Brit List Awards 2022

It’s true what they say, an editorship is a relationship in the sense that you get out of it what you put in; a constant push and pull. Half a decade in, I feel it is the right time to announce my engagement to this brand, hoping it will lead towards a  successful marriage that will be kept alive, and on its toes, by keeping the conversation flowing. Whether it’s a roundtable, panel discussion, exclusive interview, hotel review or hosting one of our many networking events and parties throughout the year, our brand has never been shy to develop so that it remains a catalyst for collaboration – constantly connecting like-minded creatives to help the industry to evolve with purpose.

In truth, five years has felt more like five minutes. I would like to thank everyone who has welcomed this collaborative approach, including the entire team at Hotel Designs and Forum Events, all the brands that have partnered with us, the PR agencies that have transported me to experience extraordinary destinations and the individuals who have taken risks to give journalists like me on the editorial desk something worth writing about.

panel discussion chaired by Hotel Designs editor Hamish Kilburn at IHS

Image caption: A panel discussion I chaired with Marie Soliman, Tom Middleton and Mark Bruce on sensory experiences in hotel design. | Image credit: Independent Hotel Show

I have and will never take for granted the pace of this ever-evolving industry in the constantly expanding arena that we call hotel design and hospitality. It is my pleasure to consciously lead these conversations and angle the spotlights on the real influencers of tomorrow.

Over the years, I have been inspired by many impressions that leaders and visionaries have unknowingly left on me. These include lessons like leading confidently from within a pack, embracing peoples’ differences and embracing style over fashion in hotel design. When it comes to rounding off Editor’s Letters, though, I am yet to master the art of not overthinking it. It would be ideal to finish this chapter with a grand statement about change or what it really takes to serve the industry I have fallen deeply in love with. But somewhere over the Indian Ocean the captain has switched on the ‘fasten seat belt’ as we begin our final decent. Laptops, therefore, must soon be stowed away. So, instead of leaving you with a metaphor about ‘the journey’ itself, it feels right to end this letter here; unfinished, just like my editorship with Hotel Designs.

Editor, Hotel Designs.

Image captions (top to bottom, left to right): Where the #hotelhandstand was born, in (or on) Jade Mountain in St Lucia; Just arrived to review Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives; Exploring the new collections inside the Arte Showroom; Hosting The Brit List Awards 2021 after the most stressful year of our team’s lives, the pandemic; Checking in to a hotel somewhere in Yorkshire; Celebrating the ‘it’s a wrap moment’ on a shoot with The Other House.

UNILIN launches new range of panels

Unilin to host workshop series during CDW 2023

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Unilin to host workshop series during CDW 2023

Unilin Panels is unlocking ‘the key to happiness’ with workshops and events at The Gallery Clerkenwell during this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week. Here’s what we know…

UNILIN launches new range of panels

During Clerkenwell Design Week 2023, Unilin Panels is getting hands-on, with a range of workshops exploring the notions of your own happy place and what it takes to make interior experiences that support happiness and wellbeing. Throughout, designers will also be able to explore the brand’s 2022 – 2026 collection, including the award-winning Master Oak HPL.

The campaign has been launched to highlight emotion in design. “The question of whether it’s possible to make people happy through the interiors we create is something that connects us all,” said Charlotte Van Vlierberghe, Brand Manager at Unilin Panels. “We’ll use Clerkenwell Design Week to explore the idea of happiness beyond the products we make, looking at how experiences with interiors are shaped by our senses, as well as practical aspects such as comfort and visual understanding.”

The brand will kick things off on Tuesday with a morning of ethical single origin coffee tasting and learn to perfect a morning brew that will make sure any day starts off right. By the afternoon, Unilin Panels will be asking designers to hone their skills in an architectural drawing masterclass and sketch out their very own happy place.

The programme for Wednesday will see designers discovering the natural scents with a close connection to personal wellbeing and creating unique essential oil room spray. Designers will also be able to join podcaster and design commentator Grant Gibson as he hosts a panel discussion on whether a design for the happiness of all generations can ever be achieved.

On Thursday, The Gallery Clerkenwell will welcome Miracle Tree, a mind-bending experience where a magic pill will alter ones perception of taste in surprising and delightful ways. Of course, it wouldn’t be Clerkenwell Design Week without a party, so the design and architecture community are welcome to stop by Unilin Panels in the evening for street-side Tacos and a live DJ playing uplifting tunes to dance the night away.

Unilin Panels 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: Unilin Panels

natural adobe house with terracotta pots and Click outdoor lighting from LedsC4

LedsC4 launch new outdoor lighting solutions

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LedsC4 launch new outdoor lighting solutions

Working from the starting point that lighting is the emotional layer that connects people to spaces, LedsC4 has designed its outdoor lighting range to enhance the connection between the interior and exterior spaces…

natural adobe house with terracotta pots and Click outdoor lighting from LedsC4

LedsC4 engages daily with technical, design and installation matters to find the most suitable solution for a space. With its emphasis on architectural lighting solutions, outdoor lighting becomes about more than simply leading you down the garden path, but more about enhancing the structural elements of the environment it is throwing a light on.

Detailed and meticulously designed, Orbit is a differential element that transforms the life around it, lighting vegetation, objects or settings with its warm and elegant lighting. The simplicity of its silhouette provides added value, as it surrenders all prominence to the light, which has been painstakingly developed to offer advanced technical features with various options for directing the light beam. Orbit is the ideal choice for creating warm environments in areas where lighting is the key to success when it comes to connecting with customers and users. Featuring soft shapes and various choices of finishes and light beam directions, Orbit’s mere presence grants a distinct touch of quality to the space it inhabits.

Inspired by natural rushes, the Juncus collection blends seamlessly with the vegetation and environment. The possibility of adjusting the height of the bollards, the mobility of the heads and their brown finish allow these luminaires to blend in fully with natural landscapes. Designed to easily choose and switch between lighting with maximum visual comfort or with maximum light beam emission, without the need for tools.

Vercle is a minimalist lighting solution, designed to give true prominence to the vegetation and create purer and more relaxed spaces between the landscape and people. This minimalist and invisible collection allows you to illuminate the outlines of trees and all kinds of plants and garden elements. The outer part of the profile is higher than the lower one to maximize visual comfort. Vercle’s total light control allows you to devise different scenes that can be adapted to the architecture in the space and to each moment.

Vercle ambient garden lighting lighting up a tree and structural details by LedsC4

Image caption: Vercle | Image credit: LedsC4

Click is a clean, compact design, which is also highly practical as it has been designed so that its installation is compatible with universal mechanism boxes. The driver is included inside the luminaire, making installation even more straightforward. Click is compatible with all universal mechanism boxes: square and round, outdoor and indoor, construction and plasterboard.

Bat is all about the elasticity of light in the smallest space and is a signage light that has been meticulously designed down to every last detail, from the sculpting of the light it emits to its structure featuring a textured body in different finishes. Ribs for installation in plasterboard and special anti-open cable gland to ensure watertightness in outdoor settings.

LedsC4 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: LedsC4

bathroom with patterned Newmor wallpaper and bedroom through black glass doors

Product watch: Meadow and Carrara – new collections from Newmor

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Product watch: Meadow and Carrara – new collections from Newmor

Hot off the Newmor press, Meadow and Carrara encapsulate the moody ambience of the brands Dark Matter trend, whilst also capturing the essence of biophilic design. We caught up with Rose Campbell, Head of Design and Marketing at Newmor Wallcoverings to hear more about the inspiration behind the new design collections…

bathroom with patterned Newmor wallpaper and bedroom through black glass doors

Inspired by organic elements, the timeless and sophisticated commercial designs of Meadow and Carrara by Newmor find a perfect partner with the popular Lyon collection. The new Meadow design is a clean, stylised take on a field full of flowers, evoking feelings of spring and a connection with the great outdoors. The design is elevated by the delicate spun silk background of Lyon, the coordinating plain.

“Carrara marble has been quarried since Roman times in the mountains just outside the city of Carrara in Tuscany, Italy,” explained Campbell, Head of Design and Marketing at Newmor. “Our new design pays homage to the raw organic nuances within marble enhanced by the rough stone emboss, accented by delicate metallic veins which add a touch of elegance to this organic design. The colour palette is soft and sophisticated based on the natural mineral tones of marble with the deep slate grey adding drama.”

close up folds of wallpaper in meadow, Lyon and Lyon Stripe from Newmor

Image credit: Newmor

“Meadow, Lyon and Lyon stripe have been specifically styled to create a full scheme solution and can all be mixed and matched to create a complimentary or contrasting design statement.,” continued Campbell. “Lyon’s elegant vertical spun silk design, featuring a delicately detailed emboss that catches the light and captures the character of this classic fabric The colour palette is calm and muted, with trend pops of noir, olive, rust, amethyst and indigo”.

Much has been written about the positive effect of biophilic interiors, but there is also a quiet luxury to Newmor’s new designs. Their understated elegance, timeless appeal, and high-quality materials deliver a new level of refinement to create enduring and liveable commercial spaces.

brown chair next to a small gold table and a potplant all in front of Newmor Carrara wallcovering

Image credit: Newmor

Integral to the brand is its locality, as a product that is designed and manufactured in the UK. “Specifying Newmor provides provenance and peace of mind, but also a knowledge that you are supporting UK manufacturing and design,” said David Johnston, Managing Director, Newmor. “As well as investing in new stocked ranges we recently launched our Digital Design Studio catalogue. Being responsive to our clients’ changing needs sits at the heart of our business. Together our stock facility and digital print capability makes us extremely agile.”

Launched last month, Newmor’s Digital Design Studio catalogue is a compendium of new and existing collections. This 104-page resource makes specifying bespoke designs much easier. All designs can be recoloured, rescaled and digitally printed onto a host of substrates including textures, metallics and window films. Newmor can even create WallArt by framing designs or printing directly onto canvas.

Newmor 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: Newmor

room set with curved grey couch and round table and chair with Arte Kharga wallcovering behind

Product watch: Kharga from Arte

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Product watch: Kharga from Arte

Arte takes us on a tour through the Sahara, bringing every aspect of the desert to life in the Kharga collection…

room set with curved grey couch and round table and chair with Arte Kharga wallcovering behind

The Kharga oasis was an important stop on the ancient trade route that connected various different oases in Egypt. In this collection, Arte traverses the terrain of the Sahara, bringing every aspect of the desert to life, from the dazzling afternoon sun to the star-studded sky at night and from the shapes of the dunes to the fine structure of desert sand. Even the details and materials used in the traditional carpets and robes of nomads are featured. In short, this collection is highly reminiscent of the mysterious desert life.

striped grey and brown tones of illustrated dunes with palm trees in the Arte Zerzura wallcovering in the Kharga collection

Image credit: Arte

The legend of Zerzura tells the story of a fertile oasis in the desert west of the Nile, of which its existence was never proven. This mythical scene of sand dunes and palm trees is brought beautifully to life on a velvet background. Zerzura is available in three colourways.

Barkhan dunes are crescent-shaped dunes created by the wind. This shape forms the inspiration for the detailed design of this Arte wallcovering, made in a tactile, soft velvet fabric and available in four colourways.

The ochre sandbanks in the Sudanese Bayuda Desert are dotted with rocks. Here, gold prospectors tried their luck in the shallow mines. The whimsical lines combined with the sparkling gold in this pattern are clear references to their source of inspiration. This design is available in three colourways.

As soon as night falls, millions of stars appear in the clear sky of the Gobi Desert, one of the coldest deserts in the world. The comparison with a magnificent starry sky is unmistakable. The contrast of the glittering dots with the deep or soft colours literally elevates this pattern to higher spheres. Gobi is available in five colourways.

Atacama is a luxurious bouclé fabric, which contains real alpaca wool. Alpacas live on the high plains of the Andean Mountains, including the Atacama Desert in Chile. This tactile design has a direct link to the traditional costumes of the inhabitants of this region and is available in five colourways.

Ténéré, an area in the southern Sahara, is known as one of the driest deserts in the world. The dehydrated and cracked desert soil forms the inspiration for the lacquered imitation leather wallcovering of the same name. Ténéré is available in eight colourways.

The final design in the collection, Moiré references the blinding rays of sun on water and desert sand, resulting in wavy, hypnotic designs and create a moiré effect on the glossy fabric. The motifs are completely random, making each wallcovering unique. A stunning textile wallcovering to which the moiré-technique has been applied in a process by which designs of wavy fluctuations and smaller or larger concentric motives are produced.

Arte 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: Arte

view from open terrace and indoor seating at The Thoughtful Barefoot Luxury Villa by Bergman Design House

Wellness meets luxury in Dubai villa designed by Bergman Design House

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Wellness meets luxury in Dubai villa designed by Bergman Design House

Bergman Design House has unveiled its newest project, the Thoughtful Barefoot Luxury Villa in Dubai’s luxurious Tilal Al Ghaf residential community. We stepped inside – barefoot of course – to have a look…

view from open terrace and indoor seating at The Thoughtful Barefoot Luxury Villa by Bergman Design House

Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund of Bergman Design House have unveiled the interiors for the new Thoughtful Barefoot Luxury Villa. The internationally acclaimed design studio’s vision for thoughtful luxury will appeal to those who enjoy the finer things in life, but also care about their own sense of wellness. This villa offers intimacy, privacy and a quiet and peaceful indoor-outdoor sanctuary within which to relax, recharge and feel fulfilled. With a light and airy palette and the use of natural materials throughout, the lines between outside and in are blurred, resulting in a soulful space in which owners will wish to kick off their shoes, soak up the surrounding nature and unwind.

view across living area and seating with floor to ceiling glass windows and doors outside

Image credit: Bergman Design House

The six-bedroom, six-bathroom villa with two powder rooms provides over 352 square metres of exquisite indoor-outdoor living space and sits on Lanai Island’s glittering, sand-lined lagoon and has been designed with the wellness-conscious aesthete in mind.

“Our design palette is light, organic and carved with rich layers of Zen,” commented Albin Berglund, Co-Founder, Bergman Design House. “We have used our signature materials and expert craftsmanship in a new calm and mesmeric space located in a stunning sandy lagoon within easy reach of the city of Dubai. This private residence is perfect for spending time with family and loved ones—it soothes and comforts, it is a sanctuary.”

dining room in Barefoot Luxury Villa in natural colours and finishes

Image credit: Bergman Design House

The property is located on the lagoon with soft, inviting white sandy beaches; an idyllic oasis of calm within which to relax or be active. Along with sunbathing and water activities, residents will be able to enjoy purpose-built barbecue areas, a fully equipped outdoor gym complete with hydrotherapy pool and a range of beach-friendly sporting activities.

“My absolute favourite space in the villa is the hidden gym surrounded by the mesmeric landscape,” said Marie Soliman, Founder and Creative Director, Bergman Design House. “I could personally live there all day! An absolute dream of fully equipped and tailored gym equipment, hydrotherapy, boxing, you name it!”

gym in Barefoot Luxury Villa open to garden with gym equipment and spa

Image credit: Bergman Design House

“We also love the use of modern limewash paint specially developed to create surfaces with soul and spaces with a relaxed, natural look and feel – all while using organic ingredients,” added Berglund.

Bergman Design House used natural paint without any harmful fumes or substances throughout the villa. As a raw material, made from seashells, it starts as a stone or, chemically, calcium carbonate. It then gets heated with fire, during the process of which carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, creating calcium oxide. After cooling down, the burned limestone rocks get mixed into water. This then liquifies the stone, and it becomes lime putty, or calcium hydroxide. The lime putty forms the basis of the paint, which then gets mixed and purified before pigments are added. When it is then finally painted on the wall it completes the full circle back to microscopic stone. It does so with the simple action of combining itself with the previously released CO2 from the air.

The location of the property, Tilal Al Ghaf Dubai, is the new barefoot luxury vision for the Dubai flagship multi-functional community of Majid Al Futtaim. It is conceived as an integrated life experience based on sustainable design, art and the science of organizing a place, to create a cultural and soulful community for family living.

Main image credit: Bergman Design House

A large fireplace in the middle of lobby/lounge in Liverpool hotel

Editor’s pick: top design-led hotels in Liverpool

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Editor’s pick: top design-led hotels in Liverpool

The eyes (and ears) of the world are on the northwest this week as the city of Liverpool transforms to host the Eurovision Song Contest. Cutting through the noise, Hotel Designs focuses its spotlight on the best design-led hotels in Liverpool…

A large fireplace in the middle of lobby/lounge in Liverpool hotel

Liverpool may well be the birthplace of many British music icons – The beetles, Cilla Black, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Elvis Costello among them – but it is also a cultural hub. Liverpool, which this week becomes the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, is famous for its architectural marvels, both on the water (The Titanic was registered in the city) and on land (the Royal Liver Building has been the podcast of Liverpool).

In recent years, gravitating towards the warmth and charm of scouser hospitality and amplifying the city’s rich culture, independent restaurants and a handful of charming hotels have emerged to reflect unmatched design narratives that add texture to the overall British hotel scene.

Here’s our Editor’s pick of the protagonist design-led hotels in Liverpool…

Aloft Liverpool 

Guestroom inside Aloft Liverpool, overlooking the city

Image credit: Marriott International

Given that this week is all about ‘the music’, as global fans of the world’s largest music contest builds momentum and gets underway, how could we not start this round-up with a brand that is designed to – and was born to – resonate the power of music, in both design and hospitality.

Aloft Liverpool is not only quirky and cool by the very nature of the ‘Aloft’ brand’s DNA, it also stands on its own as an iconic hotel wrapped in 18th Century architecture. Sheltered inside the Royal Insurance Building, the 116-key hotel is a true meeting of new design and classic architecture. The Neo Baroque style of the building is injected in every touchpoint of the building, including the guestrooms and suites.

Hope Street Hotel 

Known as the city’s ‘first boutique hotel’, Hope Street Hotel sits in the heart of Liverpool’s Georgian neighbourhood and oozes a layered city-chic look and feel. The hotel houses original features of pink Cheshire brick, iron pillars and pitch-pine beams. The cherry and walnut bespoke furniture and solid oak and birch floors complement the hotel’s ‘favourite colour’ of white: crisp white, chalky white and plump snowy white.

In 2020, the hotel announced a renovation that included indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sun loungers, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, a hammam and tepidarium with heated beds and seven treatment rooms. In short, there is no wellness experience in Liverpool quite like it!

Malmaison Liverpool 

Lavish and colourful design scheme inside Malmaison Liverpool restaurant

Image credit: Malmaison Liverpool

When it comes to the hotel F&B scene in Liverpool, ignore Malmaison Liverpool at your peril. The 130-key, waterside hotel has just unveiled the result of its most recent renovation, to its restaurant. The renovation included bespoke flooring design inspired by the river Mersey in its design, booth seating and a large disco ball positioned in the lobby to add character.

The Titanic

Perhaps it’s the legacy that makes the hospitality experience at The Titanic stand out from the crowd. Others would argue it’s the design and the generous bedroom sizes (starting at no less than 56 square metres). In truth, though, it’s probably a mixture of both, together with warm welcomes from the team and impressive public areas, that allows The Titanic to retain its reputation as one of the city’s most admired luxury hotels.

The hotel has been a key piece in the restoration of the historic docks. The busy warehouse has now transformed into a hospitality hub full of character, which preserves the charm of the original Victorian architecture combined with contemporary design.

Beyond the iconic lobby and spacious guestrooms, hidden underground of Stanley Dock lies the hotel’s wellness area. Maya Blue Wellness is The Titanic’s best (or worst) kept secret. The sanctuary comprises of a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, sanarium, foot bath, experience shower and relaxation area making of  Maya Blue Wellness offers an extensive range of wellness treatments and packages only minutes away from Liverpool Central.

Epic Apart Hotel – Duke Street

Contemporary, clean room inside Epic Apart Hotel – Duke Street

Image credit: Epic Apart Hotel – Duke Street

Inside a refurbished Victorian building – a former printing office – Duke Street’s original features, such as wooden-beam ceilings, reflects a home-from-home vibe that feels distinctly residential. This, paired with a contemporary design scheme and impressive artwork hung throughout the various apartments, the spaces feel refined and exclusive.

2 Blackburne Terrace

Located on a hill amid an unexpected enclave of grand Georgian architecture, 2 Blackburne Terrace is quite the checking-in experience. The boldly designed B&B in an 1826 mansion is all about breaking the mould in the British hospitality scheme – it unapologetically flies the flag for the indys as the groups muscle in.

Every suite is individually designed, creating a bespoke space with unique furniture and sophisticated lighting, opening a particularly wide palate of moods, modes and tones by night. With deep wool carpets and the finest 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, guests feel wrapped in a brave new world.

> Since you’re here, why not join us for MEET UP North, which takes place just a few miles from Liverpool in Manchester on July 6, 2023?

Main image credit: Malmaison Liverpool

Zannier Hotels Île de Bendor artist render of view around pool with orange umbrellas and sunloungers

Zannier Hotels to transform and take over Île de Bendor

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Zannier Hotels to transform and take over Île de Bendor

Zannier Hotels has been appointed to manage the redesign of the iconic French private island Île de Bendor, which was first brought to life by pastis pioneer, Paul Ricard, 70 years ago. Much more than a resort project, the 2026 launch will see Zannier Hotels manage and operate the island destination from start to finish…

Zannier Hotels Île de Bendor artist render of view around pool with orange umbrellas and sunloungers

Following a competitive tender for the contract of the land, which saw Zannier Hotels pitch against some of the best international management companies, the brand has been selected by the Ricard family to inject a new age of magic into the island. Managing and operating the island destination from start to finish is a natural next step for the Zannier Hotels as it continues to cement its reputation as a management company.

an aerial view looking over Zannier Hotels Bendor - Ile de Bendor

Image credit: Zannier Hotels

“For this exceptional project, very meaningful to the Ricard family and entirely financed by the holding, we took the time to select the best possible partner,” discussed Marc de Jouffroy, Board Member of Société Paul Ricard, in charge of the project. “Given that the property will remain under our family, we wanted to ensure that the partner we chose to embark on this journey with was completely aligned to the ethos and vision of our founding father, Paul Ricard. We chose Zannier Hotels because they perfectly understood the soul of Île de Bendor and because our family shares their approach to luxury, valuing authenticity, simplicity, and emotion. We are convinced that, together, we will restore Île de Bendor to its former glory and make it one of the most iconic destinations in the Mediterranean.”

view from the water to the hotel with structures in natural brick on the water edge

Image credit: Zannier Hotels

Over the next three years, Île de Bendor will undergo a complete transformation and will once again become a buzzing social hub in the bay of Bandol, embodying the playful spirit of the French Riviera. The renovation will see the six hectare island emerge as a Provençal-style village and convivial gathering space rooted in the island’s old-world glamour and inimitable spirit, home to an array of restaurant, bar and social spaces – including the second outpost of Nonna Bazaar, the immersive dining concept launched by Zannier Hotels in Menorca last year – alongside a characterful Beach Club, curated artisan village, holistic wellness offering and impressive spa.

rooftop bar and restaurant with draped canvas roof and natural textures and colours at Île de Bendor

Image credit: Zannier Hotels

A stylish boutique hotel with 93 keys will become the sixth property in the Zannier portfolio, with the brand currently operating five hotels, resorts and lodges around the world: Le Chalet, France; Phum Baitang, Cambodia; Omaanda, Namibia; Sonop, Namibia; and Bãi San Hô, Vietnam. Located in a prime position on the Côte d’Azur, with a particular attention to sustainability, the project will be the second in the homeland of the brand’s founder, Arnaud Zannier. His very first property, Zannier Hotels Le Chalet, opened in Megève in 2011.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Ricard family on this pioneering project highlighting the magical island of Bendor, set to become the Zannier Hotels European flagship,” said Arnaud Zannier, Founder of Zannier Hotels. “At Zannier Hotels, we are committed to creating individually exceptional and truly unique projects around the world, rooted in artisan-led design, gastronomic heritage, sustainable development and one-of-a-kind experiences – from life-enhancing wellness to meaningful cultural connection – and Zannier Hotels Bendor will be no exception, encompassing all of these values.”

sunset from Bendor facing across the bay towards Marseille

Image credit: Zannier Hotels

Working as a united front, the Ricard family, Hardel Le Bihan Architectes, Niez Studio Paysagistes and Zannier Hotels will oversee all aspects of the island’s evolution including all architectural, landscaping and interior design decisions. Meanwhile, F&B and wellness concepts will marry the success of those already in place at Zannier Hotels’ existing properties and restaurants around the world, with the very best of Mediterranean culture, landscape and community.

Set to become a destination in itself, the launch of Zannier Hotels Bendor is an exciting next chapter for Zannier Hotels as the brand continues to make its mark beyond the hotel space. The announcement of Île de Bendor follows the recent launch of Zannier Private Estates, a collection of remarkable private homes in France, Portugal and Menorca available for exclusive use, with another set to open its doors in Mauritius later this year, as well as the 2022 opening of multi-sensory lifestyle and restaurant concept, Nonna Bazaar.

Main image credit: Zannier Hotels

Montana sideboard by Liang and Eimil in front of large modern painting with plant in front of the window

New season, new collection from Liang & Eimil

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New season, new collection from Liang & Eimil

British furniture designer, Liang & Emil, believe in making ordinary moments remarkable and its new SS23 collection offers some innovative solutions that can fit seamlessly into any design aesthetic. Writer Pauline Brettell has picked out a few of the standout designs from across the collections…

Montana sideboard by Liang and Eimil in front of large modern painting with plant in front of the window

The new Liang & Eimil collections, timed to coincide with the change of seasons, promise to bring freshness and cosiness to the longer daylight hours heralding in the summer. Each collection – chairs, mid-century modern furniture, tables and lighting – has been created to add a touch of elegance to any room, be it in a home, hotel or restaurant.

The Tauron dining chair is upholstered in soft, plush fabric and provides back support, allowing you to focus on enjoying your dinner in comfort. The trio of Maplin armchairs are similarly upholstered in luxurious cosiness that you would unassumingly stroke. The chairs come in three different finishes, each with its own distinct style. While each piece may be suited to a different style, the overall look is effortlessly timeless, supported by an air of understated sophistication.

soft upholstered Tauron dining room chair by Liang & Eimil set around a round table on a structured cream carpet

Image credit: Liang & Eimil

Each piece in the new Mid Century Modern Furniture Collection is designed to bring a sense of fun and joy to any space. The use of bold colours and playful shapes creates a dynamic and lively atmosphere, while the clean lines and simple forms maintain the timeless appeal of mid-century modern design. The sideboards are perfect for adding storage and style to any room. With a variety of sizes and finishes available, they can be used to create a statement piece that also serves a functional purpose.

The Bourne side tables are another versatile addition to any space. Whether used as a bedside table or as an accent piece in a living room, its unique shape and colours add a touch of whimsy and charm. At the heart of this collection is a commitment to quality and craftsmanship and each piece is made with the finest materials and attention to detail.

The statement lighting collection makes creating the perfect ambience much easier, with six new lighting designs to choose from. From classic pendant lights to modern floor lamps and exquisite chandeliers, the designs and finishes all have a distinct appearance when illuminated. Both the Faro floor lamp and the Majestic chandelier in the new collection are bold yet versatile designs, which make a strong addition to any scheme.

oval dining room table with modern black chandelier above and floor lamp on the side

Image credit: Liang & Eimil

The final page is the collection of new table designs. tables. Aston is an innovative ceramic table with a marble effect. Spilled red wine will not make anyone anxious, as you get marble elegance with minimal maintenance. Making a strong statement, handcrafted with matt black ash wood and contrasting tempered black glass surface, the Baltimore table embodies both simplicity and luxury, providing both form and function to any room.

Liang & Eimil 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: Liang & Eimil

patterned wallpaper, green headboard, orange throw on the art deco style bed in the guestroom at Brama Bromley

Introducing Brama, a boutique jewel inside Bromley Old Town Hall

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Introducing Brama, a boutique jewel inside Bromley Old Town Hall

Brama, Bromley’s newest and only boutique hotel, is preparing to open its doors in the summer – the new lifestyle hotel is part of the major renovation of Bromley Old Town Hall bringing a new lease of life to the much-loved historical building and surrounding area…

patterned wallpaper, green headboard, orange throw on the art deco style bed in the guestroom at Brama Bromley

Steeped in history, the Bromley Old Town Hall officially opened in 1907, and has since played host to the wedding of David Bowie, the local seat of government, and even provided shelter in the event of a nuclear fallout during World War II. Its foundations were laid in 1906 and it was extended multiple times before sadly becoming vacant. The re-opening of Bromley Old Town Hall and Brama signals a reinvigoration of the building’s spirit and a renewal of its purpose.

entrance and lobby in Bromley Old Town Hall with double staircase and period features

Image credit

From design to delivery, service to sustainability, every detail has been considered in the development of Bromley Old Town Hall, resulting in a space where collaboration and community can come to life. The building’s original art deco design still runs throughout the 23-key boutique hotel which features subtle architectural nods to the era, while incorporating modern elements for a comfortable stay.

The design-led hotel is perfectly positioned for locals, visitors and city workers alike, in the heart of Greater London’s most up-and-coming destination, Bromley was recently named the best area of London to live in. Not only home to Brama, Bromley Old Town Hall has been transformed into a new multi-use destination for the neighbourhood, which is its first proof of concept site with a whole ecosystem of amenities. Brama joins flexible workspace by Clockwise and all-day restaurant Dorothy and Marshall, meaning guests can book a desk for their working day or a table for dinner. The space has been designed to enhance interactions, spark inspiration and cultivate a sense of true belonging.

Dorothy and Marshall is located in the courthouse of the former Bromley Old Town Hall, paying homage to the building’s history with beautiful soaring ceilings and windows that bathe the room in natural light. The restaurant celebrates the combination of nourishing, quality fare and great company in the grandest of settings; whilst soaring ceilings and elegant arched windows bathe the room in natural light and add a sense of drama to the dining experience. Guests are invited to enjoy carefully sourced ingredients transformed into high quality cuisine, prepared by a dedicated team of chefs.

The return of Bromley Old Town Hall is being driven by Alexandra Livesey, Managing Director of Brama and Chief Operating Officer of Clockwise. “Bromley Old Town Hall has such a rich heritage, we discovered amazing architectural details which we’ve worked tirelessly to restore carefully and sensitively while introducing practical modern elements,” expanded Livesay. “We wanted to bring the building back to life, position it once again as a space for the community and local area while welcoming guests from further afield to show all that Bromley has to offer. The opening of Brama Hotel as part of this mixed use scheme is an exciting addition and there’s nothing else like it in the area.”

The inclusion of Clockwise enables guests to seamlessly move from bedroom to office. At almost 6,000 square metres, with beautifully designed dedicated offices, private desks, meeting rooms, a members’ lounge, café and terrace, Bromley Old Town Hall is Clockwise’s newest flagship and one of its largest to date. All memberships are wrapped up in a simple price without any hidden fees or tricky terms, making it the ideal place to work remotely just outside the city.

Main image credit: Brama

bar in Marty Hotel Bordeaux with multiple chandeliers and artwork

Marty Hotel – getting arty in Bordeaux

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Marty Hotel – getting arty in Bordeaux

Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has opened in the heart of Bordeaux’s Mériadeck District. With its unique industrial style, the vibrant hotel is designed to be an inspiring, creative and lively setting to immerse travellers and locals alike with the neighbourhood…

bar in Marty Hotel Bordeaux with multiple chandeliers and artwork

The debut of Marty Hotel Bordeaux marks significant growth of Tapestry Collection in the region as the brand’s third European property to debut in 2023. The hotel boasts a large bar topped with an avalanche of chandeliers which serves as the central hub within the hotel lobby and is decorated in a fusion of classical wood, steel and concrete industrial features interspersed with bright colours, vintage furniture, and multi-textured fabrics.

bed against olive green wood panelled headboard with contemporary ceiling light and shelf for art gallery in guestroom at Marty Hotel Bordeaux

Image credit: Hilton International

The hotel shelters 61 stripped-back guestrooms, many with terraces and balconies and all providing a cosy atmosphere featuring stocked bookcases, wooden panels, industrial lighting and a variety of textures.

“Now more than ever, travellers are searching for unique experiences and distinctive hotels that enhance their stay,” said Matt Schuyler, Chief Brand Officer, Hilton. “Today, we welcome Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton to our expanding portfolio in France. This hotel will authentically connect guests to the culture and charm of the area and is an exciting addition to our growing collection of Lifestyle properties in France.”

green seat and art on the walls in the lobby at Marty Hotel Bordeaux-Tapestry-Collection-by-Hilton-

Image credit: Hilton International

“Marty is so much more than an ordinary hotel: it’s a new urban hotel in Bordeaux that inspires guests to explore the local culture. It’s a haven for creative types, where artsy bedrooms and a trendy bar – not to mention a whole host of works of art – converge and interact with each other,” said Aurélie Jadelus, General Manager. “The name MARTY is derived from a combination of the letter “M” of the Mériadeck district and the ‘arty’ concept, highlighting the vital role that art plays in the venue. This new hotel is a genuine incubator, halfway between an art gallery and a living space.”

From dawn to dusk, Marty will be serving cuisine that is firmly rooted in the Bordeaux terroir. A delicious buffet stocked with fine, fresh products is available in the early morning, while guests can celebrate the end of a workday with dishes centred around local products made by artisan partners Bouche and La Cave à Titoune.

 

Main image credit: Hilton International

Man in orange suit and man in green suit in retro bathroom

Industry insight: how wellness is changing in hotel design

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Industry insight: how wellness is changing in hotel design

Thought leaders from across the architecture, design, education, engineering and plumbing industries have come together to discuss the future of washroom design in hotel design. The whitepaper was commissioned by Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks…

Man in orange suit and man in green suit in retro bathroom

In a recently published whitepaper study from bathroom brands Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks, nine industry-leading voices cover a range of key themes and topics that are impacting the washroom sector. The report, Washroom Design for Tomorrow, includes a focus on sustainability and the circular economy; looking at more efficient ways to use and re-use water within these spaces, while also reducing their carbon footprint in line with the decarbonisation goals that are so crucial for modern developers.

The research also lifts the lid on the growing conversation around making washrooms accessible for all – and what this means, not just in the context of making beautifully designed spaces for differently abled users, but also around the greater introduction of gender-neutral toilet facilities and self-contained cubicles aka ‘super loos’.

Pink retro bathroom with quirky square mirrors

Image credit: Ideal Standard

When it comes to design trends, the report explores the increasing emphasis on encouraging people back to the office by bringing the comforts of home into all areas of a workplace – including the washroom – and the impact on manufacturers, designers and specifiers, while also highlighting key hygiene technology that can be introduced to create more efficient, durable and comfortable spaces.

A dark red bathroom with white basin

Image credit: Ideal Standard

Speaking on the whitepaper, Anil Madan, Non-Residential Marketing Manager at Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks, said: “The washroom sector is in a period of transition, with greater scrutiny on making these spaces as well-designed as possible. Sustainability is, of course, central to the development of both new washrooms and the products within them. But beyond this, there are also new rules and regulations to consider around accessibility, infection risk management and grey water, and how these factors can be properly incorporated into washroom solutions.

“By working with thought leaders from across a variety of industries, we were able to create a whitepaper that looks to the future of commercial washrooms, and identified the need for a more holistic approach to the design, specification and maintenance of these spaces. We’re thrilled to finally be able to unveil the finished report and thank all those who lent their voices to such a unique resource.”

Washroom Design for Tomorrow features contributions from Meehan Green, TOT Architects, Inspired Washrooms, CubicWorks, Liverpool John Moores University, ISG, AS Mechanical and Electrical, Crusoe Architects Ltd, and Good and Tillotson.

> Since you’re here, why not read about how Ideal Standard is making a statement in bathroom design?

Ideal Standard 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: Ideal Standard

cream soft upholstered bilboa couch and chair by Morgan on wooden floor with white wall wall and curtain behind

Product watch: Morgan expands Bilbao collection

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Product watch: Morgan expands Bilbao collection

British furniture designer and manufacturer Morgan is expanding its curvaceous Bilbao collection with two sofas and a lounge chair with a timber base. Designed by Tim Rundle, the new additions will debut at Clerkenwell Design Week…

cream soft upholstered bilboa couch and chair by Morgan on wooden floor with white wall wall and curtain behind

First launched at London Design Festival last year, the Bilbao collection from Morgan was inspired by a desire to juxtapose soft, organic surfaces with crisp, sharp edges. A two-seater and three-seater sofa explore this contrast further, with the latter featuring a distinctive kidney bean shape. Like the original lounge chair, the sofas are fully upholstered and planted firmly on the ground.

leather upholstered Morgan_Bilbao_Timber Lounge Chair and two seater sofa covered in fabricon centred white carpet

Image credit: Philip Vile

“We’re seeing an increased preference for softness in hospitality spaces,” discussed Tim Rundle, Designer. “The Bilbao collection, with its full volumes and primarily upholstered surfaces, will help designers bring warmth to those environments, from the social spaces of hotel lobbies and lounges to the privacy of the bedrooms.”

The new lounge chair offers designers and specifiers a different aesthetic, combining sensuous upholstery and striking timber detail. The base reinforces the fluidity of the other pieces in the collection, giving the appearance of being carved from a single block of wood, with all elements blending into one another.

“Bilbao was well received after launching last year and we’ve since seen it widely specified across all sectors,” said Erin Johnson, Design Director, Morgan. “These new additions offer considerably more options and flexibility to meet clients’ aesthetic and spatial requirements.”

During CDW, Morgan will host a private viewing of a new art installation called ‘Verso’ by British artist Corin Kennington, as well as a lighting display by Bert Frank. Join Morgan, along with live jazz and drinks on the Tuesday evening, in its Clerkenwell showroom.

Morgan 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: Philip Vile

Duravit Zencha designs in bathroom with mirror and vanity unit with wood finish

Duravit wins five prizes, including Red Dot Design Award

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Duravit wins five prizes, including Red Dot Design Award

Duravit has been recognised for its outstanding design quality and has been awarded five prizes at the Red Dot Design Award and iF DESIGN AWARD 2023…

Duravit Zencha designs in bathroom with mirror and vanity unit with wood finish

Duravit made its presence felt in the ‘Product Design 2023’ category, winning several awards across its portfolio. Sebastian Herkner’s Zencha designer bathroom collection, the Tulum, faucet range designed by Philippe Starck and Duravit’s own Sustano shower tray all won over the distinguished Red Dot Design Award jury. The 133-member, independent and international jury of experts of the iF DESIGN AWARD was also won over by Zencha and the Duravit No. 1 campaign, handing over another two ‘winners’ to the bathroom brand.

Zencha freestanding bath by duravit

Image credit: Duravit

The accomplished Zencha bathroom collection by Herkner is inspired by traditional Japanese rituals and craftsmanship. Above-counter basins with a gentle outwards slope and generously proportioned bathtubs meet minimalist furniture, all delivered an outstanding design quality that impressed the juries at the Red Dot Award. The collection, already the recipient of a German Design Award, was crowned the ‘winner’ at the Red Dot Award and iF DESIGN AWARD.

Tulum tap in black finish for Duravit by Philippe Starck

Image credit: Duravit

The monolithic design of the Tulum by Philippe Starck faucet series reduces the faucet to its elementary components and skillfully creates accents, while being hugely adaptable. Available in two colour options, Tulum impresses with a balanced composition of round and square shapes to create an impression of visual clarity. Its iconic shape and sheer elegance were also crowned a ‘winner’ in the Red Dot Award’s ‘Product Design 2023’ category.

Sustano recyclable shower tray from Duravit

Image credit: Duravit

The recyclable and customisable shower tray Sustano by Duravit, the first recyclable shower tray, comes in six colours and is very easy to customise and cut to size. The Sustano can be installed flush with the floor, semi-recessed or on the floor tiles depending on structural factors and personal preference. The elegant, calm design language of the shower tray, made from the sustainable material DuroCast Nature, also sufficiently impressed the jury of the Red Dot Award to be crowned as ‘winner’.

The Duravit No. 1 campaign expresses that life does not end at the bathroom door. Not even when you’re just starting out – in your first home or shared apartment. Duravit promises an upgrade for every day and keeps this promise with the Duravit No. 1 complete bathroom series in the entry-level segment. Saint Elmo’s concept convinced the jury of experts of the iF DESIGN AWARD to award the creative product campaign of Duravit No. 1 as ‘winner’.

Duravit 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: Duravit

Ember Locke guestroom interior in teal and rust

Behind the curtain at Ember Locke

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Behind the curtain at Ember Locke

Lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke has announced it will open its sixth Locke in London, Ember Locke, in July 2023, with interiors by Atelier Ochre and House of Dré. We take a closer look at its boudoir style of a bygone era…

Ember Locke guestroom interior in teal and rust

The latest aparthotel from Locke, spread across eight floors, will include 121 apartments, ranging from studios to duplex one-bedroom apartments. The lobby and common areas of Ember Locke will be complemented by a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, small stage for live performances, co-working space, meeting room and garden. Additional facilities include a gym and laundry room. Prominently situated on the historic Cromwell Road, the hotel is in a neighbourhood rich with culture and is within walking distance of some of London’s most famous museums, including the Natural History Museum, the V&A, the Science Museum and the Design Museum.

patterns and rich textures and colours in the guestroom at ember locke in london

Image credit: Ember Locke

Designed in collaboration by creative and interior design studios Atelier Ochre and House of Dré, the inspiration behind the design was taken from the late Kensington Roof Gardens and the laissez-faire flamboyance demonstrated by the iconic mid-century fashion brand Biba, born in Kensington’s bohemian fashion scene in the 1960’s. The warm and distinctive interiors of the hotel, and the layering of casual and bohemian spaces with soft ambient tones and hues, welcome guests and provide solace from the bustle of Cromwell Road. Elements of warm earthy tones have been combined with maximalist furnishings, while Art Deco styles are combined with 21st century retro futurism, making the interiors a nostalgia-soaked reimagining of over a decade of glamour in Kensington. Bespoke art pieces by House of Dré adorn the walls in the guestrooms and public spaces, while a host of local and up-and-coming artist’s work has been chosen to be displayed throughout the property.

“We’re very excited to be opening our first property in West London, in an ideal neighbourhood for Locke,” said Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer and Creative Director, Locke. “This part of West London has long captured the attention of leisure and business travellers alike – you have some of the city’s best museums and shopping locations on your doorstep and in the last few years the area has had a real spotlight on it, with some of the best restaurants in London opening here. With the buzzing neighbourhood of Notting Hill close by and tranquil Hyde Park moments away, we are excited for Ember Locke to open its doors for guests.”

The interiors of the apartments have been curated as a series of boudoir rooms with colourful tones, luxurious materials, vibrant patterns and Art Deco details. Guests are transported to a bygone, yet fundamentally modern era, through bold character pieces including sweeping rolled banquette seating, deconstructed wardrobes and retro fittings. Elements of glamour are evident throughout with brass detailing, fringes, tassels and heavy dividing curtains ensuring a sophisticated feel to the apartments.

Main image credit: Ember Locke

stone walls and lanterns in render of The Chedi Hegra boutique hotel

Sneak peek: The Chedi Hegra in Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Sneak peek: The Chedi Hegra in Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Chedi Hegra will be the first hotel to welcome guests to a uniquely authentic luxury experience deep in the ancient Nabataean site in north-west Saudi Arabia… 

stone walls and lanterns in render of The Chedi Hegra boutique hotel

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has partnered with luxury hotel operator GHM to develop The Chedi Hegra. Situated within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and opening by Q4 2023 (latterly named one of Saudi’s hottest 2024 hotels), The Chedi Hegra will offer 35 bespoke guestrooms, each with its own distinct connection to the Hegra landscape, a breath-taking testimony of human expression within the natural environment.

RCU is building the hotel directly into several existing structures, including an old railway station and surrounding buildings, Hegra Fort and others. Structural and exterior walls, some with historical mud-brick construction, are being preserved and integrated with modern architecture. The vast majority of the UNESCO World Heritage Site will remain untouched by construction and will be carefully preserved to maintain the integrity of Hegra’s incredible human and natural heritage.

stone colours and surfaces in the guestroom The Chedi Hegra

Image credit: GHM

RCU has also ensured all design and construction efforts align with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, including a light-touch tourism approach, imaginative infrastructure, planting of native flora and an electric mobility system. Where possible, the project will use local construction materials and work with local businesses and labour. The hotel is expected to create at least 120 jobs once fully operational.

the art canopy at Chedi Hegra that reflects natural light and moves in the wind

Image credit: GHM

The property will feature three fine-dining restaurants, a café and a full-service spa and pool, with many of the buildings connected by an overhead art canopy focused on wind movement and natural light. The on-site restaurants will each offer unique experiences for hotel guests and others visiting Hegra. One of the restaurants inside the old railway station will feature an exhibition of carefully preserved artefacts, including a fully restored train, while another will sit within the Hegra Fort and a third will feature unobstructed views from a sunken water basin seating area.

geometric water basin with sunken seating area at The chedi Hegra

Image credit: GHM

“GHM is thrilled to introduce this luxurious heritage boutique hotel that will offer authentic, unrivalled lifestyle experience deep within the ancient Nabataean site of Hegra,” said Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer, GHM. “As the first hotel within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are committed to preserve the site’s integrity while seamlessly integrating modern architecture and comforts. I am certain that guests will recognise and appreciate the value we place in minimising our environmental impact, through the sustainable efforts of the hotel, in addition to our dedication in conserving the legacy of Hegra – a true GHM hallmark of creating inspired spaces.”

GHM’s exclusive portfolio includes The Chedi AI Bait, Sharjah, UAE, The Chedi Muscat, Oman, The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland, The Chedi Hotel and Residences Luštica Bay, Montenegro, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar and The Chedi El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt. As part of the brand’s plans to continue its legacy globally, GHM currently has five projects in the pipeline which include The Chedi Wadi Safar and The Chedi Trojena in Saudi Arabia.

Main image credit: GHM

interior render of bar at Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection, IHG

IHG brings new luxury brand to Liverpool

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IHG brings new luxury brand to Liverpool

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the debut of its Vignette Collection to the UK with the signing of The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection in partnership with Molo Hotels…

interior render of bar at Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection, IHG

Vignette Collection is IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first collection brand and is a family of one-of-a-kind properties in sought-after urban and resort locations where guests can indulge in a growing passion for stays that are authentic, experiential and considerate. The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection will open later this year under a franchise agreement with Molo Hotels and will be operated by Lighthouse Hotel Management. The 133-key luxury hotel, designed by Ica, is set in the historic Ropewalks district in the heart of Liverpool, boasting a restaurant, an on-site gym, conferencing facilities and roof top terrace that will further boost the area’s reputation as a gastronomic hub.

Liverpool vignette bar and seating area on street level

Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Vignette Collection to the UK – a new luxury brand in an established market for IHG,” commented Willemijn Geels, VP Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Vignette Collection gives strategic partners and owners, like Molo Hotels, the opportunity to retain their distinctive hotel identity, while benefitting from IHG’s global scale, Luxury & Lifestyle expertise and powerful IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. The brand has shown incredible success across the globe in its first year, with 14 hotels signed or opened, which speaks volumes to its emphasis on delivering one-of-a-kind stays and memorable moments alongside a commitment to more responsible travel. Liverpool’s popularity continues to grow as a hub of culture and I’m confident the luxury offering of Vignette Collection will bring a new offering to the city.”

exterior view of The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection

Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

“I’m so excited to be opening the first Vignette Collection hotel in the UK,” said Ross Morrow, Managing Director, Molo Hotels. “We see a gap in the market to deliver luxury stays in Liverpool and we’re excited to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to deliver a hotel that celebrates the history of such an important city. Liverpool is a thriving market with growing demand and IHG’s enterprise system will allow us to better serve guests at The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection from later this year.”

The signing of The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, Vignette Collection follows a number of signings for the brand across Europe, including in Reit im Winkl, Germany and Budapest, Hungary and the opening of the first European Vignette Collection hotel in Porto, Portugal. More than 100 properties globally are anticipated to join Vignette Collection over the next 10 years.

Main image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

view across swimming pool with mosaic arabesque tiled floor at the Andaz Dubai

Case study: TREND take a dive into the Andaz Dubai

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Case study: TREND take a dive into the Andaz Dubai

The Andaz Dubai Hotel swimming pool mosaic is a detailed example of how modern luxury design can pay homage to a city’s rich cultural history…

view across swimming pool with mosaic arabesque tiled floor at the Andaz Dubai

Dubai is renowned for its modern and luxurious living, with its trademark towering skyscrapers and record-breaking architecture. However, there is much more to this UAE city than its highly polished exterior and beneath the stainless steel and glass lies a rich and colourful history that spans back centuries. Design by GDS understood this when it was commissioned to decorate the pool area at the Hyatt Andaz Dubai Hotel on the iconic Palm Jumeirah.

mosaic tiles from TREND Group create a tiled geometric swimming pool design at Andaz Dubai

Image credit: TREND Group

Instead of opting for the usual glitz and glitter, the design studio decided to delve into Dubai’s artistic heritage and create a design that echoed traditional Arabesque patterns and colours. These complex geometric shapes, intertwined lines and floral motifs date back as far as the 10th century and can be found throughout the Islamic world, adorning palaces, mosques and domes. Over the years, these patterns have been translated and redefined in many forms and can be found on a range of surfaces from tiles to textiles.

detailed view of mosaic design under water in the swimming pool at andaz dubai using TREND mosaic tiles

Image credit: TREND Group

To bring this unique design to life, Design by GDS utilised TREND 2x2cm glass mosaics into customised CAD decoration, creating a series of interlinked patterns that not only echo traditional Arabesque designs but also add a distinctive 21st-century twist to the space. The pool, which forms a bridge between two buildings at roof level, overlooks the sweeping Dubai coast and the iconic Burj Al Arab, demanding a strong visual identity of its own.

The Andaz Dubai Hotel pool area is a space that not only reflects the stunning beauty of its surroundings but also celebrates the deep artistic heritage that Dubai holds. This unique design is an invitation for guests to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Dubai while still enjoying the comfort and elegance of the Hyatt hotel complex.

TREND Group 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: TREND Group

Parkside collaborates with artist Lois O’Hara to celebrate 40 years

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Parkside collaborates with artist Lois O’Hara to celebrate 40 years

Celebrating 40 years in the tile specification business, Parkside is collaborating with multi-disciplinary artist Lois O’Hara at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023…

2023 marks four decades of Parkside’s involvement in tile specification. To celebrate this milestone, the brand is collaborating with Brighton-based visual artist Lois O’Hara, launching Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023.

O’Hara’s unmistakably playful patterns and positive visual narratives have graced Wembley Park, Grand Designs Live, Brighton’s seafront and Westfield Stratford. Her work also includes brand partnerships with Adidas and Pantone, as well as the cover of OnOffice magazine.

Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara will see the artist adorn the exterior and interior of the company’s Clerkenwell Sustainability and Design Studio with a one-off design. Bringing colour to the streets of Clerkenwell throughout the festival, it’s a must-see stop for anyone visiting Clerkenwell Design Week. Parkside will also be celebrating with the Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara Party on Thursday evening.

graphic designs by Lois O'Hara at Clerkenwell Design Week

Image caption: Lois O’Hara collaborated with CDW last year. | Image credit: CDW

“We’re excited to be marking 40 years with a collaboration with one of the UK’s most exciting artists, and I can’t wait to see how Lois takes over our Clerkenwell Sustainability and Design Studio,” said James Journet, Sales Design Director at Parkside. “It’s a great way to mark the occasion and we look forward to welcoming the design community to celebrate with us at the Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara Party on Thursday night.”

Since its inception, Parkside has been providing contemporary porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tiles to commercial interiors. Providing design-led and sustainable tiles, including exclusive ranges such as the new Principle mass-produced 91 per cent recycled content tile, Parkside has built a reputation for technical excellence and innovation.

Parkside will also be producing a limited run of Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara totes, so make sure you visit the studio throughout Clerkenwell Design Week to pick up a piece of this exclusive design.

Parkside 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: Parkside

Dramatic lighting and surface design inside pool at St James' Taj Hotel

Exposing character inside spa at St James’ Court Hotel, London

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Exposing character inside spa at St James’ Court Hotel, London

Emil Eve Architects was open to a lesson in history when its team worked to create a new Jiva Spa and wellness centre inside St James’ Court Taj Hotel London. Editor Hamish Kilburn speaks to Emma Perkin, Director at the studio…

Dramatic lighting and surface design inside pool at St James' Taj Hotel

Modern traveller demands for experience-led wellness facilities have challenged the London hotel scene in recent years, where space is understandably limited and building regulations are often restrictive. Despite having to face both challenges, Emil Eve Architects was able to create a new wellness experience for St James’ Court London Taj Hotel, using the building’s foundations to carve a layered narrative into the design scheme.

Located in the Victorian cellars of the luxury hotel, the new spa facilities include a glowing vitality pool which wraps around the hotel’s original brick walls, a steam room clad in continuous milled sections of Carrara marble and a sauna created from solid sections of thermally treated Alder wood. In addition, two single treatment rooms a one couple’s suite incorporate bespoke walnut joinery and a marble-clad bathing area.

Reception of the spa at St James' Court London Taj Hotel

Image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel

The brief was to transform the hotel’s Victorian cellar – with its thick, brick and block walls – into a new spa and wellness setting. “Due to the total lack of natural light and the inherent low ceilings, a concept and material palette was developed which aimed to create an atmospheric and richly textured interior,” explained Emma Perkin, Director, Emil Eve Architects.. “This complimented and celebrated the existing character and history of the space.” The architects spent four months developing the unique design, which took nine months to complete on site.

Close-up of pool and terrazzo style surface at St James' Court London Taj Hotel

Image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel

In order for modern spas to operate and perform, they require and create high temperatures and humidity levels, which require very tight control. The building, on the other hand, was breathable, badly insulated and vulnerable to the effects of humidity. “Typically a building like this would be fully lined in order to control the effects of humidity and temperature loss,” Perkin said. “In order to exposure the historic brick, and meet the complex technical and services challenges of the brief, we undertook several phases of research and testing to the development of a specification for the works which would adequately seal the bricks, retain an acceptable level of breathability and also express the rich texture and character of the brickwork.”

Terrazzo changing rooms inside St James' Court London Taj Hotel

Terrazzo changing rooms inside St James’ Court London Taj Hotel

One of the many strands of this project, faced by Perkin and her team was to blend both modern wellness facilities into a space that felt timeless. The answer was in the materials. “We used Carrara marble and white terrazzo to create bright and luxurious surfaces for the floors and changing areas, contrasting with darker walls, relaxation areas and treatment rooms,” Perkin told Hotel Designs. “Bespoke walnut joinery and doors have been incorporated throughout along with ambient lighting by Viabizzunno.

“We wanted to create something atmospheric and rich so we started by looking at the existing textures in the space. We discovered that the basement was built from Victorian bricks so we decided to expose these and test a range of techniques for applying a finish. In the end we used a black clay plaster which beautifully reveals the texture of the bricks through its surface.”

The spa experience is sensory journey. Using lighting to soften the atmosphere enabled the architects to create dramatic moments within the space. “On entering the spa, the light level drops to a warm ambient glow so the brightness of the pool creates real drama in the dark space,” Perkin added. “The pool itself has two discreet bathing areas: the main area leads into a more secluded space where guests can have more privacy.

“The next stage of the visitors’ journey is the steam room, made entirely from milled curving slabs of Carrara marble, giving it a soft but luxurious feeling. The sauna is lighter in design and formed using Alder timber slats, which have a rich smell of the forest. Again, we used an existing space for this, which has an irregular shape ideal for a sauna. The treatment rooms also incorporate marble, dark timber and exposed brickwork.”

Entrance to spa (black walls) at Sauna inside spa at St James' Court London Taj Hotel

Image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel

The team at Emil Eve Architects have been able to sensitively carve a contemporary look and feel into the traditional building, and was a finalist in the Surface Design Awards 2023 in both the Public Building and the Commercial Building Interiors categories. “We worked really hard on the Jiva Spa, trying to achieve something beautiful and technically challenging – combining state of the art services infrastructure with traditional approaches to breathable construction – and to fit all the different areas of the visitors’ wellness journey within a very constrained space,” Perkin explained.

Beyond accolades, though, the studio has given the Victorian cellars in the hotel a new purpose, while also ushering St James’ Court London Taj Hotel into the new era of luxury hospitality, where wellness and wellbeing play protagonist roles – but in a way that gives the hotel its own identity. Put simply, there is nothing quite like it on the London hospitality scene.

Main image credit: St James’ Court London Taj Hotel

spiked blue inflatable art installation by Steve Messam for CDW 2023

Preview: what to expect at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023

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Preview: what to expect at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), now in its 12th edition, will return to London between May 23 – 25. Taking place across the whole of Clerkenwell, a neighbourhood renowned for its high concentration of architects and designers, the festival is set to offer its biggest programme yet – featuring more than 600 events and for the first time, merging with its sister show, Design London. Here are a few of the events and exhibitions that have caught our eye…

spiked blue inflatable art installation by Steve Messam for CDW 2023

CDW 2023 sees a total of 12 exhibition venues across Clerkenwell including Design Fields, Contract, Light, Project, Elements, British Collection, Detail, Platform, Ceramics of Italy, Old Sessions House (the festival hub) and two new additions – Catapult and The Garden. While these unique venues will present over 300 design brands and emerging talent covering furniture, kitchens and bathrooms, materials and surfaces, textiles, decorative accessories and lighting, an extensive network of more than 130 local showroom partners will host product launches, workshops and talks over the three days of the festival. So much to see, so little time…

Headlining this year’s CDW Presents programme is a specially commissioned installation by British artist, Steve Messam – who exhibits internationally and is well known for his large-scale, inflatable artwork reimagining our everyday surroundings. At the festival, the County Durham-based artist will bring his distinctive public art to St John’s Gate of the Order of St John. This site-specific piece, titled Gateway, will feature 27 giant spikes hand-sewn in a striking blue textile. It forms part of Messam’s ongoing art series taking over historic architectural sites – and inviting the public to examine their environment in a new light through its deliberately ambiguous shape and size.

exploring mycelium building blocks at cdw 2023

Image credit: CDW

Creating a more sustainable way of living remains a key subject matter for many design manufacturers and makers. Using modern technology and the latest research, designers are exploring new ways to challenge the status quo while tackling these industry-wide issues with a global outlook. As part of the CDW Presents series, SYMBIOCENE LIVING: Mycelium Building Block is an interpretive, artistic mycelium installation that encourages the public to envision and engage with fungi architecture. While the modular feature is made of mycelium blocks with a 3D printed timber shell, the blocks will be arranged to create a different formation incorporating abstract seating and towers on each day of the festival. Set to be situated outside Clerkenwell & Social on St John’s Square, this one-off installation is designed by East London-based PLP Architecture – which has produced some of the world’s greenest and most intelligent designs through a profound commitment to social, economic and environmental values.

an edible tablescape designed by Heiter and Terra Firma for cdw 2023

Image credit: Heiter X / CDW

At Old Sessions House, Heiter X – a sustainable food design and experience studio founded by Estonia-based Helis Heiter – will launch its first collection of sculptural tableware in collaboration with Krohwin. Crafted using traditional building techniques and innovative 3D clay printing technology, the Mound Collection is made from raw clay and natural carnauba wax – as well as repurposed food industry waste including buckwheat and hemp shells. The collection symbolises the mounds of food wasted every day, serving as a visual reminder of the need for more conscious consumption and waste reduction. The new tableware will be shown alongside Terra Firma, an edible tablescape aimed to spark conversation and inspire change in the way we think about and interact with food.

Among some of the headline names this year is London-born-and-bred artist and designer Morag Myerscough – who will open the festival’s talks programme, Conversations at Clerkenwell, in Spa Fields. She will speak with Bethan Ryder, Editorial Director of WGSN, about her unique approach to transforming places and championing community through joyful installations and artworks. On St John’s Square, Myerscough is also responsible for creating the exterior wall of a freestanding installation from leading acoustics specialist, BAUX. Designed by its in-house team along with Form Us With Love, this special exhibition highlights the work of eight students from Scandinavia’s finest architectural institutes.

Keeping things colourful, Domus has teamed up with London-based multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori to create his debut tile collection which will be launched in the showroom at CDW. Drawing on inspiration from nature and sunlight alongside his British-Nigerian heritage, two ranges – Glaze and Screen – capture the dynamic, geometric lines and shapes used across traditional African patterns and architecture.

Continuing the conversation on collaborations and colour, Parkside will be celebrating the Parkside 40 Years x Lois O’Hara collection with the artist adorning the exterior and interior of the company’s Clerkenwell Sustainability and Design Studio with a one-off design. Bringing colour to the streets of Clerkenwell throughout the festival, it’s a must-see stop for anyone visiting Clerkenwell Design Week.

The UK continues to lead the way in championing the best talent and finest craftsmanship – and visitors to this year’s CDW will not be disappointed by the eclectic mix of independent makers and businesses this country has to offer. Impossible to list all the makers and designers in this sneak peek, but here are a few that we will be looking out for:

Now in its 12th year, Curiousa is renowned for its bespoke hand-blown glass lighting made in its Derbyshire-based old mill studio. At CDW, the brand will present its new Wave chandelier – designed by its founder Esther Patterson – as part of the Light exhibition, which is always top of the design checklist.

London-based furniture designer and sculptor Kostas Synodis will join the festival for the first time. Blending art and design with his signature pared-down aesthetic, the newcomer will exhibit a new foldable low deckchair. Made from three pieces of veneer plywood cut out of the same panels to minimise material.

Fibre artist Livi Hecht of London-based Knot My Name will display her contemporary artwork. Using eco-friendly materials, Hecht produces handmade macramé products and made-to-order pieces. Both Synodis and Hecht will have work on display at the Platform exhibition venue.

next-gen thinking: Designing for the future at Clerkenwell Design Week

Image credit: Hotel Designs

Taking to the stage in the Havwoods showroom, Hotel Designs Editor Hamish Kilburn will be speaking with Hen’a Yadav, Creative Director at HBA and exploring the concept of designing for the future.

And finally, Clerkenwell is as much about people as it is about products and at the end of the day as buyers, designers, architects and developers get to network over variations of cocktails and canapés. Hotel Designs will be hosting a CDW Takeover in collaboration with Sanipex Group in the new Bagnodesign showroom, which is strictly open to designers, architects, hoteliers and developers.

You can find more information about the events taking place during CDW23 here.

Main image credit: CDW

Tembo Plains Camp is tucked away into a thick riverine forest on the edge of the Zambezi River, in the private 128,000-hectare Sapi Private Reserve, east of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Tembo Plains Camp and the 2-bedroomed Tembo Plains Suite fit into our highest camp level offering, the Réserve Collection of camps. Fellow Réserve Collection camps include Zarafa Camp, Selinda Camp, Duba Plains in Botswana, Mara Nyika Camp, Mara Plains Camp and ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya. It is also a proud member of Relais & Châteaux – the only luxury Zimbabwean safari camp currently with this honour.

DESIGN POD explores hotels designed with nature

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DESIGN POD explores hotels designed with nature

Episode 31 of DESIGN POD, the design podcast for all designers and architects, goes off the beaten track. Editor Hamish Kilburn shares a powerful interview with Dereck Joubert, Co-Founder of Great Plains, to understand the emotional relationship between nature and design…

Tembo Plains Camp is tucked away into a thick riverine forest on the edge of the Zambezi River, in the private 128,000-hectare Sapi Private Reserve, east of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Tembo Plains Camp and the 2-bedroomed Tembo Plains Suite fit into our highest camp level offering, the Réserve Collection of camps. Fellow Réserve Collection camps include Zarafa Camp, Selinda Camp, Duba Plains in Botswana, Mara Nyika Camp, Mara Plains Camp and ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya. It is also a proud member of Relais & Châteaux – the only luxury Zimbabwean safari camp currently with this honour.

For the latest episode of DESIGN POD, sponsored by Geberit, we are in Africa – or ‘man’s home’, as Dereck Joubert, Founder of Great Plains would put it. Editor Hamish Kilburn is on a journey of discover to understand more about how the brand approaches luxury hospitality; putting people second to nature.

With safari camps in Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe and looking to build properties in Uganda, Great Plans, led by husband-and-wife team Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is seriously and unapologetically changing the game in luxury safari travel.

“As a national geographic explorer and conservationist, studying lions our whole lives, we realised that we needed to not just save one [animal] at a time, but to look at the land that these creatures needed,” Dereck told Hamish Kilburn on the podcast episode. To secure this land, the Joubert’s created Great Plains, a tourism model that funds the selfless conservation work.

This journey started with one camp in Botswana, and soon multiplied. The considered approach at the start of each development always starts the same; with Dereck and Beverly camping out under the stars, exposed to the elements, in order to take conscious steps to ensure that each property, deliberately designed to feel ‘semi-permanent’ – works with and not just in nature’s spectacular setting. “The way we design was to limit impact on environment,” Dereck says. “I also wanted to convey a sense on impermanence. I wanted to give a sense that we, all of our guests are temporary here. We are here for a moment. We are visitors to landscapes like this.”

Redefining luxury through the filmmaker’s lens, Dereck and Beverly’s social approach to luxury travel is just the beginning. The duo and their team are committed not only to wildlife conservation in Africa, but, through many charities and initiatives launched and nurtured by Dereck and Beverly themselves, they also work tirelessly to offer and promote equal opportunities for those living and working in and around their camps. This took on a whole new meaning after one incident, sensitively explored on the podcast episode, that Beverly fighting for her life in hospital.

The full 45-minute podcast episode, which follows episode 30, is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms – just search ‘DESIGN POD’ wherever you get your podcasts. The next episode will drop on May 10 with Alessandro Munge, who will join Kilburn to ‘transforming spaces’.

Main image credit: Great Plains / DESIGN POD

lobby of Hotel AKA NoMad opening in May with interiors by Piero Lissoni

VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in May 2023

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VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in May 2023

From the pulsing centre of Manhattan, to the heart of the British countryside, this month’s hottest hotel openings span the globe, bringing with them a glamourous amount of design inspiration in all its guises…

lobby of Hotel AKA NoMad opening in May with interiors by Piero Lissoni

It is always interesting when working on these VIP opening ’roundup’ pieces, how often a theme emerges. Maybe it is a seasonal thing, a trend thing or pure serendipity, but May’s list shows a clear inclination to a layered natural colour palette – from the sweeping gold Lissoni-designed staircase in Hotel AKA, to the warm burnt oranges in the velvet drapes in Villa Ikognito in Oslo, or the Mediterranean terracotta’s that run through the latest Louboutin design, there is a feeling of warmth, an earthed luxury, that runs through all the designs and details of the this months hottest hotels offering.

Hotel AKA NoMad

lobby with low lights and minimalist furniture design by Piero Lissoni in AKA NoMad

Image credit: Hotel AKA / Lissoni & Partners

Located in Manhattan’s Design District, the design of Hotel AKA NoMad has been led by Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni. The hotel is distinguished by an atmosphere of tranquility and peace, a place of refuge in the city. The entrance is designed to act as a filter that transports guests from the pulsating heart of New York into a refined and sophisticated oasis.The design concept by Lissoni is expressed through an interior that embraces a range of influences from Japan to Scandinavia. The diffused light generates soft and enticing environments, natural materials such as wood and stone form the backdrop to fabrics of light and neutral tones, while the bespoke furnishings are juxtaposed with contemporary design and iconic objects.

“At our NoMad location, we are working closely with Piero and his team to infuse a tranquil and sophisticated design that strikes the perfect balance between the privacy and contentment of a residence and the hospitality, service, and style of an intimate hotel,” said Larry Korman, President of AKA.

Vermelho Melides

Passionate for decades about the arts, crafts and cultures of the world, Christian Louboutin, better known for those iconic red heels than hotels, found something unique in a small village in southern Portugal. Inspired by the unique light and personality of the location, it is a place he would retreat to for weeks to design his winter collections. Inviting guests to kick of their heels and relax, he has created a boutique property and as one would expect, the 13 guestrooms are full of designer details, colourful tiles and fabulous frescoes – all with that particular Louboutin luxe and style. The hotel Vermelho Melides has been sensitively carved around the building’s detailed architecture. The interiors are punctuated with art, antique furniture and full of bold personality, while the guestrooms are slightly more muted to create a sense of place and calm.

Villa Inkognito

rust velvet, painted wall panels and period details in the guestroom at Villa Inkognito

Image credit: Sommerro

Following Sommerro’s grand opening in September 2022 as Oslo’s first luxury neighbourhood hotel, the property has launched Villa Inkognito, a private 11-suite retreat located next door. A rare gem offering a mix of luxury and escapism in Oslo’s vibrant West End, Villa Inkognito is unique to Oslo as the only urban villa available to book in its entirety or on an individual room basis. With highlights ranging from thoughtfully designed bedrooms to unmatched personalised service, Villa Inkognito is an elegant oasis meticulously designed to be the ultimate home away from home.

Designed to capture the feel of a very stylish private home, Villa Inkognito comes alive through the vision of GrecoDeco, the New York- and London-based studio that also directed the interior design of Sommerro’s living and social spaces. The design team delved into the historic building’s past to create interior spaces embellished with a mix of antiques, original artwork, decorative details, and classic Scandinavian furnishings.

Birch Selsdon

guestroom at Birch Selsdon with rust curtains and olive green fabric details

Image credit: Birch

Staying true to the brand’s personality, the 177-key Birch hotel is expected to bring Londoners and travellers alike, an oasis of calm. The design team from Sella Concept and A-nrd have collectively created a layer of contemporary flair on top of an existing red-brick mansion in South London. As well as creating tranquil guestrooms and suites, the designers have transformed the building to shelter a lido, a wellness space and two restaurants, which will use produce from Selsdon’s own grounds to create the chef’s seasonal, farm-to-fork menus. The hotel will also feature three bars, a co-working hub, family wing and kids club, activity studios and several communal spaces from snugs to the Orangerie.

Hotel Genevieve

bold green and red terrazzo shapes and strong colours in the lobby of hotel Genevieve by bunkhouse

Image credit: Bunkhouse Hotels

Situated in Louisville’s growing East Market District, Hotel Genevieve is a new hotel project from the Austin hospitality group Bunkhouse in collaboration with real estate development firm, Mountain Shore Properties. At 122 guestrooms, it is Bunkhouse’s largest hotel to date and melds new architecture with considered touches that reference the city’s one-of-a-kind history. The hotel features an all-day ground floor restaurant, rooftop bar and lounge with expansive city views, vibrant mini market, and intimate secret bar.

Designed in collaboration by Bunkhouse and ROHE Creative, a female-owned and operated Philadelphia based interior design firm, Hotel Genevieve is inspired by a city that is much more layered than bourbon and horses, with design that represents the nuances that make Louisville a destination for all. An intersection of unexpected opposites, the hotel dives into the River City’s history. Richly decorated, each design accent tells a story, from bold usages of colour to a playful mix of vintage and modern furniture.

Capella Sydney

period window detail and warm monochromatic colours and finishes in the guestroom at Capella Sydney

Image credit: Capella Sydney

Located in what was originally the Department of Education building, Capella Sydney, has opened its heritage-listed doors. Balancing storied architectural features with a contemporary design aesthetic, Capella Sydney celebrates the Australian panorama through its interiors, location and experiences. The unparalleled spaces within the hotel showcases curated artwork, sophisticated furnishings and intriguing objet d’art. The 192 guestrooms and suites span eight levels and are anchored by three ground-level food and beverage offerings, including signature restaurant, Brasserie 1930 and McRae Bar.

The ground level also features six meeting and event spaces catering for groups of up to 80 guests, while wellness-seeking guests will make their way to Level Six to discover the world-class health and spa facilities.

Municipal Hotel Liverpool

columns and palm trees in the restaurant and bar in the atrium area of The Municipal Hotel Liverpool

Image credit: Accor

The Municipal Liverpool hotel is joining MGallery, Accor Group’s luxury boutique-hotel brand and has opened in a Grade II listed heritage building from the mid-19th on the city’s vibrant Dale Street and combines stylish, modern opulence with historic charm. Managed by leading hotel management company, RBH Hospitality, the iconic building will shelter 179 luxurious guestrooms across four floors, with considered design references throughout that pay homage to the building’s rich heritage of French and Italian influences. Design will play a leading role at The Municipal Liverpool – MGallery, with many of the building’s existing materials and features refreshed to create elegant new focal points.

Reminders of the building’s past life as a council building will also remain visible throughout the space, from a series of seven-foot-tall statues on the façade, to vintage phones and library style desks indoors. Reinventing a landmark of Liverpool’s heritage, the high point of the hotel is the building’s iconic clocktower, visible from across the city, that has also been carefully restored to bring it back to full working order and catches the guests’ attention on time.

Selina Dakhla

wooden panelled walls, artisanal textiles and patterns in the moroccan styled Selina Dakhla

Image credit: Magdalena Bodzioch

Finally, ending on a laid-back note, Israeli owned hotel chain Selina is opening its second co-working, co-living hotel in the south of Morocco. Selina Dakhla, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the sweeping Western Sahara provides a haven of peace, along with plenty of opportunities for more energetic activities with its position on the northern edge of a vast lagoon making kite-surfing the go-to activity, with sand boarding and buggy rides following closely behind. In addition to a range of beautifully designed accommodation, on-site features include a restaurant, surf and kite surf experiences, wellness facilities, swimming pool and the only coworking space in town.

Main image credit: Hotel AKA / Lissoni & Partners

sunset at island in the Maldives and proposed site for Rosewood Ranfaru

Rosewood announces debut in the Maldives

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Rosewood announces debut in the Maldives

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will debut in the Maldives with Rosewood Ranfaru. Slated to open in 2027, this is what we know about the latest development in the brand’s thoughtful growth pipeline…

sunset at island in the Maldives and proposed site for Rosewood Ranfaru

One of the most coveted island destinations on the planet, the Maldives are considered by many to be the ultimate luxury wanderlust experience. Now, having achieved worldwide recognition as a preeminent tropical paradise, the Maldives is looking toward the future with an eye on longevity and sustainability, making the destination a natural fit for the unique approach to luxury lifestyle offered by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Rosewood Ranfaru will reflect Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place philosophy through a highly curated experience that emphasises privacy, luxury and a connection to the natural habitat.

Rosewood Ranfaru will offer approximately 120 beachfront and overwater villas, ranging in size from one- to five-bedrooms, all with private pools and a select number located on private islands. In true Rosewood fashion, unsurpassed service and amenities will be central to the guest experience, including a Rosewood Explorer’s Club to spark discovery and inspire imagination among the youngest visitors. At the heart of the property will lie several specialty restaurants, a beach club and an Asaya well-being facility and fitness centre, together offering a holistic wellness escape. A true leisure oasis, Rosewood Ranfaru will also feature numerous swimming pools, both for adults and families, paddle courts and an array of water sports that will allow guests to fully explore the peaceful and crystal-clear waters of the encircling lagoon.

Stretched across a striking chain of private islands around a pristine lagoon in the South Male Atoll, the property will be situated less than an hour away from Velana International Airport in Male. From touchdown to toes in the sand, guests will be able to make the journey to the resort via either a short yacht ride or a ten-minute seaplane hop. Both experiences will exude the same level of luxury that awaits on the property’s shores. Upon arrival to the resort, travellers will be met with endless opportunity to embark on truly restorative getaways, all surrounded by stunning views of the world’s most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Developed by Estithmar Holding, this project represents the next generation of Maldives tourism and elevates the overall luxury offerings available in this sublime corner of the globe.

Main image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

prototype guestroom design from YOTEL for YOTELPAD

YOTEL set to make its European YOTELPAD debut in London

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YOTEL set to make its European YOTELPAD debut in London

YOTEL has announced plans to debut its disruptive aparthotel brand, YOTELPAD, in Europe with the opening of YOTELPAD London Stratford in Q4 2023 – here’s what we know…

prototype guestroom design from YOTEL for YOTELPAD

YOTEL created YOTELPAD in 2018 to challenge to the traditional aparthotel space. The brand was born in answer to rising guest demand for more flexibility in accommodation type, due to changes in consumer lifestyles and work habits. Staying true to YOTEL’s DNA, YOTELPAD prioritises smart design and technology, delivering modern studios, referred to as PADs, featuring multi-functional live/work/sleep areas, stylish bathrooms featuring amenities from partner Urban Jungle and fully-equipped kitchenettes – all at an affordable price point.

Following a long-term management agreement with owner, Silver Mascot Limited, YOTELPAD London Stratford will be YOTEL’s seventh property in the UK and third in London, joining its London City and London Shoreditch properties. The Stratford hotel will offer a home away from home for travellers, featuring 62-PADs, 24-hour Mission Control (YOTEL’s answer to traditional reception), Grab & Go, laundry facilities and ample storage space. The property will also be home to food & beverage and retail space due to open in 2024.

“We are delighted to announce the news that YOTELPAD London Stratford will be opening this year,” commented Paul Glennon, Director, Silver Mascot Limited. “YOTELPAD stood out as a truly different offering in the aparthotel space and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with YOTEL.”

street view of YOTELPAD Stratford Render

Image credit: YOTEL

The new build property joins the brands expanding portfolio of YOTELPADs, with all operating properties currently based in the United States. With global growth a top priority for YOTEL, the expansion into new and existing territories is expected to form a crucial part of the brand’s commitment to 50 hotels by 2025.

“We’re incredibly excited to be opening our first YOTELPAD property outside of the US this year, and to be bringing the product to the UK and European market for the first time,” said Rohan Thakkar, Chief Development Officer, YOTEL. “With increased demand for flexible stays that offer more space to live, work and play, whatever the length of stay, whether one night, one week or one year, we’re confident that YOTELPAD is the answer for travellers globally. Committed to expanding our footprint to meet demand worldwide, it will be a key driver in achieving our ambitious growth targets.”

Having received multi-billion-pound investment sparked by the 2012 Olympics, Stratford is now one of London’s leading shopping, restaurant and entertainment destinations with some of the best transport links in the capital, including the new Elizabeth line that connects the area with mainline stations, airports and central London. Located on Broadway, YOTELPAD London Stratford is ideally positioned for non-stop travellers wanting to explore this thriving neighbourhood.

YOTEL is the Exclusive Style Partner for MEET UP North, which will take place on July 6 at YOTEL Manchester.

Main image credit: YOTEL

brown and black striped tile as headboard behind the bed. Bert & May encaustic tiles from Hyperion Tiles

Hyperion Tiles puts pattern into the mix

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Hyperion Tiles puts pattern into the mix

With a wide variety of colours, shapes, designs and sizes to choose from, Hyperion Tiles Director Richard Skeoch gives his top tips on which materials to consider when adding tiled pattern to a wall or floor…

brown and black striped tile as headboard behind the bed. Bert & May encaustic tiles from Hyperion Tiles

Patterned floor tiles and wall tiles can be used to maximum effect and make an instant style statement, while additionally being a practical design solution in a hotel or hospitality environment. Aside from colours and surface patterns available from Hyperion Tiles, the material of the tile also needs to be considered when deciding on the appropriate pattern to take up the wall or lay on the floor.

tiled patterned wall behind the fireplace with wooden beams above and tiles from Bert & May collection at Hyperion Tiles

When focussing on the floor, durability and slip-resistance is key, making porcelain a preferred choice. Taking tiles and pattern up the wall, the options are greater. Some patterned floor tiles may be suitable for both surfaces, giving a seamless design and making a strong statement. Additionally, a tile shape, structure and the way it is laid can be used to create a pattern that is not dependant on decorative surface pattern.

“Ceramic versions can make fantastic wall tiles because they are softer and easier to cut,” explained Richard Skeoch, Director, Hyperion Tiles. “They tend to cost less than porcelain and will absorb more water than their porcelain counterparts. Ceramic patterned floor and wall tiles come in a variety of intricate patterns. However, they can be prone to cracking in extremely cold weather. So they may be less suited to patios or garden paths, for example.”

pink herringbone laid tile design behind a pink bath with a white wooden floor

Image credit: Hyperion Tiles

The reflective qualities of glass tiles can make a space feel larger and lighter when adding pattern to a surface. “In the form of patterned floor and wall tiles, these tiles can help to bounce light around a room, ” continued Skeoch. ” You’ll also find they’re easy to maintain as you can keep them clean with soapy water. Their non-absorbent properties make them a great choice for a room with high humidity, such as a bathroom.”

A Stone tile is another great choice for patterned floor and wall tiles as it is incredibly dense and hardwearing. Natural stone also tends to age beautifully which gives it its innate charm and inherent beauty. Depending on the stone you choose, the tile will require some form of sealing. Marble, for example, is naturally porous and resealing with specialist products may be necessary from time to time.

Encaustic tiles, otherwise known as cement, come in a host of colours and patterns. Mineral pigments are mixed and poured into a mould and they are cured at room temperature with a coloured layer on top. “These tiles have a high thermal mass so they hold their temperature well,” said Skeoch. ” They are also highly versatile, so you could install encaustic patterned floor tiles, which flow from indoors to outside living areas.”

Hyperion Tiles deliver an exceptional portfolio of products for floors, walls and ceilings which, will stand the test of time and have a highly skilled team available to offer expert advice, such as technical know-how and in-depth product knowledge, to hoteliers, designers, specifiers and architects.

Hyperion Tiles 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: Hyperion Tiles

swimming pool with text on the floor surrounded by sculptural garden

Flavia Luxury Hotel – a sculptural project by RootStudio

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Flavia Luxury Hotel – a sculptural project by RootStudio

The boutique hotel, Flavia, has been designed in harmony with its Oaxaca surroundings. It celebrates the contrast between the exterior structure and its cosy interior, which enhances the sensory experience…

swimming pool with text on the floor surrounded by sculptural garden

A precise ratio between ITS natural surroundings, the volumes and the space were the guidelines that defined the design of Flavia Luxury Hotel, whose atmosphere evokes sensations and stories inspired by all the wealth of Oaxaca. The building, designed by João Boto Cæiro for RootStudio, is situated on the flanks of the San Felipe mountain in the natural reserve of the Cordillera de la Sierra Norte in Oaxaca. It was developed in accordance with the rhythms of an organic and sculptural planning method. Boto Cæiro shaped the building in such a manner that it maintained the specific characteristics of the land surface, adapting itself to the natural slope of the terrain and alternating the spaces, proportions, light and shadow with the endemic vegetation and raw materials such as concrete, timber and glass.

view through concrete structure and a round window down onto bathroom with central bath below the opening in Flavia Luxury Hotel by Rootstudio

Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior

Entering the quintessential RootStudio design, means finding oneself in a dynamic, emotional atmosphere, where the pared-back simplicity is the result of a deep reflection on the mission of contemporary architecture. The result is a unique lodging with a restaurant, panoramic pool and 11 guestrooms each with their own atmosphere and layout.

Guests can enjoy the eclectic character of this building with four double-height stories, complemented by the sculptural landscaping by Luis Zárate—renowned for his work on Oaxaca’s Ethnobotanical Garden—that introduces cacti, pochote trees, pitayas, and aquatic plants to the gardens, courtyards, and terraces.

aerial view of cactus garden with abstract sculptural shapes at hotel flavia

Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior

The hotel façade is dominated by the rustic character of raw concrete, contrasting with the warmth and elegance of the interior. The colour palette of the public spaces and suites was built around five earth hues that harmonize with the tropical timber and the omnipresent force of the concrete.

chandelier and tapestry in contrast to the concrete in the design of boutique hotel flavia

Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior

A singular characteristic of Flavia hotel is the sensory impression produced by each of its rooms, all of which are unique while maintaining a dialogue with each other. An example of this is Bunker, an underground room that is so well illuminated it becomes the antithesis of its name. Likewise, luminosity is a feature of both Nubes and Copal rooms, the latter dominated by striking picture windows. The Teatro room, as its name suggests, emphasises the dramatic character of a space that invites introspection, while Kundavi, Biblioteca, Cuarto de Máquinas and Xolo embrace the warmth of woods as a leading element. Finally, in Roja, Selva, and Kuni rooms the contrast between textures is the principal theme.

The furnishings throughout the hotel were expressly created to project a rich sense of sophistication alongside the works of local artists who bring their aesthetic to the different spaces of the boutique hotel. Included are works by Sabino Guisu, Adán Paredes, Dali Nieto, Jesús Cuevas, Rolando Rojas, Francisco López Monterrosa, and Lucio Santiago. The Flavia experience is complemented by a range of different amenities, such as a wellness zone, a private function room and an organic vegetable garden that reinforce its mission of inviting guests to discover Oaxaca from the singular perspective of a kaleidoscope of emotions, stories, and sensations.

Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior

Image credit: Lizzet and Deslior

Based in Oaxaca City and directed by João Boto Cæiro, RootStudio was founded in 2009 as a multidisciplinary studio that encompasses architecture, design, illustration, painting, and sculpture. Over more than a decade of work, RootStudio has forged a unique signature that distinguishes its projects and Flavia Luxury Hotel joins its portfolio, whose common denominator lies in a harmonious integration with the landscape and a total commitment to social responsibility.

Main image credit: Lizzet and Deslior

multi-layered and multi-coloured industrial roll of fabric in the Edmund Bell factory

In the factory: exploring the weft and warp of Edmund Bell

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In the factory: exploring the weft and warp of Edmund Bell

Exploring the intricacies of the Edmund Bell printed, flocked, blackouts and sheers over multiple floors was a journey that took in the layers and level of attention required to equip a bolt of woven fabric with the qualities demanded by the hospitality industry and as writer Pauline Brettell discovered, there is a lot more to those bolts of blackout than meets the eye…

multi-layered and multi-coloured industrial roll of fabric in the Edmund Bell factory

Edmund Bell has a long history in the textile trade, having started in apparel linings with curtain linings soon becoming the mainstay of the business. The most decisive move toward the interiors textiles range, interestingly, came during the Blitz, in response to the need for a simple blackout – a much less technical item than what is produced today – and social shifts continue to impact the process as the brand responds to both consumer, client and changing market demands.

From evolving fire standards, concerns about hygiene and the demands of the contract industry, suppliers like Edmund Bell have to continually shift and stretch to provide attractive fabrics that, importantly, do the job. Moving on from the Blitz, sustainability and the drive to protect the planet are the more contemporary concerns having a fundamental impact on and driving change. Walking through the factory, it is clear that contract fabrics have to be all things to all people, fulfil fire standards, remain as durable as customers have come to expect, while also including recycled content and finally be recyclable.

unprocessed rolls of base cloth on rollers ready to go through machinery and get processed into Edmund Bell contract fabric

Image credit: Edmund Bell

Taking in the technical terms of slub and crossweave, weft and warp as we wound our way up and down the production line, the level of both detail and process that transforms bolt upon bolt of unprocessed fabric into a fully functional blackout or thermal contract quality fabric is remarkable. What is equally remarkable is how an industry like this, essentially dependant on chemicals and potions, processes and production is rising to the challenge of sustainability – something which on the surface of things is not necessarily a natural fit.

In conversation with the designers behind the scenes at the factory, another challenge being faced comes from an interesting intersection of economics and aesthetics. A move towards a more minimalistic approach to textiles in many interiors settings is being driven by cost-cutting as well as design considerations and this in turn, has meant that many performance features need to be combined within the same product. For example, thermal, light control and acoustic properties are all important factors in the experience of a hotel guestroom and nowadays a single Edmund Bell fabric article is required to address all of these needs at once.

What was key in the conversation throughout the day, from machinists to engineers to designers, is the enthusiasm for testing the limits of the process and then coming up with solutions – solutions that allow both the planet and the price point to co-exist. While hospitality brands and designers are increasingly asking more questions about provenance, price remains key and sustainability still frequently takes a back seat to cost by the end of the procurement cycle. Rising to the challenge, the entire team at Edmund Bell are striving to make changes and develop new ranges to achieve what customers are looking for, in terms of both sustainability and price point.

technician in the Edmund Bell factory testing fabric

Image credit: Edmund Bell

Continuing the sustainability conversation as we went deeper into the factory, this is not a new subject in the company, which started looking in earnest into recycled yarns in 2017/18 when it became clear this was a concern on the customer radar. The parameters of this conversation are however constantly changing as the story takes on an increasingly circular solution, with recyclable being as important as recycled. As provenance comes through the supply chain it needs to include water recyclability and reduction, green energy, as well as recycled yarn. There is no doubt that Edmund Bell is devoting time, energy and innovation to questions of sustainability, but as a business still needing to turn a profit, the challenge to complete the loop on recycled content remains a balancing act.

swatches of cream, beige and grey recycled Edmund Bell Sway fabric with plastic beads

Image credit: Edmund Bell

The champions of the recycled fabric ranges that have become a core part of the company ethos are LINK and SWAY collections. Both these sheer weaves are made using recycled Repreve yarns, which are in turn made from recycled plastic bottles and so truly fulfil a sustainable message. These fabrics also meet all the strict testing protocols required for contract fabrics, maintaining that balance between practicality and the planet again.

Additional pieces to the sustainable puzzle, are the questions of durability and performance – including recycled content is unhelpful if the resulting fabric doesn’t last as long as it should and doesn’t achieve what you need it to in terms of usage. In all of the new developments, Edmund Bell is working to offer transparent sustainable initiatives like post-consumer recycled content whilst still ticking all of the practical concerns clients have come to expect.

While functionality may be the driving force in the company, there remains plenty of room and inspiration for design and aesthetics in the Edmund Bell studio. Catching up with the bespoke design process was as intriguing as the production floor, where a tiger and a monkey where being painstakingly removed from an established design at the request of a client – flora without the fauna – a bespoke service provided by the studio allowing designers to change details and colourways. The design possibilities are, quite literally, endless! Continuing to maintain the balance between design and function, the online design-hub is an additional company feature that provides clients with both design inspiration and practical specifications.

What was both exciting and interesting as we were guided through the factory and design studio, was that the changes being made towards both sustainability and creativity are wide ranging – from upholding new requirements for recycled and chemical content with upstream suppliers, to managing production processes and waste, to developing downstream recycling options for clients, right through to taking part in carbon offsetting initiatives. The changes with the biggest impact on both these strands are undoubtedly infrastructure developments to the finishing facility, where efficiencies are constantly being developed, machines updated and even power sources entirely switched out. Considering the many millions of metres of textiles finished and processed here every year, this is no mean feat.

Edmund Bell 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: Edmund Bell

InterContinental Lusaka Dining, designed by Studio Moren Ltd

How InterContinental Hotel Lusaka ‘re-established’ itself

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How InterContinental Hotel Lusaka ‘re-established’ itself

Designed by Studio Moren, the recently opened InterContinental Lusaka, Zambia is poised to quickly re-establish itself as the destination hotel in the Zambian capital. Here’s how…

InterContinental Lusaka Dining, designed by Studio Moren Ltd

The opening of InterContinental Lusaka marks the completion of the final phase of a project where Studio Moren designed the refurbishment of the existing hotel – an important landmark in Lusaka’s Government District – to create two separate and distinct hotels under the same roof: a new 162-key Holiday Inn, which opened in 2020 and the new 106-key luxury InterContinental.

The project is the result of an extensive collaboration between architects (Studio Moren and Prism Architects), lighting designers (Design Omni), contractors (WBHO), project managers (Mace), quality surveyors (Equate), MEP (CKR), joiners (RAM and Design UP) and procurement (IPS Global Procurement).

InterContinental Lusaka Reception Desk

Image credit: Studio Moren

Studio Moren’s design for the hotel included an extensive meeting and conference facilities, including a ballroom, a large pre-function area, a business centre, a bar, a restaurant with a terrace and improved reception facilities. An elegant new club room on the top floor has become a dazzling venue, unequalled in sub-Saharan Africa, with views across the city.

“Our brief for this project was to refurbish the existing InterContinental Hotel to create a Holiday Inn, an InterContinental and additional meeting facilities,” said Joel Iseli, Associate, Studio Moren. “We have provided a complete design solution with architectural and interior design proposals for all two phases.

Close up of arm chair in lounge/lobby area of hotel

Image credit: Studio Moren

“Studio Moren’s experience and understanding of the African market and the requirements of international brands were key to the successful delivery of this scheme. Our design avoided cliches and created a vibrant, urban venue that appeals to a modern, cosmopolitan young Africa. Whilst construction and opening during the global pandemic were challenging, forcing us to do many things remotely, we are honoured to have played a role in the ongoing story of this important and much-loved Lusaka landmark. We are delighted to see its doors open to guests once more.”

InterContinental Lusaka is an important part of the city’s history. Designed by William B Tabler and constructed in time for Zambia’s independence in 1968, InterContinental Lusaka has been the backdrop for significant international political events, as well as the place for important personal celebrations.

With its smaller number of rooms, the InterContinental has the feel of a boutique hotel, emphasised by the high proportion of luxurious suites giving a more sumptuous experience that will appeal to young, cosmopolitan, international guests staying in Lusaka either for business or pleasure. Studio Moren’s architecture and design concepts reflect a contemporary, metropolitan Africa, expressed through vibrant colours and bold graphics without resorting to stereotypes.

Close up of bed inside new hotel in Lusaka

Image credit: Studio Moren

To optimise space within the hotel and improve its efficiency, Studio Moren used its hospitality space planning expertise to review circulation within the building, which had become an issue when the hotel was hosting conferences and hundreds of delegates would cross the hotel reception area. Studio Moren’s design resolved this issue by creating separate entrances for the conferencing facility and hotel, as well as providing a new, wide corridor to allow conference delegates to access the restaurant more easily. The separate hotel entrance provides a more intimate and personalised experience for hotel guests.

Improvements to the efficiency of the kitchen area also helped gain space for the front of house, allowing for a more expansive restaurant that can cater for large lunches for hundreds of diners, with movable panels and partitions to create a more intimate feel when required. The space opens onto a generous terrace, ideal for large events, whilst a new private dining room offers a more exclusive eating experience. The bar also faces onto the terrace, with windows that can be opened fully to enjoy the setting, particularly in the evenings.

A contemporary bar inside large public area

Image credit: Studio Moren

A new seventh-floor club, created by Studio Moren, has become an exclusive place for meeting and dining whilst enjoying the view over Lusaka from the new outdoor deck. The club is unique in this part of Africa, raising the bar further on the five-star experience and ensuring the InterContinental becomes the most sought-after destination hotel in Lusaka.

Main image credit: Studio Moren / IHG

kingsize bed with white linen with views across tropical hillside in guestroom in JW Marriott in Goa

JW Marriott arrives in Goa

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JW Marriott arrives in Goa

Inspired by the rich culture and traditions of its location, JW Marriott has opened its doors onto the picturesque coastline of Vagator in Goa…

kingsize bed with white linen with views across tropical hillside in guestroom in JW Marriott in Goa

Set in an unparalleled location along the golden Goan coastline and close to landmark attractions, historic forts, churches and pristine beaches, JW Marriott Goa is the perfect getaway and an embodiment of the JW Marriott principle of mindfulness. With thoughtfully crafted spaces, transformative experiences and sophisticated style, the new hotel is poised to be an oasis of luxury and warm hospitality, empowering guests to focus on feeling revitalised in mind, body and spirit.

“JW Marriott is at the forefront of the evolution of luxury, blending a legacy of extraordinary hospitality with a contemporary commitment to mindfulness and well-being that continues to be a priority for today’s luxury traveller,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Goa embodies this modern approach to luxury through its thoughtful design, emphasis on serene spaces and connection to the natural world.”

swimming pool with sunloungers and cabanas looking out over trees to the sea at JW Marriott Goa

Image credit: Marriott International

“We are delighted to announce the opening of JW Marriott Goa. This opening marks a milestone for Marriott International’s 150th opening in South Asia. It solidifies our commitment in the region and signifies the trust our owners have in us,” said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “We remain confident in the strength of our brands, our team, and we shall continue to pave the way for aggressive expansion with our strong pipeline of hotels.”

The 151-key JW Marriott Goa reflects the tranquillity and beauty of its surroundings, with an architectural narrative featuring local artefacts such as wooden panelling, mother-of-pearl detailing, intricate glassware chandeliers and water fountains that accentuate the natural marble and stone throughout its serene spaces. The use of neutral colour palettes of grey and light sand, along with soft ambient lighting, complements the abundant greenery of its natural surroundings. Goan cultural references and elements of modern design interweave to create a sense of place in a peaceful sanctuary. Guestrooms feature balconies that open to breathtaking ocean views, and luxurious suites offer private plunge pools.

evening view of facade of JW Marriott with lights on giving a view through windows to internal space

Image credit: Marriott International

In addition, the hotel features four inviting dining venues to suit all occasions. JW Kitchen is the hotel’s all-day restaurant with a theatre-style open kitchen, serving globally-inspired cuisine and exquisite local dishes, along with indulgent Sunday brunches and a special children’s selection. Pérola is an impeccably-appointed French-style lobby bar with a daily Afternoon Tea service, ideal for casual meetings and get-togethers over a glass of wine, signature coffee or tea and light snacks. Guests can savour Mediterranean cuisine and exotic cocktails at the hotel’s sky-dining Água Bar and Café, perched atop the hotel overlooking the infinity pool and spectacular views of the Goan coast. The luxurious Heliconia serves modern Asian fine dining along with handcrafted cocktails amidst lush natural surroundings. Complementing the resort’s commitment to healthy dining, many of the seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs featured on the menus are grown in the hotel’s signature JW Garden. Guests can also harvest the fresh produce within the garden’s calming spaces as they reconnect in the natural surroundings.

For guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel offers holistic treatments at Spa by JW, which features Goa’s first and only Turkish and Moroccan hammams, or steam rooms. The hotel’s modern gym, JW Fitness, showcases the latest cardio and weight equipment and a stunning outdoor infinity pool with poolside cabanas where guests can enjoy a relaxing swim and lounge in the warm tropical sunshine.

The hotel offers a total of 1,700 square metres of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including two well-appointed meeting rooms as well as the splendid 428 square metre Grande Salão, an elegant ballroom with an outdoor terrace, complete with the latest audio-visual technology, Wi-Fi and a dedicated events team for seamless and memorable meetings, weddings and celebrations.

Main image credit: Marriott International

wall mounted chrome tap above hand basin from Geberit

Keeping it clean – Geberit explores solutions for hotel hygiene

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Keeping it clean – Geberit explores solutions for hotel hygiene

Public washrooms are busy areas in hotels and maintaining a high level of cleanliness is essential to enhance guest wellbeing, which is why bathroom manufacturer Geberit is tackling the challenge of hygiene in public washrooms head on…

wall mounted chrome tap above hand basin from Geberit

Hygiene has always been a top priority in the hospitality industry and with recent events highlighting the importance of public cleanliness, it has become front of mind for guests. Bacteria and viruses can be easily spread through surfaces such as toilet flush buttons, taps, door handles and soap dispensers, so it’s vital hotels maintain a high level of cleanliness in their public washrooms.

Providing a clear solution, touchless technology has become increasingly popular in public washrooms. A range of products developed by Geberit, such as infrared flush controls and automatic soap dispensers, are an effective way to reduce the spread of bacteria and improve overall hygiene in these public spaces.

Sigma80 black with blue light remote flush control from Geberit

Image credit: Geberit

Geberit’s touchless infrared technology is at the forefront of developing hygiene solutions in public washrooms and is used in a range of its products, including WC flush controls. The WC flush uses infrared sensors to identify when a user is approaching the toilet and automatically flushes the toilet when they walk away. Alternatively, the user can apply a hand motion near the visible IR sensor. Along with the option for an automatic flush, Geberit’s WC can offer a pre-flush feature that activates when the user approaches the toilet. A regular interval flush can be programmed to prevent stagnant water in the pipes, further improving cleanliness and hygiene levels when rooms may be left unoccupied.

sideview of matt black wall mounted tap over basin from Geberit

Image credit: Geberit

Infrared taps are a hygienic alternative to traditional taps and can make a minimalist design statement at the same time. Geberit is introducing new finishes to its infrared tap range this summer and will include sleek options, like matt black and stainless steel, to complement the existing gloss chrome finish. The touchless technology reduces water consumption, also making it an environmentally friendly solution.

While touchless technology can reduce bacteria from spreading, it is still essential to maintain a high level of cleanliness in public washrooms by regular cleaning. All surfaces should be disinfected frequently to reduce the risk of germ transmission. It’s also important to make sure that washroom products are serviced regularly, and any malfunctioning items should be repaired or replaced promptly. A broken toilet flush control or soap dispenser can be frustrating for guests and lead to negative reviews. Overall, maintaining a high level of hygiene in public washrooms is essential in the hospitality industry. Paired with cleaning, touchless technology is an effective way to reduce the spread of germs and improve hygiene while looking on-trend and staying environmentally friendly.

Geberit 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: Geberit

Collage of MEET UP London 2023

In pictures: party in the penthouse at MEET UP London 2023

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In pictures: party in the penthouse at MEET UP London 2023

Last night was all about connections and collaborations as MEET UP London took to the rooftop in The Department Store – home to hospitality design studio, Squire & Partners – and reflecting the energy of the industry. Editor Hamish Kilburn and writer Pauline Brettell share the highlights and official photos from the night…

Collage of MEET UP London 2023

Following Hotel Designs’ first ever international networking event, MEET UP Paris, which took place in January, there was anticipation in the air around how MEET UP London would respond now that it is no longer the brand’s first networking event in the design and hospitality calendar.

Soon after tickets went on sale and the event sold out months in advance, though, it was clear that MEET UP London would not settle for sequel status, as it prepared to welcome more than 250 interior designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers for a networking event that would capture the energy and spirit of the 2023 on the hotel design and hospitality scene.

The year has continued to be one of significant growth and refocussed energy as the community all rise to the challenge of fundamental change across the industry with conversations and action on net-zero, carbon offsetting and collaboration being the norm rather than the exception.

The industry is engaging more than ever with the broad ramifications of social responsibility, and networking events like MEET UP London have a role to play in amplifying these conversations. It is this increase in engagement, which is possibly the reason why the event became the fastest-selling events ever hosted by Hotel Designs – or maybe it was about the venue being one of the coolest rooftops in Brixton? More likely, it was a bit of both. And just in case you didn’t manage to secure a ticket, here is a bit more about the evening – the content, the conversations and, of course, those captured on camera.

Once the room was full and the sun set over Brixton, Editor Hamish Kilburn shared delivered his passionate welcome speech. “In the five years I have been the Editor of Hotel Designs, I have seen the MEET UP concept evolve, and in the process I have learned many lessons,” he said. “But the one, above others, that has resonated, and indeed evolved, over the years the most is around humility. We as an industry, as a community, do our best work when we approach projects and challenges collaboratively. We hope, therefore, that our MEET UP networking events have become a catalyst for those early conversations and relationships to develop outside arena.”

Here are the official photos released of MEET UP London 2023.

MEET UP London was sponsored by Hamilton Litestat (Headline Partner), Crosswater (Event Partner), Burlington (Event Partner), Atlas Concorde (Event Partner), Stone Bathwear (Event Partner), Mel Yates (Official Videography) and DESIGN POD (Podcast Partner). Following the event that stimulated the industry through conversations unlike any other, the early bird promotion for MEET UP North, which takes place on July 6 at YOTEL Manchester, has gone live and will end promptly on May 12.

Main image credit: MEET UP London / Hotel Designs

white walls, grey furniture and white curtains blowing in the sunlight in Bob W guestroom in Bonn

Bob W makes its entry into the German market

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Bob W makes its entry into the German market

Alternative accommodation specialist, Bob W, has built a reputation on redefining the hospitality experience by giving guests five-star, contactless service in locally designed apartments within handpicked neighbourhoods. Its acquisition of Charly Hospitality will give the tech-powered hospitality operator a footprint in five German cities…

white walls, grey furniture and white curtains blowing in the sunlight in Bob W guestroom in Bonn

Based in Helsinki, Bob W currently operates 27 aparthotel and co-living properties across Europe — in the UK, Spain, Finland, Italy, Norway, Greece and Estonia. Its Charly acquisition means it now adds seven properties located in Germany’s Bonn, Munich, Berlin, Lübeck and Cologne, as well as Amsterdam in the Netherlands. All of these properties will move over to the Bob W brand during 2023.

“With Bob W, we have found the perfect home for our team and our portfolio of boutique aparthotels in Germany and the Netherlands,” said Jona Schaeffer, Founder, Charly Hospitality. “We strongly believe in Bob W’s potential to become the market leader in alternative accommodations in Europe and are delighted that Charly will play its part in it.”

sage green and white living space in an aparthotel with bed, kitchen, workspace and storage

Image credit: Bob W

Bob W acquired Charly because the two companies have a similar tech-enabled approach and design ethos, which results in a straightforward integration. Both offer a seamless digital front desk experience backed by robust digital customer service and other fail safes, so guests always feel looked after. Unlike Charly, Bob W has built its own tech platform along with a suite of apps. Both businesses offer short-stay apartments that give guests the best of both worlds — the authenticity and functionality of a private apartment, as well as the dependable quality of a hotel.

Bob W wants to continue to expand quickly across Europe but particularly in Germany. It is the largest domestic travel market in Europe, which the company expects will be its largest market by the end of 2023. By then it anticipates operating more than 40 properties in all territories, achieved through a mix of leases (rent-to-rent) and management deals, with the potential for further M&A activity.

“We are super excited about entering Germany with Charly and adopting their world-class team,” said Niko Karstikko, Co-Founder and CEO of Bob W. “The locations and properties are gorgeous. Once we apply our tech and brand standards, the next generation of travellers will have yet another place to call home with the most loved hospitality product on the market.”

founders of Bob W seb and Niko standing against a painted brick wall

Image credit: Bob W

“We’re getting huge traction with our approach to tech and reinvented hospitality,” continued Karstikko. “Guests are responding very positively to the investment we make in their surroundings and in our customer experience, and that is translating into brand loyalty and repeat bookings. We offer travellers the best of both worlds — hotel and apartment — and our formula works. That’s what is driving our growth plans. We will continue to expand quickly but sustainably in existing and new markets where there is high demand for what we offer and the fundamentals add up.”

neon lighting and signage on the façade of Bob W in Berlin

Image credit: Bob W

Bob W has grown rapidly since being founded just before the pandemic by Sebastian Emberger, who is from Germany, and Niko Karstikko, from Finland. Aside from organic growth, in May last year it acquired Estonishing Stay which, at the time, was the largest short-stay apartment operator in Estonia. The following October it bought Finnish competitor KOTI Hotel, simultaneously securing €21 million in series A funding, led by Elevator Ventures, Verve Ventures, IDC Ventures and Flashpoint.

Main image credit: Bob W

MEET UP North opens early bird promotion

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MEET UP North opens early bird promotion

Hotel Designs’ premium northern networking event, MEET UP North, which this year will take place inside YOTEL Manchester on July 6, has launched its early bird promotion. But hurry, the offer ends on May 19…

Surfing in the wake of MEET UP London, which took place last night in Brixton, the early bird promotion for MEET UP North is now up and running. Designers, architects, hoteliers and developers can get their hands on tickets for the networking event that takes place on July 6 at YOTEL Manchester for just £10 + VAT – and suppliers can purchase tickets for £99 + VAT – between now and May 19.*

Designers, architects, hoteliers and developers, click here to purchase tickets.
Suppliers, click here to purchase tickets.

Neon nights, contemporary furniture and a bar inside the lobby at YOTEL Manchester

Image caption: MEET UP North 2023 will be sheltered inside YOTEL Manchester. | Image credit: YOTEL

Conveniently located in the buzzy neighbourhood, you can’t get much more central in Manchester than YOTEL Manchester Deansgate. Inside, expect a modern hotel, with innovative design, ethically sound hospitality credentials and a public area that can hold its own when it comes to a networking event like MEET UP North.

The event, which is expected to sell out, will bridge the gap between the community of interior designers, architects, hoteliers, developers and suppliers. In addition to providing a stylish networking arena, MEET UP North will also shelter a meaningful panel discussion on ‘blurring the boundaries between spaces’.

decorative neon lighting in manchester YOTEL

Image caption: The venue for MEET UP North inspired the topic of the panel discussion. | Image credit: YOTEL

The discussion will explore how interior designers and brands alike are creating cohesive design narratives that flow between all spaces of the hotel. Editor Hamish Kilburn will welcome a handful of interior designers who, together, will discuss how to connect different areas of the hotel seamlessly. The aim of the conversation will be to understand how architectural restrictions and budget limitations – together with the growing demand for adaptive reuse – can become projects’ greatest strength, allowing design to play a major role in defining the hotel and brand’s character .

“We are asking attendees to have an open mind for this year’s edition of MEET UP North,” said Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs. “We always try to do something different, and this year this will include a panel discussion between visionaries that will, if you like, kick away the stabilisers and travel around the venue. We have worked closely with YOTEL to create a conversation that will truly be unlike any other.”

After the early bird promotion ends on May 19, tickets for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers will inflate to £20 + VAT and £150 + VAT for suppliers.

MEET UP North is sponsored by Hamilton Litestat (Headline Partner), YOTEL (Exclusive Style Partner), Hafele (Event Partner), Crosswater (Event Partner), Burlington (Event Partner), Mel Yates (Exclusive videography) and DESIGN POD (Podcast Partner). 

*Buyer tickets are reserved for designers, architects, hoteliers and developers. Anyone else wishing to attend must purchase a supplier ticket. If you would like to discuss sponsorship packages for MEET UP North, please speak to Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: YOTEL / MEET UP North

A render of modern suite with mustard colours and white linen

London Hilton on Park Lane to be ‘completely transformed’

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London Hilton on Park Lane to be ‘completely transformed’

G.A Design has been named as the studio that will be ‘completely transforming’ Hilton London on Park Lane with an innovative design scheme. Here’s what we know…

A render of modern suite with mustard colours and white linen

As part of a miltimillion pound top-to-bottom renovation, G.A Design has been tasked to usher London Hilton on Park Lane into a new design era.

Starting with the rooms and suites, the iconic Mayfair hotel, which opened in 1963, will transform its image to unveil a cohesive, contemporary and clean design narrative.

Render of large lounge in royal suite in Hilton Park Lane

Image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design

A new lobby layout will enhance guests’ arrival at the hotel, providing a breathtakingly open, bright and welcoming space with seating and a brand-new lobby bar. The elegant new bar will be a joyful take on modern London living, celebrating artistry and craft and serving up classic cocktails reflective of the hotel’s heritage.

LOBBY render of new Hilton Park Lane Hotel

Image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design

The exceptionally designed rooms and suites will maximise the hotel’s unparalleled panoramic views over London and Hyde Park with natural materials and colour schemes, giving a nod to the glamour of the 1960s with low slung furniture, soft edges and cutting-edge design.

Green restaurant in London

Image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design

The ground floor restaurant will also be renovated and relaunched offering modern British eating and drinking which champions an elevated local, seasonal and responsible approach to dining. In honour of its position on the edge of Hyde Park, the largest of central London’s Royal Parks, the new restaurant’s interiors will reflect the natural world, using noble materials such as travertine and bronze with a colour scheme of greens, natural, and fresh tones.

Light and bright presidential suite inside Hilton on Park Lane

Image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design

The iconic Park Lane hotel has hosted more than 11 million guests since its opening in 1963. Opened by Conrad Hilton himself, it was the largest hotel in Europe at the time, standing at 100 metres high. Every year, it hosts more than 200,000 guests in its 453 rooms. The refurbishment is the most significant since opening.

What’s more, the hotel is planning to remain open throughout the renovation, which will be completed in stages to minimise disruption to guests. With Park Lane being at the epicentre of luxury hospitality in London, we are expecting quite the transformation.

> Since you’re here, why not read about our speakers confirmed for Interior Design & Architecture Summit this year?

Main image credit: Hilton International / G.A Design

A table console, designed by Squire & Partners, in showroom

Squire & Partners unveils new furniture collection for Lema

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Squire & Partners unveils new furniture collection for Lema

Squire & Partners has joined forces with Lema to design a new furniture collaboration, which was unveiled during Salone del Mobile Milano 2023. Introducing the Lina Console…

A table console, designed by Squire & Partners, in showroom

Following the success of Squire & Partners’ collaboration with Lema on a bespoke table as part of a design installation for Surface Design Show in 2020, the British architects and Italian furniture designers have paired up to design an exclusive furniture range.

Taking inspiration from their first joint project, where Lema used a simple and elegant framework of L sections to create trays and legs, Squire & Partners studied and enjoyed the design language Lema employs in its existing furniture ranges, where end users can adapt coffee tables and shelving units by selecting from a range of finishes and accessories.

Sketch of the table console

Image credit: Squire & Partners

Taking this concept of adaptability and versatility, Lina Console – the first furniture piece to launch in the collection, at Salone del Mobile Milano 2023 – is a simple L section framework which can accommodate a range of inserts, from drawers to leather or stone tops and other accessories.

Squire & Partners identified consoles in entrance spaces as an opportunity and starting point to create a customisable piece which can be adapted depending on different needs and styles.

The Lina Console is the first in a family of objects, starting with the console as a base element, with additional elements that will be designed in different materials to combine with the piece, building on and transforming it.

Squire & Partners is the Exclusive Style Partner for MEET UP London, which takes place tonight in at Upstairs at The Department Store, Brixton.

Main image credit: Squire & Partners / Lema

freestanding acrylic bath in a grey panelled bathroom with french sash windows. Bath by Lusso

Product watch: lightweight designer baths from Lusso

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Product watch: lightweight designer baths from Lusso

Luxury lifestyle brand Lusso has launched Lusso Light, its first range of lightweight acrylic baths, mirroring the look of the brand’s renowned stone baths…

freestanding acrylic bath in a grey panelled bathroom with french sash windows. Bath by Lusso

Lusso’s new and exclusive collection combines the convenience of a lightweight material with the signature qualities that it has become renowned for, enabling the signature freestanding designs to be enjoyed within homes and living settings of all shapes and sizes. The latest collection of acrylic freestanding baths opens up the brand to wider markets.

“Our stone baths have become the core items of Lusso, however we’re often asked for lighter alternatives for homes that can’t withstand the weight of a stone bath,” explained Wayne Spriggs, Lusso Founder and CEO. “There’s really no difference between the two types of bath except for the material, as Lusso Light has been meticulously developed to mirror the look and finish of our composite stone ranges. These beautifully crafted pieces are light, easy to install and provide an attainable alternative to stone.”

view from above looking into matt white freestanding Lusso bath in grey bathroom setting

Image credit: Lusso

Drawing inspiration from the brands classic styles, the range boasts seamless innovation and uncompromising quality, offering both traditional and modern options for all themes of bathroom. The collection includes the Mimi, which is modelled on the brand’s popular Picasso bath, as well as the Trocadero, Adler and Maison. The baths weigh between only 33-57 kilograms, compared to standard stone baths which can weigh up to 120 kilograms.

“As with all of our collections, the quality is unmatched, and through rigorous testing and meticulous craftsmanship, this ensures the same luxury experience with our acrylic baths as you would enjoy with our stone baths.” said Spriggs.

slipper shaped white freestanding Lusso bath in a beige and grey bathroom with sash windows looking over the garden

Image credit: Lusso

Lusso Light Adler is a freestanding bath, with a traditional and elegant design and a curvaceous, slipper silhouette. It is a modern alternative to a classic Victorian tub.

The Mimi freestanding bath has a signature oval design which echoes the iconic shape of the Picasso, the brand’s signature and first-ever bath, while the Trocadero is similar to the Monaco bath, combining a square silhouette with subtle curves -a structural piece to complement either modern or classic decors.

Lusso Light Maison is a dramatically elegant design. The Maison boasts an enduring oval shape, ridged roll top and detailed base which is inspired by 20th-century chic French heritage designs.

Exceptionally designed to last, all Lusso Light baths benefit from the same tried and tested production techniques and diligence processes that the brand uses for all of its freestanding baths, enabling it to offer a 15-year guarantee across the entire range.

Lusso 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: Lusso

bathroom with curved chair and fireplace with curved Luna fittings from GRAFF

Curve appeal – the Luna collection from GRAFF Designs

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Curve appeal – the Luna collection from GRAFF Designs

Luna by GRAFF Designs is a unique brassware collection characterised by a dramatically curved silhouette. ..

bathroom with curved chair and fireplace with curved Luna fittings from GRAFF

The defining shape of the Luna Collection from GRAFF Designs is reminiscent of the crescent moon from which it took its inspiration and which, creates an elegant focal point over the basin or within the shower. Bringing ‘out of this world’ design to the bathroom, Luna delivers water in a beautifully cascading form to the user. This, coupled with its soft organic lines and streamlined form, bring an added layer of wellness for contemporary interiors.

“The luxury segment of the bathroom brassware market is healthy, especially for GRAFF,” said Ziggy Kulig, President and CEO, GRAFF Designs. “We have witnessed a substantial growth in business over the past years. There is a great demand for wellness in personal spaces and for bathrooms to be personalised spaces to retreat and enjoy some time for ourselves. Trends are reflecting this with the popularity of glamorous brassware finishes, so I think this sector will perform strongly next year.”

dramatic curved half moon shaped basin with vertical curved tap in Luna collection by GRAFF

Image credit: GRAFF Designs

“GRAFF offers a wide range of precious handcrafted finishes made in a sustainable environment and it is a testament to our strength in the market,” continued Kulig. “Our products are available with a choice of 21 different designer finishes, such as Brushed Brass PVD, Olive Bronze, Brushed 24K Gold, Rose Gold PVD, Polished Brass PVD, Vintage Brushed Brass, and Brushed Onyx PVD.”

Luna consists of 100 refined pieces including basin, bath and shower mixers, thermostatic controls and an accompanying accessories collection. Adding an exquisite touch to the bathroom experience, Luna is available in polished chrome, Steelnox, Architectural White, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel, Vintage Brushed Brass, Unfinished Brass, Architectural Black and Matte Black.

GRAFF Designs 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: GRAFF Designs

pink walls, palm trees rattan chairs in the lobby at The colony Palm Beach

The Colony Hotel, grande dame of Palm Beach, takes back the crown

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The Colony Hotel, grande dame of Palm Beach, takes back the crown

A timeless treasure in the heart of Palm Beach, The Colony, is celebrating its 75th birthday this year by reinventing and reinstating itself as the reigning hospitality queen of the block…

pink walls, palm trees rattan chairs in the lobby at The colony Palm Beach

A timeless treasure and established landmark, The Colony Hotel sits within walking distance of both the Atlantic ocean and renowned fashion mecca Worth Avenue, the hotel’s location makes it the ideal base for those looking for distraction and relaxation in equal measure. Since the hotel originally opened in 1947, it has known several owners but, as of 2016, belongs to Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall – the latter having known it well as his father had once been a longtime co-owner of the property. Determined to restore ‘the pink palace’ to its rightful position as grande dame of Palm Beach, the Wetenhalls had the property designated as a historic landmark in 2020 and then began an extensive renovation of the hotel, deploying the skills of Kemble Interiors, de Gournay, Farrow & Ball, Schumacher, Brown Jordan and Society Social to transform it into a 21st-century icon.

palm trees in front of the pink façade of The Colony at Palm Beach

Image credit: The Colony

Ever mindful of the history and iconic style that have made The Colony the hideaway of choice for guests from Frank Sinatra to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Wetenhalls deployed the skills of Kemble Interiors across all 79 guestrooms and suites as well as the lobby, where an exclusive collaboration with De Gournay now takes centre stage. Farrow & Ball meanwhile were tasked with creating a modern take on The Colony’s signature pink and the result is a fresh powdery hue that lends a contemporary note to the classical tone of the property.

flamingo and palm tree wall murals, rattan chair and pink walls in the lobby at The Colony

Image credit: The Colony

Reinventing a hospitality darling in her 75th year was never going to be without its challenges, most of which were centred around the hotel’s existing layout. With no two guestrooms quite the same a few design eyebrows were raised, but the team’s solution was to designate four key schemes based on the colours of Palm Beach to create a sense of cohesion and flow. Ocean blue, palm-fringe green, sunshine yellow and, of course, powder pink are all reinforced across each floor in a myriad of patterns from candy-cane striped wallpaper to floral headboards.

lime green floral headboard, patterned wallpaper and rattan lampshade in a guestroom at The Colony

Image credit: The Colony

In keeping with the hotel’s quasitropical climate, an abundance of rattan furniture and seagrass finishes complete each beautifully appointed room, which are all stuffed to the brim with the sorts of luxurious amenities that a 21st century traveller can dream of, from Matouk linens to Dyson hairdryers and Gibson & Dehn bath products produced exclusively for The Colony, there are an abundance of pampering opportunities inroom, which can then be further reinforced at the elegant Dr Barbara Sturm pop-up spa downstairs.

lime green and white parasols and sunloungers around the pool at The Colony

Image credit: The Colony

If good design was key to reinvigorating The Colony, then strategic collaborations form part of its glamorous new success. Aerin Lauder was brought in to take care of the hotel’s holiday décor as well as one of its beachside villas. Her timeless style has been applied to Villa Jasmine. Anthropologie’s Mark. D Sikes reimagined another of its dreamy beach boltholes, Villa Aralia. Dolce & Gabbana curated its luxe boutique and Tracey Anderson enjoyed a three month residency bringing her world-famous workouts to ensure guests were both tanned and toned.

Keen to further reinforce The Colony’s reputation as both scene-setter and setting, the Wetenhalls have enlisted the help of some of their most influential friends across fashion and wellness to ensure that it is, once again, the place to be seen. Much more than a hotel, The Colony is an icon – passionate and playful and a place to connect meaningfully and authentically with one of the world’s most storied destinations.

Main image credit: The Colony

Six Senses Ibiza bedroom with preview of phone app

5 minutes with: Vidar Thomassen on tech’s role in a sustainable hotel

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5 minutes with: Vidar Thomassen on tech’s role in a sustainable hotel

Editor Hamish Kilburn speaks to Vidar Thomassen, Director, Zennio, to discuss how technological solutions are supporting the hospitality industry to become more environmentally aware…

Six Senses Ibiza bedroom with preview of phone app

In the last few years, hotels have had to work harder to practice what they preach when it comes to sustainability. While designers are putting their focus on sourcing ethical materials, beds, fabrics and lighting, hoteliers are doing what they can to ensure that thew hotel functions and operates smoothly. To do this effectively, hotel brands are calling on companies like Zennio to offer seamless automation systems.

To understand more about what Zennio offers, and how its solutions are well-placed on today’s hospitality landscape, I spoke to Vidar Thomassen, the company’s Director.

Hamish Kilburn: Let’s cut to the chase. How do your products reflect modern traveller demands?

Vidar Thomassen: Today’s traveller is getting increasingly environmentally conscious whilst still valuing service, comfort, and end user friendliness. Zennio’ guestroom management solutions (GRMS) are to a large extent automated, requiring minimal guest input, thus fulfilling the comfort and end user friendliness aspect whilst reducing energy consumption and CO2 footprint.

Modern contemporary lounge with automated system on wall

Image credit: Zennio

HK: How can technology help hotels become more sustainable?

VT: Starting with the rooms, sharing information between the hotel PMS (such as if the room is booked for that day or if the guest has already checked-in) and the HVAC control system plus the addition of advanced room occupancy control will help reduce energy waste to a minimum. This can be applied to all room controls (lighting, blinds, sockets etc.) but also to common areas, and bearing in mind energy accounts for a significant portion of hotels running costs, eliminating energy waste can really make a difference.

HK: How can your products help enhance guests’ experience?

VT: Zennio’ Hotel Solution combines the outstanding control properties of KNX with the scalability of IP networks and the opportunities of API integration. A great example is Six Senses Ibiza where control of all our systems is embedded into their proprietary guest app ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience.

HK: What designs should designers/hotels avoid when specifying control panels?

VT: Any control panel where the guest needs to spend time figuring out how they are working or worse having to read a manual is a huge ‘no’ from me. Zennio control panels can be customised with icons, text or combination thereof making them intuitive and user-friendly. Furthermore, Zennio touch panels are multilingual hence their labelling and iconography can change automatically based upon guest information received via the PMS.

Terrace at Six Senses Ibiza

Image credit: Zennio/IHG

HK: Can you talk to us about some of the hotels you have worked with, and how you have helped to enhance the experience using smart tech?

VT: We have or are currently working with major chains such as Meliá, Hyatt, Hilton and IHG, plus a great number of individual hotels. We have been working with Meliá for many years and where our predominantly automated solutions continue to ensure guest comfort whilst reducing energy consumption. Some significant individual projects I can mention are Meliá White House, London and Six Senses, Ibiza. The Zennio solutions are implemented in individual projects from 20 to over 1200 rooms. 

HK: What’s next for Zennio?

VT: The Zennio solutions are currently implemented in more than 90,000 hotel rooms worldwide, a number that continues to grow rapidly. We are committed to provide technologically advanced products and solutions to support the hospitality industry, closely working with our customers all over the world.

Main image credit: Zennio/IHG

Interior Design and Architecture Summit Speaker line up 2023

Meet the speakers for Interior Design & Architecture Summit 2023

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Meet the speakers for Interior Design & Architecture Summit 2023

Interior Design & Architecture Summit, which takes place on June 26 at Hilton London Canary Wharf, has just announced its speaker line-up – and it’s full of leading interior designers and architects…

Interior Design and Architecture Summit Speaker line up 2023

Designed to dynamically bridge the gap between senior designers, architects and key-industry suppliers, Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS) will return this year on June 26 at Hilton London Canary Wharf.

In addition to sheltering pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings with delegates (qualified interior designers and architects) and suppliers, the event also boasts a captivating speaker line-up, which will take place in a seminar room dressed by Blackpop.

This year, the three panel discussions will be divided up into three topics: conscious design, sensory hospitality and unconventional narratives. “We wanted to challenge existing ideas and opinions around these topics, said Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs who curated the line-up. “I think it’s also important to mention that this year’s speakers are no strangers to Hotel Designs. The designers and architects have either joined previous panel discussions, appeared on DESIGN POD as special guests and/or participated in a number of our roundtables. Welcoming familiar protagonists from the industry onto this year’s sofa will allow us, I hope, to stretch and remould these themes further. In short, IDAS will create conversations unlike any other.”

The sessions and confirmed speakers are:

08:45 – 09:20: The green agenda in interior design and architecture

The opening panel discussion will be moderated by Kilburn and include Rachel Hoolahan (Orms), Neil Andrew (Perkins&Will) and Maria Cheung (Squire & Partners).

With noise around sustainability getting louder while definitions evolve, the speakers will cast ahead to the next few years with the aim to predict how the green agenda in commercial interior design and architecture will develop. The panellists will discuss innovative ways to ensure interior design and architecture is kept conscious and identify materials and elements that are helping to ensure design is meaningful.  

09:30 – 10:05: A deeper sense of meaning in interior design & architecture

With new technology emerging daily, how can interior designers and architects add value into commercial spaces using sound, smell and touch? In this panel discussion, led by Kilburn, wellness designer Wren Loucks (Be-Kin) and designer/architect James Dilley (Jestico + Whiles) will explore, beyond the gimmicks, how sensory design is being implemented to add meaning and sense of place in commercial settings. 

14:00 – 14:35: Weaving unconventional narratives through design

With more choice and variety on the market than ever before, the products that are launching are allowing designers to create multi-layered interior design schemes that amplify personality, character and soul. This panel, moderated by Kilburn with Kerry Acheson (Ica) and Natalia Miyar (Natalia Miyar Atelier) joining as speakers, will explore how interior designs and architects are challenging conventional approaches to add longevity as well as meaning in commercial projects.

How to attend IDAS:

If you are a supplier and would like to attend IDAS, to take part in the pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings with designers, please email Olivia Jackson, or call 01992 374064. If you are a senior designer and/or an architect and would like to enquire about a complimentary delegates ticket to attend the event, please email Daniella Batchelor or call 01992 374086, or email.

Main image credit: IDAS/Hotel Designs

wood and upholstered bed with mustard throw and grey concrete floor. Bed design by sofa.com

Sofa.com explores trends in the hotel guestroom

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Sofa.com explores trends in the hotel guestroom

With the guestroom taking centre stage in hotel design, Sofa.com considers design elements that can elevate the experience…

wood and upholstered bed with mustard throw and grey concrete floor. Bed design by sofa.com

Considering the design of the guestroom and ensuring that everything works effortlessly to create a space that promotes rest and enjoyment is key to any hotel or hospitality project. Working closely with a global clientele, Sofa.com has seen a noticeable shift in how designers are approaching each project, with a strong focus on creating a space of sanctuary.

Each stage of the design process is an opportunity to create an environment that evokes a sense of calm via colours, materials, furniture and accessory choice, all resulting in the perfect room layout. As the centrepiece to all bedroom and guestroom specifications, bed choice is key and comfort is king. Designers need to consider both bed frame and mattress choice, as a deep slumber will be pivotal to guests not only feeling refreshed, but recommending their experience to friends and colleagues.

dark grey panelled wall with dove grey upholstered bed and headboard with matching bedside tables

Image credit: Sofa.com

While interior designers are certainly becoming more experimental with colour, a calming selection of beige, earth tones and off-whites remain top choices across the upholstered bed range, as longevity of design is as important as making a bold statement. Texture can be used as an alternative way to add interest without opting for colour, with tactile fabrics such as sumptuously soft velvets or comforting boucle offering the perfect starting point to create a neutral décor scheme that does not lack in design detail or impact.

Collaborating and working with clients and designers over the years, sofa.com has taken onboard feedback on the importance of all the small details. Its flexibility to fulfil bespoke requests means each element is considered, from bed height to access to switches, sockets and lighting.

wooden headboard and tables with plants add notes of biophilic design to the hotel guestroom with bed design by sofa.com

Image credit: Sofa.com

Additional furniture in the guestroom should complement the overarching goal to create a calm environment. Whilst acting as a decorative item and adding visual interest to a room, a well-chosen occasional chair at the right time of day potentially needs to be both a relaxing additional space to unwind and somewhere to sit and work. Luxury hotel rooms will often incorporate seating at the foot of the bed, whether in the form of a chaise longue or decorative bench, again combining practicality that is tailored to the desired aesthetic. Bedside tables too, should balance form and function, acting as a space to store personal items during a guest’s stay, while supporting stylistic factors within the room.

As trends in residential design start filtering through to hotel design, incorporating elements of biophilia through the use of natural materials and colours inspired by the outside environment has a multitude of benefits in guestroom specifications. First popularised in the 50s to boost productivity in office design, this is a concept that has crept into hotel planning to promote a peaceful atmosphere. Whether a holiday getaway, busy city break, or a business trip, the benefits of a relaxing environment can encourage separation from day-to-day life. Elevating the experience of the additional amenities, the guestroom, with the bed as the hero, is without doubt the ultimate destination within the hotel.

Sofa.com 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: Sofa.com

Maria Cheung, Squire & Partners headshot - Hotel Designs interview

In conversation with: Maria Cheung, Director of Interiors at Squire & Partners

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In conversation with: Maria Cheung, Director of Interiors at Squire & Partners

Following the numerous exclusive Hotel Designs panel discussions and roundtables that the designer has been part of recently – and before we take over the studio’s HQ for MEET UP London on April 24 and she joins us for Interior Design & Architecture Summit on June 26 – we thought it was about time we really got to know Maria Cheung, Director of Interiors at Squire & Partners. Editor Hamish Kilburn writes…

Maria Cheung, Squire & Partners headshot - Hotel Designs interview

The hotel design and hospitality industry has a situation on its hands. Since studios started to put more emphasis on collaboration – in-house as well as with external brands – and the focus was centred around talent and skill over whom ever could shout the loudest, there has been a shortage of divas. Gaining from the depletion of design dictators (I mean directors) who sit on thrones and a complete change in mindset to see and feel the value of true teamwork, the hotel design industry has ushered in a new, fresh era that is being fuelled by people who much prefer to lead from within the pack of a team.

One of those individuals who finds strength as an interior designer in research, development, data and communication is Maria Cheung who heads-up the interior design team at Squire & Partners. I decided to meet the designer following the studio’s presence at Surface Design Show where the team showcased an impactful installation with Stone Tapestry that focused on exploring locally sourced natural stone. “In line with the show’s theme of ‘shaping communities’, we focused the installation on exploring some of the natural stones that have helped shape and create towns and cities across the UK and Europe, particularly within the British Isles,” she said. “We discovered the wide variety of different stones within the British Isles, with varying colours and characteristics, and how they change when different textures are applied.”

Stone Tapestry/Stone Federation stand at Surface Design 2023 by Squire & Partners

Image credit: Stone Federation/Surface Design Show/Squire & Partners

Our conversation takes place at an apt time, while the studio peels back the layers of its most recent research project and gears up to take part in one of Hotel Designs’ next roundtables, which has largely been inspired by the studio’s openness when it comes to new materials. That roundtable, which will take places hours before MEET UP London, will be sheltered, by no coincidence, inside the same venue as the party itself. Upstairs at The Department Store – a quirky private members’ club attached to the studio’s HQ in the heart of Brixton, was designed by Cheung and her team. “The Department Store is incredibly special to us; it was a dilapidated, former department store built in 1906 which we sought to reimagine as our offices back in 2017,” the designer said. “Our focus was on revealing the beauty and history of the building through craft and collaboration, and with sensitive, contemporary interventions.

Image caption: Upstairs at The Department Stone, the venue for MEET UP London. | Image credit: James Jones

Image caption: Upstairs at The Department Stone, the venue for MEET UP London. | Image credit: James Jones

“The Department Store is a great collaboration story between designers, artists, craftspeople and contractors to expose and celebrate the layers of history that were embedded in its fabric. Weaving in a new narrative, the change of use from its original intention as a department store to our HQ comprises the different design departments of Squire & Partners, as well as opening it up for public use through a series of events spaces. These include the new rooftop bar/restaurant and terrace known as Upstairs – where MEET UP London will be hosted!”

And in terms of the conversation that we will be unapologetically putting under the spotlight during that roundtable? Cheung is clued-up on the variety and value of stone in hotel design – more so, perhaps, than any other designer I know. “There has been a development in our understanding that there is a wide variety of stones available, and that applying different finishes can transform the look and feel of the material,” she explained. “For instance, a busy vein-filled stone may be calmed and made more uniform by applying a honed texture. This allows different stones to be used in many more applications, therefore reducing potential waste.”

Image caption: Design studios designed right, inside Squire & Partners' HQ at The Department Stone in Brixton. | Image credit: James Jones.

Image caption: Design studios designed right, inside Squire & Partners’ HQ at The Department Stone in Brixton. | Image credit: James Jones.

What is and what isn’t environmentally friendly is a subjective matter at the best of times in commercial interior design. And with a lot of talk on design studios achieving carbon-neutral (embodied carbon) status in projects, I am keen to understand the role of stone moving forward. “There is a lack of transparency within the stone industry on the carbon footprint of the extraction process,” adds Cheung. “Until this information is provided by quarries, real analysis between different materials cannot be made. However, The Ethical Stone Register has made improvements by providing a tool that offers a single source point for ethically and responsibly sourced natural stone, with requirements that member suppliers must comply with.

“Understanding how selected stones are extracted, the impact on the local environment, as well as the welfare of the workers in the quarries, needs to be part of the selection process. We can rely on bodies such as The Ethical Stone Register and be inspired by projects such as Honister Slate Mine and Tout Quarry, which show that former quarries can be converted into wonderful nature reserves and outdoor adventure destinations, offering employment in the local area and new landscapes for visitors to enjoy.”

Outside of research and development, the projects that are benefiting from this human-centric approach to design and materials are no shrinking violets. Ruby Hotels, which first launched in the UK in 2018, is about to add to its London portfolio of hotels with the arrival of the 173-key Ruby Zoe, which will be located in Notting Hill Gate West. “The six-storey building will provide 173 rooms, along with retail that wraps around the ground floor to activate the streetscape at both the front and rear of Notting Hill Gate.

Ruby Zoe render from the outside looking in to the public areas

Image credit: Ruby Hotels / Squire & Partners

“A reception/bar will welcome guests, flanked either side by two large, lively lounge/café/dining areas. The spaces will be focused on lifestyle and music: it is intended that live music will be performed regularly. Drawing upon the Notting Hill neighbourhood – in particular the carnival and its Caribbean roots – we were inspired by the decayed decadence of Cuban interiors. Working closely with Ruby Hotels’ in-house design team, we took some of those textures and patinas into the interiors. Fun installations with musical instruments and speakers, feature pendant lights made from plastic bottles and a patterned floor will all add to the dynamic experience.”

And finally, having teased us for far too long, the studio is edging closer to the completion of art’otel London Hoxton. “Our design of art’otel London Hoxton responds to the cultural identity of the nearby Silicon Roundabout – a hub for many technology companies – with a concept that makes a subtle nod to the development of the computer: without which Silicon Roundabout would not have its name,” added Cheung. “The architectural form and cladding of the building is inspired by the mechanical components of early analogue computers, with a cylindrical shape that rises to 26 storeys – maximising city views in all directions. Alongside 340 guestrooms, the hotel will provide a gym, spa and pool, art gallery, cinema, restaurant, bar and lounge.

New hotel on the block. Art'otel London Hoxton will be sheltered inside a cylindrical building. | Image credit: Squire & Partners

New hotel on the block. Art’otel London Hoxton will be sheltered inside a cylindrical building. | Image credit: Squire & Partners

“Also incorporated into the design are two Banksy artworks which were part of the original site, conserved and displayed either side of the base of the tower. We’re really excited to see how our ideas for this prominent site develop into an important part of Shoreditch’s urban fabric.”

With 2023 set to become a milestone year for London’s hotel design and hospitality community, it’s clear that Squire & Partners, quite rightly, is going to have its chapter and moment in the history book. And that chapter will be written by interior designers like Cheung who, time and time again, put the project and people first.

How to attend Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS)

If you are a supplier and would like to attend IDAS, to take part in the pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings with designers, please email Olivia Jackson, or call 01992 374064. If you are a senior designer and/or an architect and would like to enquire about a complimentary delegates ticket to attend the event, to hear Cheug speak on the ‘Green Agenda’, please email Daniella Batchelor or call 01992 374086, or email.

Squire & Partners are Exclusive Style Partners for MEET UP London, which takes place on April 24. The event is sold out, but tickets have gone on sale for MEET UP North, which takes place on July 6 at Yotel Manchester.

Main image credit: Squire & Partners

GROHE taps in front of blue and marble white projection

GROHE celebrates ‘health through water’ at Milan Design Week

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GROHE celebrates ‘health through water’ at Milan Design Week

During Milan Design Week, bathroom brand GROHE is showcasing its revitalised premium sub-brand GROHE SPA, which invites users to indulge in holistic water rituals…

GROHE taps in front of blue and marble white projection

Attracting an international audience of interior designers and architects, Milan Design Week is one of the largest and, arguably, the most important annual events for creative minds. The design elite, and young up-and-coming talents, as well as global brands, showcase their work through a series of exhibitions, presentations and events spread around the city.

In this vibrant setting, GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, is presenting its revitalised GROHE SPA sub-brand at the prestigious art museum Pinacoteca di Brera. The broad portfolio ranges from elaborate tap collections, customisable ceiling showers and intricate ceramics to complementary accessories. In addition to showcasing these exclusive products that create uniquely luxurious wellbeing areas, the brand expresses the GROHE SPA ‘Health Through Water’ concept through a water-inspired installation reflecting the stunning architecture of the art museum.

GROHE SPA installation at Milan Design Week

Image credit: GROHE

Entering the courtyard of the Pinacoteca, visitors can immerse themselves in a holistic experience with water at its core. Designed by the in-house design and brand identity team LIXIL Global Design, the immersive installation reflects the art museum, including the statue of Napoleon at the centre by one of the most important sculptors of his day, Antonio Canova. The stillness of the water expands the space and creates a kind of illusion, while representing cleanliness and wellbeing. Four cubes are placed in each of the courtyard’s corners to provide interior spaces where GROHE SPA’s four tiers are showcased. A mirror surface is used on all these cubes to contribute to the infinite look of the installation.

“Our immersive installation celebrates the GROHE SPA concept of ‘Health through Water’, while paying tribute to the artistic legacy of Pinacoteca,” said Patrick Speck, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, EMENA. “We believe that water is the source of vital energy. By appealing to different senses with our installation, we want to create a special experience for our guests – just like our GROHE SPA products do. Transforming the bathroom into a home spa is not about using individual products, but about creating holistic experiences that embrace the positive effects of water on the body and mind.”

Health and wellbeing presented in four tiers

Each of the four physical cubes nestled into the space is dedicated to one of four tiers that bring GROHE SPA to life. First, the GROHE SPA Icon 3D collection: The 3D metal-printed products redefine what is possible, while taking sustainable product design with ultimate customisation options to a new level. In addition to seeing the exclusive products, visitors can hear the sound of the 3D printing, see the process on an LED screen and feel a change in temperature, it gets warmer as soon as the printing simulation starts.

Marble room with taps on plinths

Image credit: GROHE

The second tier is comprised of the bespoke Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections which allow customers to choose from a carefully curated range of colours, materials, finishes and handle designs. In order to enable end-consumers to enjoy an authentic marble style with a high-quality finish, GROHE is partnering with Caesarstone, the global pioneer of premium countertop surfaces, to craft tap handles from the brand’s durable surfaces in timeless designs. The installation demonstrates this partnership perfectly . As the key element, the black and white marble divides the space into two halves, demonstrating the many combinations that the collections make possible.

Yellow room adn gold tap spilling over table

Image credit: GROHE

The GROHE Colours Collection is in the focus of the third tier. With trend-leading colours for products such as GROHE Allure and Aqua Ceiling Modules, the collection makes it easy to create personalised bathrooms. Cool Sunrise is the main colour used in this cube, and the displayed collections bathe the room in a golden light, while visitors can hear the sound of water and feel its humidity thanks to the elevated temperature. Completing the exhibition, the fourth tier revolves around modular shower solutions. GROHE has created a multi-sensory experience with mist, light and sound modules, as well as an LED screen showing images inspired by nature.

cream and white bathroom with glass doors to courtyard. Freestanding bath and wall hung sink by Studio Porsche for Duravit

Product watch: Qatego from Duravit by Studio F. A. Porsche

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Product watch: Qatego from Duravit by Studio F. A. Porsche

Studio F. A. Porsche has designed a distinctive bathroom range for Duravit that exudes a sense of naturalness with its simple and minimalist design language…

cream and white bathroom with glass doors to courtyard. Freestanding bath and wall hung sink by Studio Porsche for Duravit

The bathroom is increasingly becoming a place of wellbeing, regeneration and relaxation – an alternative realm to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a private and essential space. A decelerated lifestyle needs a design language that is minimalist and durable while at the same time relying on natural materials with tactile surfaces. The new Qatego bathroom series, designed for Duravit by Studio F. A. Porsche, brings wood, ceramic and natural stone together to create a harmonious bathroom design. The designers see the washbasins and furniture as a single unit of design and functionality.

“With Qatego we took our lead from people’s requirements in the familiar and intimate surroundings of the bathroom,” said Henning Rieseler, Design Director at Studio F. A. Porsche. “That’s why it was important for us to lend the objects a strong emotional quality that goes beyond mere functionality.”

curved edges and back lit shelves in the wall hung bathroom furniture qatego by F.A. Porsche for Duravit

Image credit: Duravit

The furniture of the collection features a linear design language and comes in a range of variants: a console vanity unit with a drawer and an above-counter basin resting upon it, or alternatively a unit that merges seamlessly with a built-in washbasin. Delicately worked and featuring a shadow gap, the panel of the console vanity unit appears to be floating. In functional terms, the storage space of the furniture is managed using an interesting interplay of open and closed surfaces. This runs like a golden thread through all design elements, including the tall cabinets with hinged doors, mirrors and mirrored cabinets with a storage shelf. The open shelves with optional lighting break up the strict, geometric form of the furniture and introduce a homely atmosphere and transparency into the bathroom. They are ideal for the effective presentation of curated items such as perfume bottles, bowls and vases.

view of handbasin unit and shelf from above with curved edges, black taps and matching plug detail

Image credit: Duravit

The furniture of the Qatego bathroom range, made from sustainable PEFC-certified wood, is available in eight colours ranging from High Gloss White, natural and reserved nuances such as Taupe Matt and Basalt Matt, as well as strong shades such as Graphite Matt. Additionally, wood tones such as Marbled Oak, Black Oak, Terra Oak and Natural Oak round off Qatego’s colour spectrum inspired by nature. They can also be combined with solid colours and the bi-colour variant represents a special design feature.

The natural stone, deployed by Duravit for the first time, is similarly unique and the design from Studio F. A. Porsche combines the ceramic above-counter basins with stone panels made from Carrara marble, Travertine and Pietra Lavica – a further reference to nature. Here too, a range of customisation options can be selected and the solid stone panel in widths of 1,000 mm or 1,400 mm can be fixed directly to the wall, with the above-counter basin placed directly on it.

The console supports made from anthracite-coloured metal simultaneously act as towel holders. Alternatively, the 1,000 mm wide stone panel can be placed on a wooden console, creating a harmonious symbiosis of two materials and textures. A further design highlight consists of the rounded edges and recesses in the high quality stone panels to the left or right of the above-counter basin, offering space for accessories such as a brush or soap dispenser. Each of the natural stone panels used is a unique piece, which is expressed through the varied shimmering colours and veining. The protective impregnation on the stone surface makes for easy cleaning.

The design language of the sanitary objects combines clear geometries with a soft transition to the upper edge, which has been delicately and precisely worked. Water-worn pebbles with a pleasant feel were the inspiration for the design. “At this point we took a path that is more unusual for Studio F. A. Porsche, as the idea was to create something natural, almost soft and consequently also to reinterpret the functional aspect of the design,” explained Rieseler.

freestanding Qatego bath designed for Duravit by Studio Porsche in front of window and on a stone floor

Image credit: Duravit

The rectangular washbasins are available in four variants, as a wall-mounted model as well as an above-counter basin with a tap platform that offers adequate storage space. These are joined by a semi-recessed basin and a built-in basin with characteristically arched sides that is available with a matching, seamlessly integrated console vanity unit. The design highlight of the series is the above-counter basin measuring 600 x 400 mm which, in addition to the standard version, is also available in a variant with strongly arched sides. The freestanding bathtub is consistent with this above-counter basin in formal terms and is the undoubted eye-catcher in the space. It is made from DuroCast Plus mineral cast with moulded-in colour and a fine velvety surface. As with the acrylic built-in bathtub, an ergonomically shaped lumbar support supports the lower back area and guarantees pleasant sitting comfort.

A wall-mounted and free-standing toilet and bidet that blend seamlessly into the overall concept round off the sanitary objects. Pre-fitted hinges enable the toilet seat to be quickly and easily installed. All ceramic elements are optionally available with the antibacterial ceramic glaze HygieneGlaze, which achieves a previously unheard-of hygiene standard. After just six hours, approximately 90 per cent of bacteria are eliminated, with approximately 99.9 per cent eliminated after 24 hours. The Wave faucet series designed by Duravit is the ideal companion to sanitary objects and completes the sophisticated design concept with five different finishes.

Duravit 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: Duravit

deckchair covered in Dedar fabric sitting on rocks on the edge of the water

Showcasing the Dedar outdoor collection of fabrics

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Showcasing the Dedar outdoor collection of fabrics

The outdoor fabric collection from Dedar offers the best of both worlds, with both a radiant spirit and extreme durability…

deckchair covered in Dedar fabric sitting on rocks on the edge of the water

High performance, easy to use fabrics for outdoors, the Enjoyable Outdoors collection from Dedar finds a common ground in its complete ease of use. Through its design and craftsmanship, the fabrics can absorb any type of strain or impact without being damaged. From bad weather to heavy usage, the basis of use is for fun and relaxation, with the freedom to seize every opportunity without having to worry about maintenance or other practical constraints.

Enjoyable Outdoors celebrates garden parties and relaxed, optimistic sociality. It looks to the Mediterranean and the southern European lifestyle, while also being inspired by other corners of the world that are just as inviting — from the beaches of Brazil to cosy mountain chalets surrounded by snow. The fabrics adapt with ease to a wide range of environments and uses, whether by the pool or on a boat, on the veranda or in the garden, or even in the mountains.

Campus is an outdoor jacquard fabric with a geometric motif animating this high-performing polypropylene fabric for outdoor use. It is resistant to UV rays and fading, harsh weather conditions, saltwater and chlorine, as well as being washable and easy to remove stains from.

Basquette is another geometric outdoor jacquard in the collection, with a lozenge motif in solution-dyed polypropylene. Strong, durable and non-allergenic, it guarantees maximum resistance to light, extreme weather conditions, mildew and bacteria, abrasion and chlorinated water and is a fabric for outdoor seating of medium-intensive use.

Adding texture to the collection, Libera is an outdoor bouclé. This textured and high-performing fabric has been realised with a special polypropylene yarn which reproduces the irregular aspect of natural yarns, giving a slight motion to the surface. Resistant to light and molds, washable and cleanable with bleach, it is suitable for intensive use seating.

Completing the collection is Strange Loves, a striped outdoor fabric. The traditional two-colour stripes on acrylic fabric with an excellent colour stability is achieved by mass dyeing. Again, this fabric is resistant to molds and weather conditions, washable and water-repellent. The choice of the design and colours will carry you to a fun summer world where you can move freely.

Dedar 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: Dedar

fireplace and comfortable peacock blue seating in the Peacock Lounge at Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria set to debut in India

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Waldorf Astoria set to debut in India

Hilton has announced it will be launching its world‑class luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria, in Jaipur, India’s pink city, by 2027. Here’s what we know…

fireplace and comfortable peacock blue seating in the Peacock Lounge at Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Hilton and Dangayach Group have announced the signing of a branding and management agreement for the launch of Waldorf Astoria Jaipur, marking the debut of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in India. Globally renowned for defining the art of hospitality, the luxury brand continues to strategically expand its presence in landmark locations worldwide. Steeped in history and culture, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a truly unique destination in India’s famed Golden Triangle, making it an ideal location to launch the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in India.

“Having recently announced the entry of Waldorf Astoria to Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, we are delighted to partner with Dangayach Group for the landmark debut of Waldorf Astoria in India,” said Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to working with esteemed local partners to expand our luxury portfolio in prime destinations in the region. India holds a strategic significance for Hilton and we are eager to establish a new standard for luxury in the country. Jaipur, with its cultural richness and remarkable architectural marvels, provides a captivating backdrop for our first Waldorf Astoria in India and we are excited to create unforgettable experiences within this extraordinary setting.”

Reception Salon in the Waldorf Astoria Malaysia with dark wood surfaces and a dramatic statement chandelier

Image caption: Waldorf Astoria Malaysia | Image credit: Hilton Hotels and Resorts

“We are delighted to partner with a trusted global hospitality company like Hilton to bring Waldorf Astoria to India,” said Atul Dangayach, Managing Director, Dangayach Group. “Jaipur combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis and we are confident that with its distinct brand proposition, this new luxury hotel will provide an unrivalled experience for leisure and business travellers alike.”

Spanning 22 acres overlooking the magnificent Aravalli Hills, Waldorf Astoria Jaipur will be the epitome of luxury in Jaipur. Sheltering 51 expansive pool villas and 174 elegant guestrooms, the hotel will exude a sense of space and grandeur. It will also feature a luxurious spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and five distinctive dining experiences, including the world-famous Peacock Alley, the iconic lounge and bar synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand.

Offering 2,400 square metres of meeting space and 3,000 square metres of open lawns, courtyards and gardens, Waldorf Astoria Jaipur will serve as an unparalleled venue for celebrations, lavish weddings and world-class events. The picturesque property will be ideally located off the Delhi – Jaipur Road and within easy access to historical attractions such as Amer Palace, Nahargarh Fort and Hawa Mahal.

Waldorf Astoria Jaipur will join Hilton’s existing portfolio of 24 operating and 13 pipeline hotels and resorts across India.

Main image credit: Waldorf Astoria Chicago

abstract glass panel behind the bath painted in raw earth colours by Red Dog Glass Design

Product watch: introducing Earth Collection from Red Dog Glass Design

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Product watch: introducing Earth Collection from Red Dog Glass Design

Red Dog Glass Design –  a luxury design house specialising in bespoke glass panels featuring original abstract art – has looked to the natural world for inspiration for its new Earth Collection…

abstract glass panel behind the bath painted in raw earth colours by Red Dog Glass Design

The new range of contemporary art panels features original abstract artwork by Red Dog Glass Design founder, artist Sally Coulden, in three nature-inspired colourways: Atlantic Ocean, Deep Forest and Raw Earth. Featuring earthy tones and patterns that are inspired by nature, the Earth Collection offers a visually exciting way to bring the outdoors inside. With its vibrant hues and intricate designs, these glass panels and splashbacks harness the soothing power of nature, while adding a touch of luxury to your space.

abstract blue glass panel as a desk frontage in hotel lobby inspired by the Atlantic Ocean and created by Red Dog Glass Design

Image credit: Red dog Glass Design

“Coastlines and waterways have long inspired my artwork, but the Earth Collection goes deeper and pays homage to our natural world in all its wild, unbound glory,” said Sally Coulden, Founder of Red Dog Glass Design. “From the depths of the ocean to the warmth of sun-baked clay, via the luscious greens of the forest, the Earth Collection will inject a slice of nature into the heart of any hospitality space.”

forest green abstract painted glass splashback behind a bathroom sink on a wooden vanity

Image credit: Red Dog Glass Design

The Earth Collection is made to order and Coulden’s original artwork is digitally deconstructed and expertly printed in high-resolution onto 10mm, 6mm or 4mm toughened-glass panels. Premium quality, ultra-hygienic and very easy to care for, each unique piece can be installed as bespoke glass panelling, bathroom splashbacks and tiles or wall art.

With three main colourways, the collection explores the tones and texures of the elements. The Atlantic Ocean Collection takes you on a deep dive into colours inspired by clear blue summer seas and wild Atlantic vistas. Deep Forest transports any interior into a world of towering trees, lush green foliage and an ever-changing palette of colours and textures. The third colourway, Raw Earth, is characterised by the terracotta pigments, warm reds and earthy browns, which subconsciously ground us in our space, helping us feel connected when we’re craving stability.

Red Dog Glass Design 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: Red Dog Glass Design

vinyl tiles in wood finish from Hyperion Tiles on bathroom frloor with freestanding bath in front of open windows

Product watch: a new LVT flooring collection from Hyperion Tiles

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Product watch: a new LVT flooring collection from Hyperion Tiles

Family-run, independent online tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles has diversified its flooring portfolio with a luxurious new vinyl tile (LVT) and plank (LVP) collection…

vinyl tiles in wood finish from Hyperion Tiles on bathroom frloor with freestanding bath in front of open windows

LVT is a printed vinyl flooring material that looks just like real wood or stone. It’s a highly durable flooring option that is one of the fastest-growing products on the market. Upscale in appearance, LVT tiles are made from a series of layers which, despite their durability, are flexible and thin enough to cut with a knife. The new collection in the Hyperion Tiles portfolio enables designers to achieve a variety of ultra-durable flooring solutions. From the authentic grooves of real wood to the timeless elegance of natural stone, each style has been meticulously designed in luxury vinyl tile or plank form. Designed and produced by innovative Belgian brand Floorify, the range is comprehensive and perfect for hoteliers with longevity in mind.

“Each tile and plank combine stylish good looks with incredible durability and this luxury vinyl is far more cost-effective than the real thing too, which makes this a perfect choice in the current economic climate,” explained Richard Skeoch, Director, Hyperion Tiles. “Ideal for every room in a hotel, including the bathroom, as this luxury vinyl is waterproof – take your pick from stone, concrete, terrazzo and Ceppo-effect tiles and wood-effect planks.”

restaurant and bar with wooden surfaces, wicker lamps and terrazzo style vinyl flooring from Hyperion tiles

Image credit: Hyperion Tiles

“We can also offer you the chance to choose extra-long planks (2000mm x 240mm),” continued Skeoch, ” this size is a first for the UK and means that installation will be more economical in larger spaces, as less product will be used in the installation process. If you require something smaller, we can accommodate this with two additional sizes (1524mm x 225mm and 1219mm x 178mm).”

The benefit of a luxury vinyl tile includes the ability to combine design and style with durability. The LVT flooring collection from Hyperion Tiles realistically replicates the look of natural stone and real wood, but is also much easier to maintain. Compared with wood and natural stone, it’s also a far more cost-effective option. In addition to being smart, stylish and virtually indistinguishable from real wooden and stone floors, LVT flooring is waterproof, scuff, scratch and stain-resistant, with plenty of strength and stability. But durability doesn’t mean discomfort. The synthetic layers of LVT flooring mean it is more comfortable underfoot than other natural materials and surface sound is minimised.

Hyperion Tiles 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: Hyperion Tiles

portrait of interior designer Georgina Wood Founder of Studio Clementine

In conversation with: Georgina Wood, Founder of Studio Clementine

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In conversation with: Georgina Wood, Founder of Studio Clementine

Studio Clementine might be a relatively new kid on the designer block, but its founder Georgina Woods brings a wealth of experience to the table. Writer Pauline Brettell caught up with the designer to find out a bit more about the studio and her strong personal style…

portrait of interior designer Georgina Wood Founder of Studio Clementine

After graduating Georgina Woods started her career with an F&B interior design firm, which essentially set the course for her future career. Over the next eight years she rose to become Head of Interior Design for a luxury real estate developer, followed by positions with several other leading name practices, including David Collins Studio. With each position came new resources and skills that she has been able to consolidate and use to forge her own path culminating in Studio Clementine.

bar and entertainment room with curved patterned sofa in centre by Studio Clementine

Image credit: Studio Clementine

Pauline Brettell: What made you feel that it was the right time for Studio Clementine?

Georgina Woods: The trouble is that more senior you become as an employee the less hands-on you are. I found myself sitting in business development sessions, finance meetings, HR meetings and PR discussions, steadily becoming more and more frustrated with how much time these could take up. At the end of the day, I am a creative. So, at the beginning of 2020, I decided it was a new decade and time to do my own thing. Crazy timing as it turned out with a pandemic around the corner, but I succeeded in winning and managing work via Zoom and was soon hiring a small team.

PB: You have developed a strong personal style – can you tell us a bit more about the points and persons of inspiration that have helped you on this path?

GW: My style is simple, it is about harmonious colour, attention to detail and a love of design, history and people. I adapt to each project; no one style or brief fits all, otherwise the interior is textbook and too commercially contrived. Each project, client and location needs to be studied before a DNA for the interior can be created.

My path or skill was influenced by my father who was a carpenter. I often helped (or maybe hindered) his team in the workshop during school holidays. I also love needlework, crocheting and sewing and have had an aptitude for these for as long as I can remember. When I darned my point shoes, they were so perfect I was often asked by school friends to do theirs! My mother owned a haberdashery shop when I was very young, and I would sit and crochet or knit with the old ladies.

PB: Detail and embellishment play a key role in your designs – can you talk to us a bit about that and the blurring of design boundaries between theatre, fashion and interiors?

GW: I think the ground was laid for this convergence in my approach when I was quite young. As a teenager, I went to a performing arts school in London. The school was great, but steadily I found myself more interested in the life drawing and the art classes rather than dancing. What really inspired me at the time was the idea of becoming a set designer for film and theatre. Actually, someone said to me recently that my interiors are like stage sets for my clients and their guests to act out their dreams, so it seems that my early ambitions have been translated into the work I do now!

Over the years, I also developed a deep admiration for the values of couture fashion – its apparently effortless style and timelessness as well as the precision and detail with which it is made. These are all characteristics that I hold dear in my work.

Georgina Woods, Founder of Studio Clementine, working on beading of a curtain detail

Image credit: Studio Clementine

PB: You have dabbled in bespoke furniture design – is there a Clementine range on the horizon?

GW: Maybe [on] the far horizon but, for now, I prefer to design unique furniture for my projects – pieces that reflect the personality of the client. I also like to repurpose vintage items. I love the whispers of bygone times that you feel when you bring old things into a contemporary setting and it’s usually kinder on the environment than creating anew.

PB: What has been your most inspiring project pre-Studio Clementine, and most inspiring project as Studio Clementine?

GW: Pre-Studio Clementine, it was the redesign of the Churchill Bar & Terrace at the Hyatt Regency in London. Firstly, our muse was Winston Churchill and to a lesser extent, his wife Clementine and we drew on the 1930s art deco era for our inspiration – a period of design that I love. More than that, though, we worked very closely with such passionate owners and directors, which made the entire project great fun. Bringing Churchill to life through meaningful, yet subtle, references and celebrating art deco with the use of materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, gold and stone together with lavish ornamentation and geometric patterns was an experience I will always treasure.

At Studio Clementine, I think it was a project for CIT that we completed at the end of last year. This was the first time I had been invited to design a marketing suite to help a developer sell luxury residences off-plan, so the one hand I had a lot to learn, which is always exciting. But on the other, what I was creating was essentially a hospitality experience but with marketing purpose at its heart. Throughout, every element was custom-designed or specifically purchased by Studio Clementine. These included rugs in a design inspired by a Hermes vintage silk scarf to custom designed coffee tables.

The client mentioned he loved the work of fashion designer Tom Ford. So, I found inspiration in Tom Ford’s shop interiors, specifically his flagship store on Maddison Avenue. Studio Clementine’s metal tables embody the richness and darkness of the store, and of course I christened them ‘Tom’! Other highlights included a full-height presentation cabinet in hand cut starburst rosewood, which we designed as a contemporary take on pigeonhole cabinets, a specially designed plinth combining antique mirror, dark stained oak and embossed leather to showcase the model of the development, and accessories sourced from the world-famous Alfies Antique Market.

PB: It didn’t take long before you started garnering awards! Talk us through your award winning design for Bonadea and what it is, in your eyes, that sets it apart…

GW: I think of my design for Bonadea, a luxury tableware store in London SW1, as bringing to life the narrative of Bona Dea. She was a Roman goddess known as the protector of women as they go through changes in their lives and I felt a very strong connection to her at this time when I was launching Studio Clementine. Furthermore, Bona Dea would host rituals for women that involved drinking wine and decorating their houses with flowers, so what was not to like! Every detail – and there were many – was designed to connect with the goddess after whom the boutique was named.

display niches in retail design of Bonadea in London with white pillars and coffered ceiling

Image credit: Astrid Templier

We totally stripped out the existing interiors and created a collection of distinct, yet connected, spaces. New colonnades and bespoke marble floors in the main room gave a sense of walking into an Italian palazzo with a modern-day sensibility where the colour palette was inspired by Italian fashion and photography. A custom-built marble and limestone fireplace provided a relaxed ‘at home’ area for the tableware displays and silk-lined cabinets showcased the hand-crafted object d’art and rare glassware. A striking Cartier chandelier by Mathieu Lustrerie graced a ceiling intricately carved with butterflies and bees. We created a winter garden room, imagined as a place for entertaining, with a hand-painted wallpaper by Fromental and a powder room complete with hand cut pale pink onyx, a crystal vanity and hand-embroidered linen sheers by Pierre Frey. Again, we were essentially creating a hospitality experience, this time with retail at its heart.

table setting in retail store Bonadea with patterned vintage wallpaper and crystal chandelier

Image credit: Astrid Templier

PB: Do you have a standout hotel design that ticks all the boxes for you?

GW: Sorry, I can’t pick just one! I love The Berkeley Hotel in London, designed by Remi Tessier. Whichever room you enter, soft timbers are a perfect complement to dreamy pastel colours. I adore Claridge’s for its magnificent art deco detailing and the grandeur of its arrival lobby, while there is still something so welcoming when you enter. And then there’s Public Hotel NYC – an old new hotel that it works so well. I love the simplicity and unique style of the rooms, and the main entrance up those escalators – wow!

PB: And finally, can you share any exciting projects you have in the Studio Clementine pipeline?

GW: We are currently working on several very exciting projects, including Cambridge House Hotel on London’s Piccadilly. This is the long-awaited redevelopment of the old In and Out Club which is being transformed by Reuben Brothers into an exceptional boutique hotel with residencies. The Grade l listed building is being restored and extended to create a 102-guestroom hotel with fine dining, bars and lounges and spa and function rooms, together with five beautiful apartments and two penthouses that Studio Clementine is designing.

I am also acting as design consultant on a project to create an extraordinary spa at another of London’s luxury hotels, but this remains highly confidential, for now at least!

Main image credit: Studio Clementine

Deluxe Room inside W Costa Navariono filled with natural influences

Nature calls: inside the first W Hotel in Greece

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Nature calls: inside the first W Hotel in Greece

MKV Design, the interior design studio that was a tasked to bring to life the first W Hotel in Greece, was inspired by natural materials when creating W Costa Navarino…

Deluxe Room inside W Costa Navariono filled with natural influences

Located in the beautiful resort of Costa Navarino and on the beach of the historic Navarino Bay overlooking the Ionian Sea, W Costa Navarino is surrounded on land by olive and cypress groves. It is this intoxicating inheritance of nature’s wonders and ancient stories, together with centuries-old artisanal traditions that has been translated by the designers into a contemporary experience where luxury and informality meet. The resulting aesthetic feels pure and genuine; it also reflects the ‘free spirited’ ethos of the W culture.

W Greece interiors - light, minimalist space in the lobby with plants on ceiling and rounded sofas

John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis

The concept of the hotel, imaged by MKV Design, is an alliance of indoors and out in which the buildings are constructed from stone hewn from the site and, inside, all stone, timber and metals are from the region. Reception flows seamlessly from olive groves to a panorama of the sea with the continuum of cobbles underfoot and woven rope panels above, through which plants tumble. The colour palette emerges from the gentle green of the olive trees combined with bursts of bright colour in accessories and soft furnishings.

To one side of reception, the bar anchors library and lounge to form a contemporary and flexible space; the bar opens onto the sea vista while the library closes-down into a cosy, fire-lit space on chillier days. Furniture is modern and organic in style. Contoured forms reappear in the spa, combined with pure geometric lines. Openings in the walls provide sea views and allow sunlight to bathe the space; a custom-crafted artwork of twisted towels set in plaster makes an intriguing statement piece in the spa’s reception. Even the conference spaces enjoy connection with nature with views of the groves and indoor plantings to revive flagging spirits.

Low-level sofa in lounge of hotel in front of brick wall

Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis

The conventional all-day dining restaurant has been fragmented into a collection of distinct F&B offerings. Each one is intentionally designed not to feel like a hotel restaurant but rather an easy-going venue in a Greek village square, each with its own aesthetic but all offering a seamless indoor/outdoor experience expressed through the continuity of materials, finishes and furniture.

The four venues – the Coffee Shop, the Bakery, the Deli and the Cookery – all showcase regional materials, authentic regional patterns and details of centuries-old craft traditions within a modern vernacular. Warm timber slats articulate the ceilings of the Coffee Shop and Deli, juxtaposed with the grey-green colour palette of the stone finishes and furniture. Artefacts are inspired by the ancient oil jars and pots of Greece, and, in the Deli, terracotta wall tiles draw on the typical designs of old tiles still to be found in local villages. Tables are hand-carved to show off the natural knots and joints of their timber. The design of Bakery also includes generous use of warm timber, here offsetting the mosaic of stone to the floor. Cookery features a huge theatre kitchen around which diners can sit to dine or enjoy lively cooking demonstrations. The craggy stone surround of the kitchen counter, washed with uplighting, glows invitingly as night falls outside.

Dining area overlooking night sky and sea

Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis

However, singular as the interiors of the four destinations are, the exceptionalism of this unusual all-day dining option lies in the Platia where guests can sit wherever they wish, around tables, on sofas or in rocking chairs, and enjoy whatever cuisine they desire at that moment in time. In true Greek style, they can re-arrange the seating for friends who happen to pass by, they can shelter from the afternoon sun under modern pergolas and at night they can find quiet niches for candle-lit suppers. The square is designed as a room outside and, just as in the hotel’s interiors, the natural world beyond the resort is brought in with aromatic and trailing planting and fruit-bearing trees. The Platia is bordered by one of the resort’s pools and, beyond this, captivating views of beach and sea complete guests’ sense of place.

The 246 guestrooms are a journey from the olive and cypress groves to the vista of the sea. Approaching their door, guests experience a sensory awakening as cascading plants create a verdant and aromatic curtain that rustles in the breeze and casts ever-changing shadows on the corridor wall opposite. As the sun sets, this arrival experience takes on new magic.

Boho interior design scheme inside W hotel in Greece

Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis

Inside, the rooms flow seamlessly from the glazed bathroom to bedroom area and onto an indoor lounge before opening onto the terrace. The result is a sense of spaciousness, transparency and serenity – the guest’s own space between land and sea. The design is a testament to the skills of basket weaving, carpentry, rope-making, leatherworkers, and potters that still abound in the region today and includes subtle nods to the hotel’s coastal location.

Deluxe Room inside W Greece - with wooden doors and obscure mirror

Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis

Wooden headboards are intricately interwoven with white rope, sheer curtains sway in the sea breeze like sails on a boat and lamps are designed to resemble a fishing trap with a delicate rope weave that creates a play of light and shadow on the walls. The materiality of the room is simple and honest but elevated into something new and sometimes sculptural – blocks of wood, for example, are playfully translated into a console table and sisal cord becomes an organic surround to the vanity mirrors providing an eye-catching contrast to the rough-hewn stone walls of the bathrooms.

Further creative detail abounds. Room signage is crafted from pebble-shaped forms, linear B writing on pottery is a tribute to the ancient Greek civilisation that once flourished in the region and terracotta sculptures bring a touch of whimsy. The chestnut wood armchairs are a work of art in themselves, inviting guests to sink into their hand-stitched leather upholstery for an afternoon nap.

Close-up of detailed table inside suite at W in Greece

Image credits: John Athimaritis / Giorgos Sfakianakis

The ground level ‘Swim Up’ guestrooms open-up onto a terrace which steps down to the hotel’s main pool. Guestrooms above, on the first and second storeys of the hotel, offer large outdoor terraces with magnificent panoramic views, and two- and three-bedroom villas are located alongside the beach, each one with their own pool, garden and direct access to the beach.

Recognised for its pre-eminence in hotel interior design across Europe, and respected for its sensitive approach to hospitality interiors, MKV Design has injected character, peronality and timeless touches inside a hotel that will carry the W brand into a new design era.

> Since you’re here, why not read about this month’s hottest hotel openings? 

Main image credit: John Athimaritis and Giorgos Sfakianakis

A series of slabs against a wall and chair and light on the floor

Piero Lissoni unveils FUOROSCALA for Atlas Concorde at Milan Design Week 2023

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Piero Lissoni unveils FUOROSCALA for Atlas Concorde at Milan Design Week 2023

FUORISCALA is a design collaboration between Piero Lissoni and Atlas Concorde, which has doubled its presence during Milan Design Week 2023, debuting at Salone del Mobile…

A series of slabs against a wall and chair and light on the floor

Designer Piero Lissoni and Atlas Concorde are revealing the result of a meaningful collaboration this week during Milan Design Week, which comes in the form of two structures that are being displayed at Salone del Mobile and the brand’s flagship store in Brera.

FUORISCALA, Expanding Design Compositions, is a project that stretches four metres tall. But don’t be put-off by its size. The purpose of the installations is to ‘reflect on the ability of large slabs’. “We’ve taken the concept of Atlas Concorde’s large formats to the extreme through two installations where unexpected elements play on the change of scale,” said Piero Lissoni. “It has been a conceptual exercise where architectural forms are reversed to become products and vice versa, tables with a multifaceted shape that practically break the rules for making a real table.”

A coffee table and concrete surfaces

Image credit: Atlas Concorde

Within the two spaces, Fuoriscala offers visitors two different perspectives that can play off of each other to spotlight the characteristics of porcelain tiles, allowing the large formats to express their full potential.

The large slabs recall the primary and archetypal forms of architecture that, like stage sets, enclose and give life to multiple settings where the earthy nature of the porcelain tiles is always the main focus: kitchens, living and dining areas, bathrooms, and leisure spaces.

In the Fuorisalone circuit, at Atlas Concorde Studio Milano, the company’s showroom in Via San Marco, Fuoriscala flips the usual concept of a ‘table’ by giving life to two elements with large dimensions of an abstract nature characterised by prismatic shapes. Slabs, natural elements, transparency, geometries, and reflections are the tools that project the installation into a future dimension.

The overall aim of the project – and indeed modern design – is to inspire creatives to redesign spaces and furnishing elements, to create atmospheres of emotions that convey wellbeing to those within.

> Since you’re here, why not read about Atlas Concorde’s recent collaboration with HBA.

Atlas Concorde 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: Atlas Concorde

statement wall design in yellow and grey titled The flow printed by Newmor

Distinctive digital design statements from Newmor

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Distinctive digital design statements from Newmor

Continuing to lead the pack by investing in new digital technology, commercial wallcovering manufacturer Newmor has a creative edge when it comes to inspired large-scale design that makes a statement…

statement wall design in yellow and grey titled The flow printed by Newmor

Newmor is well-known for its expertise in design and manufacturing commercial vinyl wallcoverings and hold one of the largest ex-stock facilities in the UK. Commercial wallcoverings by their nature, are perfect for wayfinding and zoning different areas, whilst withstanding high traffic and daily cleaning and in turn, public and co-working spaces are ideally suited for distinctive large-scale designs to add drama and focal points.

“Wallcoverings can have a huge impact on the atmosphere of different spaces – from calming break-out spaces to inspiring meeting rooms with energising, colourful prints and beautiful welcoming reception areas,” said David Johnston, Managing Director, Newmor. “We’ve significantly advanced our capability using new digital technology and launched our Digital Design Studio catalogue to make specifying designs easier. Being responsive to our clients’ changing needs sits at the heart of our business. Together our stock facility and digital print capability makes us extremely agile.”

blue and orange zoned working space with statement design print on walls in blue and white by Newmor

Image credit: Newmor

Estilo Interiors selected Newmor Geometrics Lines for its project at  4 Temple Row Birmingham. The design fulfilled both an aesthetic and a functional brief as it directed and defined spaces within the work environment.

In addition to its own iconic custom designs, which range from structured geometrics, textured surfaces, beautiful painterly effects and florals to large scale fresco’s, Newmor also works in collaboration with an array of UK based designers and artists. “We are continually developing new designs, both in our own studio and through our collaborations with designers and artists – this approach allows us to celebrate different design styles and engenders creative thinking in us all,” explained Rose Campbell, Head of Design and Marketing, Newmor. “As well as our rich design resource, our team also work on many bespoke projects to create unique designs to our clients brief.”

Newmor has launched a 104-page catalogue of designs to support its Digital Design Studio. “The Digital Design Studio catalogue is a compendium of new and existing collections,” said Campbell. “It’s been created to make specifying easier. All designs in our Digital Design Studio collection can be recoloured, rescaled and digitally printed onto a host of substrates including textures, metallics and window films. We can even create WallArt to complement our wallcoverings by framing designs or printing directly onto canvas.”

And if clients can’t find exactly what they are looking for, then the Newmor design team can create something completely unique for their project.

Newmor 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: Newmor

James Latham bathroom collage

James Latham adds new brand to Washroom Collection

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James Latham adds new brand to Washroom Collection

Pfleiderer’s range of high-performance laminates joins the James Latham Washroom Collection….

James Latham bathroom collage

James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of architectural decors, adds Pfleiderer’s premium Compact Grade (CGL) and High Pressure Laminates (HPL) to its signature Washroom Collection.

Available through James Latham in the UK and Ireland and perfect for any commercial, hospitality, leisure or education washroom project, Pfleiderer laminates are available in 40 different colourways, patterns, and textures, offering specifiers an incredible choice of visually appealing decors.

A dark green bathroom with wall-hung toilets and vanity sink

Image credit: James Latham

This exceptional level of style is also complemented by impressive performance attributes. Robust and durable, all laminates in the collection are able to meet the demanding, high-impact setting of a busy washroom.

Safe and hygienic

Moisture, scratch, and stain resistant, Pfleiderer laminates achieve a very hygienic surface that is easy to clean. This results in lower maintenance and longer-lasting surfaces, futureproofing the washroom by slowing down the refurbishment cycle.

Going further, the range also includes Moisture Resistant Melamine Faced Chipboard (MR MFC) and the innovative Melamine Faced High Density Fibreboard (MFHDF) featuring a black core. This increased durability makes these two products particularly useful for high-footfall, frequently-used environments such as leisure centres and educational establishments.

And that’s not all. These surfaces’ inherent hygienic properties can be further enhanced with Pfleiderer’s proprietary MicroPLUS antimicrobial surfaces. Available across the brand’s entire laminate portfolio, this added protection means the range can be specified for specialist applications in sensitive environments including healthcare, pharmaceutical, and laboratory facilities.

Easy to work with

For fabricators, Pfleiderer laminates are also incredibly flexible. Its availability in four core substrates means they can be specified to the different performance requirements of myriad features across the washroom environment, from toilet cubicles and vanity units to IPS Systems and lockers; all within one product range.

Produced in many different dimensions, sheets can easily be cut to size or applied in their entirety, according to the specification requirement. This variety of formats, including half size sheets, means you can maximise yields and reduce waste and, in turn, the project’s carbon footprint.

Specifiers and fabricators are also making a sustainable material choice when they choose Pfleiderer laminates. Manufactured using recycled materials, all products have a circular lifecycle, delivering uncompromising results with minimum environmental impact.

> Since you’re here, why not read about James Latham’s support for creativity?

James Latham 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: James Latham

galaxy gold sphere chandelier from Franklite with contemporary minimalist chair in foreground

Product watch: Galaxy and Cosmic from Franklite

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Product watch: Galaxy and Cosmic from Franklite

Franklite continues with its 50th anniversary celebrations by introducing two new product ranges – Galaxy and Cosmic – available in a range of design combinations and finishes…

galaxy gold sphere chandelier from Franklite with contemporary minimalist chair in foreground

With bubble lighting on trend for 2023 the Galaxy and Cosmic ranges could not have been introduced into the Franklite portfolio at a more perfect time. Bubble lighting, made up from globe or sphere shaped lights, is a round compact design that will never go out of style.

Catalogue 26 and Supplement offers hundreds of ranges that cater for both contemporary and classic design styles. However launched earlier this year in sneak product preview, is the Galaxy, a comprehensive range of single and multiple suspensions in satin nickel with clear cable or aged brass with black cable. The range is available with a choice of clear, amber, smoked or matt opal glass spheres in various sizes.

Cosmic bubble chandelier with gold finish against grey wall and above grey and white bed setting

Image credit: Franklite

The Cosmic range offers a choice of satin nickel or antique gold finish fittings. Available with a selection of matt opal, amber or smoked glass spheres. Featuring nine and 12 light pendants that convert to flush fittings for areas with lower ceilings or single and two light wall brackets that are ideal for hallways and bedside lighting, this range is perfect for hotel settings.

Having successfully supplied its exceptional luminaires for projects, which include the Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Mercure Hotels and the Gailes Hotel just to name a few, Franklite offers products that balance optimal performance with beautiful aesthetics.

Franklite 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: Franklite

cream and white natural toned bathroom design in the showrrom of Bagnodesign Clerkenwell

Bagnodesign has arrived in Clerkenwell

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Bagnodesign has arrived in Clerkenwell

Bagnodesign is bringing its luxury, Italian-led bathroom design to the heart of London, with inspiration, ideas and creative thinking for interior design throughout the two floors of its Clerkenwell studio. What’s more, it’s the venue – or stage – of our CDW Takeover party this year…

cream and white natural toned bathroom design in the showrrom of Bagnodesign Clerkenwell

Born in Dubai, Bagnodesign is present in more than 40 countries and is chosen by some of the most acclaimed interior design houses and leading architects for commercial projects around the world. As a brand that offers the complete solution for creating luxury bathrooms, comfort, quality and innovation come as standard. This high-end brand is however anything but standard in terms of design-led thinking and trend-setting product design.

The showroom is an ideal base for designers to see first-hand the latest product launches and presents a ‘toolkit’ to gather inspiration and ideas for their next projects. The perfect space for customers to network, discuss ideas and plan for future projects, the Gallery includes a dedicated meeting room and entertainment area, with a built-in bar.

table and chairs and gallery wall in meeting area of Bagnodesign showroom

Image credit: Bagnodesign

Fresh launches on display for Clerkenwell Design Week include a new mixer range, Chiasso. Available in chrome, brushed nickel, soft bronze and PVD gold, the inserts on the handles are customisable and come in six Alpine finishes to suit the corresponding furniture by the same brand. Bespoke inserts can also be produced in the Sanipex Slab Fabrication Facility in Dubai, making Chiasso a fully customisable option.

blue wall and black freestanding bagnodesign bath in london showroom

Image credit: Bagnodesign

Another stand-out product in the Clerkenwell Architecture + Design Gallery is Orology. This brassware range uniquely draws inspiration from stylish watch bezels, with its versatile features offering a sense of understated luxury, allowing variations and combinations to maintain timeless contemporary elegance. With flexibility and functionality at its core, the Orology brassware collection comes in five stunning finishes to offer the ultimate luxury of choice in bathroom design. The versatile options include PVD Gold, Anthracite, Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Soft Bronze, each adding individual perspective and depth to the finish.

Visitors to Clerkenwell Design Week in May can also catch sight of Alpine from Bagnodesign, a versatile furniture range, with a wide range of options to suit any space. Select from 18 slab options to a signature look, with freestanding and wall-hung options, double basins and extended countertop options available. The Alpine collection can be configured in numerous ways to create a distinctive, bespoke look that works across any aesthetic.

Sanipex Group 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: Bagnodesign

bathroom by Roca in white and terracotta for ISH

Roca’s product highlights from ISH 2023

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Roca’s product highlights from ISH 2023

Roca brought a taste of the Mediterranean to this year’s ISH bathroom trade fair in Frankfurt and on a stand designed to resemble a Spanish plaza, it showcased its latest collections, product innovations and cutting-edge technologies…

bathroom by Roca in white and terracotta for ISH

After a four-year hiatus, ISH proved it is still a must-attend event for the global bathroom industry and this year’s exhibition was busier than ever. Making a strong design statement, Roca showcased collections that were about both form and function.

The Tura collection made a strong statement, inspired by the architecture of Roca’s hometown of Barcelona and created by Catalan designer Andreu Carulla. Architecture is an essential part of Barcelona’s culture and indeed, the name Tura stems from the endings of two Spanish words, ‘arquitectura’ and ‘cultura’. Andreu’s inspiration for Tura was drawn from several architectural sources, including the graceful curves of Antonio Bonet’s La Ricarda, the geometric shapes of José Antonio Coderch’s Casa Ugalde and the rationalist approach of Josep Lluís Sert in designing the Joan Miró Foundation. The influence of these sources can be seen in the shape of the Tura washbasins, where square and rectilinear lines are met by soft edges and subtle curves.

Andreu was also inspired by the Mediterranean light and the way it interacts with the slats of shutters that cover windows in homes throughout Spain. As a tribute to the shutters that captured his imagination, Andreu incorporated slatted shelves into his Tura furniture. The collection also includes waterproof felt storage boxes (for putting on the shelves) and drawers and comes in a choice of Matt White, Light Noble Grey or Light Terracotta, which recall the soft tones typical of a Mediterranean colour palette.

Sustainability is at the heart of the Tura collection, with many aspects designed to minimise environmental impact. The furniture and bath tray are made with FSC-certified wood, while the sanitaryware is 100 per cent natural ceramic. The height-adjustable bath headrest is made from recycled outdoor fabric and the felt storage boxes feature recycled cork lids. Overall, Tura is a collection that is flexible enough to feel equally at home in the bathroom of a modernist apartment, a family home or a country house.

brightly coloured taps displayed on white background. Taps in NU range by Roca

Image credit: Roca

Another nod to the Mediterranean was the launch of the exciting Nu collection, comprising taps in brilliant bright colours, also reminiscent of the 20th century architecture of Barcelona. Nu is the French word for ‘nude’, which inspired Inma Bermúdez and Moritz Krefter of Studio Inma Bermúdez to simplify the tap design by eliminating unnecessary elements, leaving only what they deemed essential. The result is a slender 35mm diameter body, Roca’s thinnest to date, which comes in Mint Green, Cobalt Blue, Honey Yellow, Titanium Black, Glossy White and Chrome.

The Nu collection includes three different handles – Pin, Dome and Stripes. Pin has a thin, elongated handle that gives it a slightly bird-like form, as though it is ready to take flight. Dome embraces a rounded, organic form, while Stripes is inspired by the grooved knobs on old stereos. Another playful detail of the design is the use of red and blue dots to indicate hot and cold water respectively, discreetly located under the handles. When the handle is tipped back to turn the tap on, the design creates a smiling face, bringing joy to the user’s everyday routine.

dark slate bathroom with Roca's In-Wash® Insignia shower toilet

Image credit: Roca

Roca’s In-Wash Insignia shower toilet was another brand highlight at ISH 2023 and promises to be its smartest WC yet. Users can program daily functions and adjust operating modes via remote control or the In-Wash Insignia mobile app. These functions include a night light, the opening and closing of the toilet seat lid and adjustable washing features. Users will also receive notifications and alerts for optimum management of their WC. The In-Wash Insignia boasts several technologies to enhance its performance. These include the Roca Rimless Vortex Hygiene Flush, which maximises water flow and ensures effective flushing and cleanliness and a Supraglaze coating that allows microscopic residue to slide off, preventing dirt buildup.

A self-cleaning nozzle with UV-light eliminates 99.99 per cent of bacteria, while a carbon filter eliminates odours. The In-Wash Insignia also has a descaling function to prevent limescale build-up. Finally, a coanda-effect dryer ensures the perfect drying experience by propelling air at the right speed and pressure.

Finally, the In-Wash Insignia incorporates Roca’s exclusive In-Tank technology, in which the cistern is integrated into the bowl. This creates a design that is both more space efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

The Tura and Nu collections and the In-Wash Insignia shower toilet will all launch in the UK later this year.

Roca 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: Roca

bamboo, brass and wood in the design of the beach bar at Yazz Collective

A little laidback luxury from Yazz Collective

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A little laidback luxury from Yazz Collective

Set within a private bay in Fethiye, Turkey, Yazz Collective is a chic, new boutique resort inviting guests to disconnect from everyday life, reconnect with nature and create long-lasting memories in idyllic surroundings…

bamboo, brass and wood in the design of the beach bar at Yazz Collective

Designed by Istanbul-based architecture agency FAAR Concept, Yazz Collective is characterised by an innovative organic architecture philosophy, creating structures that appear to be an extension of the bay’s striking natural features. Architecturally integrated into the surrounding landscape, the resort is designed to sit in harmony with nature, seamlessly blending contemporary design and understated luxury with authentic local craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from its Mediterranean heritage and Balinese lifestyle, the resort is only accessible by sea, making it the perfect destination for guests seeking seclusion.

natural linen and white sheets with brass lamps next to the beds in the guestroom at Yazz Collective in Turkey

Image credit: Yazz Collective

The 16 spacious guest houses are decorated in serene earth tones, complete with light chestnut furnishings to contrast the resort’s lush greenery, while plush bedding, outdoor showers, colourful art pieces and floor-to-ceiling windows offering ample natural light create an overall feeling of serenity.

Clean lines and natural textures can be found throughout the resort, along with unique furniture that exudes a sense of stylish simplicity, crafted by Turkish artisans following traditional techniques and utilising local materials. An on-site art gallery, showcasing works of renowned Turkish painters and sculptors, compliments Yazz Collective’s unique spirit. Guests can also create their very own masterpieces in workshops led by resident artist. Boasting an unrivalled location on the Aegean coastline, the resort is also home to an all-day beach restaurant with menus featuring seasonal ingredients and local produce, a bustling bar and spa cabanas that offer traditional Balinese treatments.

Main image credit: Yazz Collective

Exterior of Melia Frankfurt City showing corner of balcony and city skyline

Checking in to Meliá Frankfurt City – a hotel that means business

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Checking in to Meliá Frankfurt City – a hotel that means business

Editor Hamish Kilburn checks in to review Meliá Frankfurt City, a hotel that is wrapped in an eco-smart building that shelters a sleek hospitality experience…

Exterior of Melia Frankfurt City showing corner of balcony and city skyline

Business hotels have been given somewhat of a bad reputation in the past. The image of a ‘business hotel’ that many would conger up would often be one that looks and feels clinical; a design scheme that perhaps suffocates the opportunity for colour, texture, art and spaces as a whole to play and perform. “But hey, there’s strong wifi!”

Just like business travellers themselves, hotels that cater for MICE travellers in modern times don’t want to be stereotyped – nor do they deserve to be. Preconceptions are indeed there to be challenged, which is exactly what Meliá Frankfurt City – a 431-key hotel that unapologetically really means business – did in 2021, when it arrived to join some of its relatives in Germany’s fifth largest city, with effortless style.

Lighting display inside The Level Lounge at Frankfurt Hotel

Image caption: Decorative lighting has been used to add a playful touch in the Level Lounge. | Image credit: Meliá Frankfurt City

Tasked to take design cues from the energy and culture of Frankfurt below – the economical heart of Germany, popular for its art, literary enthusiasts and cider, would you believe – Álvaro Sans of ASAH Studio, who has become the Meliá resident designer in recent years, and jonasplan collectively used the hotel’s statement architecture and its position in the city to evoke a paired-back, yet confident, design scheme that feels elevated in all the right areas. “It was and is one of the most challenging hotel projects in Frankfurt,” admitted Dirk Jonas, owner of jonasplan. “Meliá Hotel International’s vision to create a trendsetting business hotel combined with the building’s own architectural style was a satisfying hurdle to overcome as a designer.”

Jenga-like building in Frankfurt that shelters Melia Frankfurt City

Image caption: The striking jenga-like building sits opposite the city’s financial district. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International

Going against the grain – challenging conventional approaches in hotel design ­– does not need to be dramatic. It just requires a meaningful hook. For Melià, sky-high thinking resulted in the group pitching up in a new city skyscraper that commands the skyline. I’m told that Cyrus Moser Architects created the building’s façade to be a representation of a rose – personally, I got jenga for giants. What we can agree on, though, is the building’s eco rating. The innovative hotel is exactly that; smart and savvy with sophisticated and hidden energy system and a cutting-edge, self-regulating temperature concept. When guests open a window or a balcony door, for example, the air conditioning unit automatically shuts off to conserve energy. The building is constantly working, behind the scenes, to circulate clean air into all spaces, and its digital lifts make travelling from one level to another hassle-free.

A contemporary chandelier hangs in the lobby of Meliá Frankfurt City

Image caption: A contemporary chandelier emphasises the ceiling height in the lobby. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International

Arriving at Meliá Frankfurt City felt like a welcome home. The brand’s signature scent, which I also experienced at Hotel Colón Gran Meliá in Saville, encourages those checking in to take a deep breath in. The lobby’s minimalist design, under a double-height ceiling – emphasised by a striking chandelier of melted bulbs – is commanded by panelled lighting that is seamlessly layered with artefacts, doorstop-like books and pops of art dotted around the space, as well as indoor plants that grounds the whole interior design scheme. “It is a down-to-earth and impressive hotel, with the luxury of having enough space in each direction,” added Jonas. “This is the first impression the guest should get upon entering the lobby and all other areas. It demonstrates the hotel’s luxury – AKA space where guests can both relax and explore.” The ground floor is deliberately paired-back, with low-level seating that makes the start of the hospitality experience feel warm and inviting.

Connected to the free-flowing lobby, with street-level access, a light and bright all-day restaurant and bar that is designed for both guests and locals alike fills the open-plan ground floor with a sprinkle of energy. To create a more intimate setting, the designers have played with materials and lighting on the ceiling to create the apt illusion of a more compressed – I’d go as far to say more inviting – atmosphere.

For executive guests, the check-in experience takes place on the 15th floor, inside The Level Lounge - with modern, minimalist design.

Image caption: For executive guests, the check-in experience takes place on the 15th floor, inside The Level Lounge. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International

Everything about the hotel – from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the balcony views that stretch across the city and as far as the Tannus Mountains – encourage guests to look outside. The unique vantage point over the city frames a magnificent panorama of Frankfurt – it captures the juxtaposition of new and old architecture that the city blends faultlessly. For executive guests – guests staying in suites or who have achieved a Meliá Premium status with the group’s rewards incentive, the check-in experience takes place on the 15th Floor, in The Level Lounge, an exclusive area of the hotel that features plush furniture, soft lines and a artistic lighting scheme.

Adjacent to the executive area is arguably the hotel’s strongest asset: Oben, a popular destination restaurant and bar that serves Mediterranean dishes with a German twist. Its size – smaller than you might anticipate given its hype on the city’s hospitality scene – evokes a snug, cosy and exclusive experience. Personality has been injected with sharp accents of colour on a gallery wall of contemporary art, which are abstract interpretations of popular culture, by Nathali Von Kretschmann, to dominate the space. At night, the bar and restaurant evolves into a spirited hospitality hub – on some nights complete with a resident DJ.

A modern restaurant with quirky art scheme at one end

Image caption: Oben is the city’s new destination restaurant. | Image credit: Meliá Hotels International

The hotel shelters 431 rooms in total, which occupy the first 23 floors. Distinct to Meliá, the rooms are generous in size, and reflect an unfussy take on luxury design – think refined open space with a few hero moments, such as the textured headboard. The ensuite bathrooms, which include premium brands such as Villeroy & Boch, GROHE and Geberit, are connected to the bedrooms through sliding doors. “We wanted integrate the bathroom into the bedroom to avoid the impression of a limited space,” Jonas explains. “In turn, this also evokes a sense of value and quality.” These mini wellness spaces, some with deep, freestanding baths, feature high-pressured showers and customisable light schemes to work for any required ambiance. They feel more like sanctuaries than practical spaces.

On the lower level, the hotel’s wellness and fitness area is complete with everything one might need on a business and/or leisure trip, including a fully equipped gym, a large glass-fronted sauna and outside break-out spaces that face the city. Here, lighting channels guests into a different space and mindset – and with it being located below the skyline, the lighting had to work even harder. “Everyone was clear that Germany and Frankfurt are not the typically ‘sunny’ locations – quite a lot of time in the year it is rainy, dark or cloudy,” the designer said. “This resulted in the lighting design taking a central role – the combination of interior and lighting design must distract and make guests forget. For example, at a sunny seaside location, you’d open the windows, the curtains and let sun and breeze in. That’s all you need. But in a large German city behind the windows you need this backdrop to compensate for the occasionally less sunny weather. That’s why interior design does not work without a qualified lighting concept.”

Sunbeds on terrace inside Meliá Frankfurt City

Image caption: The hotel has listened to modern traveller demands, with various break-out areas in-between the gym and the spa. | Image credit: Meliá Frankfurt City

For me, and Jonas it seems, the real impressions that the hotel leaves are the misconceptions it effortlessly challenges. “[While on site], we learned that Frankfurt is not like its reputation,” Jonas added. “Yes, it is big and awesome, but it is equally beautiful and charming. It’s a place to be and a real destination.”

Checking out of Meliá Frankfurt – having embraced juxtaposing architecture around the city, while also having understood how the destination has used design to reinvent itself over and over (look no further than the New Old Town, unveiled in 2018) – it feels like I have been given a crash-course in what a business hotel has become, since the pandemic, in a new era of hospitality and hotel design. Meliá describes itself as ‘leisure at heart, business in mind’. For Jonas it’s, and I quote, “exactly what we’ve designed here in Frankfurt”. Well, it’s not untrue.

Main image credit: Meliá Hotels International

a light and stone coloured spa bathroom with glass doors surrounded by plants. Fittings from Dornbracht

Roundtable: defining the next wellness trends

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Roundtable: defining the next wellness trends

Wellness has been high on the design agenda for some time with hotels and the hospitality arena more broadly, having identified it as both a key concern and an important differentiator. Editor Hamish Kilburn sat down with six designers in the Dornbracht Design Studio at C.P. Hart Waterloo to uncover the path wellness is taking moving forward…

a light and stone coloured spa bathroom with glass doors surrounded by plants. Fittings from Dornbracht

Recent trends show wellness and wellbeing taking on a much broader meaning and there are no signs of this focus narrowing going forward. It has moved boldly beyond the confines of the spa into the very fabric of hotel design, through to the details of the guest experience. Terms like immersive and personalisation have become key and the challenge for designers, when working on projects that will often come into play several years in the future, is to understand the trajectory that the wellness experience is on.

sun shining through a skylight onto water in the shower from Dornbracht rainshower

Image credit: Dornbracht

Bathroom brand Dornbracht has spent time studying forms of water presentation and how it influences well-being while developing the technology around the wellness experience. It is fitting that this conversation takes place in the London showroom surrounded by the products that equally respond to and create wellness trends. From innovating a rain sky with natural drops beyond a horizontal shower to creating new experiences and installations, wellness and promoting health has constantly been a focus of Dornbracht designs.

On the panel:


Hamish Kilburn: In terms of wellness trends, what would you say are the most interesting and ground breaking changes we have seen over the last two years in hospitality?

Una Barac: Looking at Siro, a new and very different offering from Kerzner International, it is not about over the top luxury but rather a shift to a more mindful approach, which in this case is all about reflecting the pillars of the brand – strength, inclusion, reflection. There is a clear purpose-driven vision in this offering and this is reflected in the design. Working out is taken seriously and is focussed on the individual, there is no gym, there is no spa, it is about fitness and recovery. The design is ultimately about 10,000 square metres of wellness and within that there is a holistic and a personal approach to wellness.

SIRO Boka Place Gym cropped

Image caption: SIRO Boka Place, designed by Atellior. | Image credit: SIRO

HK: There is a preconception that wellness trends are expanding primarily in the luxury sector, but as designers how are you seeing wellness being amplified across the lifestyle sector and impacting on wellness concepts more broadly?  

Jessica Morrison: I think the definition is expanding all the time – wellness used to be a really niche luxury hotel experience, and now you have brands like 1 Hotels coming into the market being entirely wellness focussed. Lifestyle brands are using site specific elements and location to offer something different, like wild swimming or forest bathing and this opens up the wellness concept to a more experiential element and moving design beyond the confines of the traditional spa.

guestroom in Swissotel Bucharest with biophilic design elements

Image caption: Swissottel Bucharest designed by G A Group | Image credit: G A Group

HK: With lifestyle brands pushing these boundaries, how is the luxury sector responding?

John Paul Pederson: Luxury is becoming more about lifestyle and wellness, less about aesthetics and fittings and fixtures. There is a more holistic approach that is about bringing wellness into the guestroom rather than keeping it within the confines of the spa or gym. Designers need to offer personalised and flexible space as luxury operatives are working harder. We find that clients expect more, are increasingly focussed on personal wellness and expect the hotel to not only meet expectations but increase them.

Wren Loucks: We can also see how the definition of luxury fashion is changing in relation to concerns around a circular economy – this is being mirrored in the realm of luxury hospitality as brands identify that to have a competitive edge, they also need to be sustainable. The definition of wellness is broadening and overlapping with social concerns and is as much about the individual as it is about community.

spa seating area with white and blue in Fairmont Taghazout

Image caption: Fairmont Taghazout designed by Wimberly Interiors Image credit: Wimberly Interiors

HK: Would you say that sustainability is working in tandem with a more conscious design approach and is this part of the process of expanding the boundaries of wellness offerings in the hotel environment?

UB: There is definitely an awakening to the increased importance of sustainability credentials for hotels and as designers we are now expected to provide the sustainability credentials of materials we are specifying, so that move is clear and there is a serious level of accountability.

HK: Working on a heritage building, which can often be the casein the luxury sector, usually comes with restrictions. Do these restrictions push the design process to be more inventive, particularly in the wellness sector?

Connie Chiu: Bergman Design has been working on a Fairmont project in a listed building. There are definitely restrictions, which are challenging but the site is interesting and allows the design to open up and focus on the surrounding nature. Instead of having the wellness offering in closed chambers we have made sure it relates to the outside space as much as the interior to make it a truly unique experience. Increasingly, wellness is about utilising the entire location rather than pigeonholing it.

spa pool design in white organic interior by Bergman Interiors

Image caption: Spa Pool design by Bergman Interiors | Image credit: Bergman Interiors

HK: With the demand for increased personalisation in luxury wellness offerings, is there more emphasis on focussed demographics in the design process?

UB: Big brands always understand demographics, but relating back to earlier questions around sustainability, demographics and our understanding of them need to change – millionaires are not grey haired men anymore, they come from a cross-section of ages, interests, genders. As a luxury hotel, if you are targeting this group, you have to understand the people you are targeting, their concerns and the questions they will ask – Gen Z will ask questions about the sustainability credentials of your property.

HK: As designers you develop an understanding of how a space is used, are you then able to challenge a client and push the boundaries in the design process?

JM: As a designer we are always trying to push the client a little bit out of their comfort zone, to see what is unique about the property or offer and develop that into the design. Equally building constraints can push designers out of our comfort zone. Working on the 1 Hotel, where a conscious decision on sustainability grounds was made to refurbish rather than rebuild, the parameters meant we had to work harder to deliver the design vision.

JPP: There is a lot more discussion in the design process on how the guest is going to use a space. As designers we are peeling it back, looking at how guests are going to use the space for mental health, for wellness, as opposed to simply designing because it looks good.

green walls, patterned carpet and green corduroy footstools in personalised space at Beaverbrook designed by Nicola Harding &Co

Image caption: Beaverbrook designed by Nicola Harding & Co | Image credit: Nicola Harding & Co

HK: Personalisation appears to be a major trend going forward as hotels and brands look at how to make a space deeply personal to respond to an individual’s needs. Is this counter-intuitive in the hospitality arena where things need to be standardised and does this inevitably lead into the use of technology ?

Lauren Hughes-Glass: We have found clients generally want a simpler and less technical focus in their personal space, although this clearly depends on the type of property. Generally, for our clients, luxury is about simplifying life and stepping away from executive demands. Stripping out anything that requires thought and making design more intuitive is key.

WL: From an inclusive design perspective – things that are intuitive, that can be anticipated – are soothing for people and that definitely relates back to, if not reducing, certainly simplifying technology in our personal space.

JPP: We have done full a circle when it comes to technology – we’ve had the crazy keypads and now we are seeing the simplification.

HK: Connection with nature seems to be one of the key ways in which wellness is being explored outside the bathroom?

JM: Being in nature is apparently the only time that your brain is really stimulated but at the same time calm. Nature provides us with a sense of intellectual stimulation that is inherently different to the visual stimulation we get from a screen for example.

HK: Looking at product development in the wellness arena, how does Dornbracht take all these design demands and package them into products?

Ufuk Pirnal: We are constantly working to understand the needs of clients to inform product development. Spa and spa elements being designed for the bathroom has been key, along with user friendly intuitive solutions as mentioned earlier. As these design demands gain momentum, there is an increase in demand and the products then become more affordable and less bespoke. The last few years, essentially post-Covid, has seen a much greater emphasis on the personal spa and as a result the products have kept up with the demand.

minimalist shower with green lighting integrated into the rainshower by Dornbracht

Image caption: Dornbracht Rainshower | Image credit: Dornbracht

HK: Is there more emphasis on the bathroom in particular now in luxury design than there was pre-Covid? Has that been the defining moment, creating a design shift?

JM: The bathroom has always been an important element in a luxury offering, but it is becoming bigger and with an emphasis on products that deliver wellness experiences.

UB: Going back to sustainability, possibly one of the most fundamental changes facing us as designers is the question  around sustainability and product sources. Within the next decade I think this will be the biggest shift and in ten years, this will be a very different conversation.

HK: ESG and specifications aside, taking a look at the range of finishes and materials available now, has this impacted on bathroom design?

JM: Three years ago, working on the bathroom design for 1 Hotel, we wanted a dark bronze finish which immediately limited options, three years on and the market is wide open. There is now a huge range of finishes and colours available and definitely the opportunity for designers to be more creative.

JPP: If anything, there are too many choices but what is becoming important now, the differentiators when making product choices, are the credentials and specifications, both on a design and a manufacturing level. The carbon footprint of a product might become the deciding factor when making product choices in such a competitive landscape.

white chair with green striped cushion and green plants in a corner of a gym

Image caption: Club Q designed by be-kin| Image credit: be-kin

HK: A lot of the conversation has been about nature and injecting nature into a design through wellness – how does this impact on urban wellness and how can you inject nature when its not on your doorstep?

JM: Its about looking at wellness in a different way and understanding that there is more than one way to approach it. Sometimes, particularly in a more urban area, it is less about being zen and more about vibrant and energised. Offering a different way of looking at wellness and both  have their place.

WL: Wellness is definitely not just about being zen and sensory seeking behaviour that is energising is also about wellness. There is more than one look to wellness and they all need to be explored and have a place.

CC: Working on wellness design on all levels from superyachts to a hotel bathroom, we always stress that it is not just about the space, its about the state of mind. This can be injected into the design on so many different levels. It is not simply about reflecting the natural world, but developing a design that can help shape a lifestyle.

mural in industrial style contemporary gym design sweat by bxr by Bergman Interiors

Image caption: SWEAT by BXR designed by Bergman Interiors | Image credit: Bergman Interiors

HK: Finally, it would be useful to end on a note from Dornbracht to get an idea of what to expect in product design moving forward into the year.

UP: In terms of product development Dornbracht will be offering new additions to existing ranges. Some of the classic ranges are now twenty years old with designs that remain relevant and we are adding to these ranges to develop the story further. Importantly there will be new rain showers and new finishes across the ranges.
Producing in-house is another key change which comes back to to the subject of sustainability that has run through todays discussion. As a brand, Dornbracht is aware that sustainability is key in the specification process, so we are putting energy into this and ensuring that the information is both available and accessible.

Dornbracht 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.

Pallavi Dean Metaverse DESIGN POD

Design in the metaverse explored on latest podcast episode

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Design in the metaverse explored on latest podcast episode

DESIGN POD, the design podcast for all designers and architects, has just dropped it’s latest episode (and it’s a juicy one). Editor Hamish Kilburn and interior designer Pallavi Dean catch up to explore ‘design in the metaverse’…

Pallavi Dean Metaverse DESIGN POD

Don’t switch off. Even if you are – no, especially if you are – a metaverse sceptic, I urge you to listen to episode 30 of DESIGN POD, which explores the boundless, creative and immersive design possibilities in the metaverse. It is not, by any means, suggesting that the virtual world will replace real-life interactions. If anything, this episode of the design podcast is suggesting that will enhance those real life experiences.

Before HIX 2022, when I chaired an honest, open and entertaining panel discussion on this very topic, the idea of the metaverse, like it does for many others, sent a shiver down my spine. I wasn’t sure how, as an industry, we were ethically allowing ourselves to explore the virtual universe when so much of the good that happens in hotel design comes from celebrating and researching the tactile, real-life nature of materials. And that’s where I was going wrong – changing my mindset to realise that real-life hospitality and virtual experiences can co-exist allowed this episode of DESIGN POD to happen.

Pallavi Dean, Founder of Dubai-based interior design studio Roar, explains on the design podcast episode that the metaverse will not replace physical hospitality. Instead, Dean, together with a cluster of forward-thinking designers around the world who have also purchased property in the metaverse, is encouraging us to think of this connected virtual universe as an extension of a brand. “The metaverse is something that is meant to be an immersive experience,” the designer explains. “What we have to remember, as empaths, is that we are still human. We might be interacting through web browsers or VR headsets, but we still want an experience, a journey, and something that is relatable.”

And it doesn’t end there. On the episode, before talking to Dean – someone who has, in her words, ‘skin in the game’ having purchased four plots in the metaverse – about what designers should consider start in purchasing and designing this virtual world, I wanted to further get to know her and the personality of her studio. In order to understand why Roar is considered, in real life and in the metaverse, one of the leading boutique design studios in the UAE, it was important to start the episode by exploring how Dean approaches design in real life, which, it turns out is no different to her work in virtual worlds. “Putting it in basic terms, the metaverse is 3D modelling, which is what we do every single day when we are pitching for projects,” the designer says.

This episode is about challenging misconceptions, which is something that interior designers and architects have long championed. The metaverse has conjured up so many opinions in recent years – and all of which are valid. This episode subtly asks whether it would be better to be part of the narrative; to shape the future of meta with layers of human-centric design, rather than being a powerless sceptic on the sidelines.

The full 40-minute podcast episode, which follows episode 29, is available to listen to on all major podcast platforms – just search ‘DESIGN POD’ wherever you get your podcasts. The next episode will drop on April 26 with hotelier Derek Joubert, Co-Founder of Great Plains Conservation, who will join Kilburn to discuss hotels in nature.

Main image credit: Roar / DESIGN POD

coloured glass pendant range of lights against art deco wallpaper. Lights in the Levit, Warner & Romney glass pendant ranges by Northern Lights

Just landed: Northern Lights brings texture & nature to SS23 Collection

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Just landed: Northern Lights brings texture & nature to SS23 Collection

EXCLUSIVE: Renowned for its in-house finishes, luxury materials and attention to detail and form, Northern Lights has released its anticipated Spring – Summer 2023 Collection of decorative lighting. Hotel Designs was invited to take an exclusive look at the array of new luxury lighting designs on offer, set to light up the industry…

coloured glass pendant range of lights against art deco wallpaper. Lights in the Levit, Warner & Romney glass pendant ranges by Northern Lights

The mix of luxury raw materials and the brand’s attention to detail and finish, brings tactility into focus with the Northern Lights SS23 collection. Design influences draw from nature, texture and art deco to offer an eclectic mix of aesthetics whilst retaining the Signature Collection’s timeless luxury principles.

Designed by Donna Gridley Head of Creative and crafted by their master artisans, the range includes table, wall, chandelier, pendant and rechargeable lights, carefully curated for hospitality, residential and marine markets. As pioneers of British design and engineering, each piece in their new collection is made and finished in-house under the registered Made in Britain mark, in response to the growing demand from interior designers for artisan British-made lighting that’s synonymous with quality.

Looking to the natural world, inspiration has been drawn from the shapes of seed pods through to sustainable material choice, to create a mix of lighting designs inspired by mother nature. Deep greens, wood stains and natural stone colour palettes are combined with organic shapes and textural designs to celebrate the beauty of our natural environment.

Inspired by the organic forms of seed pods, the fins of the Chaco ceramic table lamp have been delicately modelled by pinching out the clay to create softly formed ridges. Finished in a Matt Black Raku style glaze or a Stipple Matt reactive glaze which lend themselves sympathetically to this natural form.

The Sisley lampbase is available in Medium Oak and Wenge finishes. The hand-turned sustainable Alder wood creates an elegant yet striking silhouette that celebrates the simplicity and beauty of natural wood. The design story is completed with a finished with a brushed brass base and a linen shade.

mood lamp on a table with textured ceramic base and deco patterend wallpaper in the background - Denali table lamp by northern Lights

Image caption: Denali | Image credit: Northern Lights

Texture and form bring tactility to ceramic lamp designs, rendering them more than just light forms but exquisite sculptures and works of art. The Denali ceramic table lamp with its cylindrical shape uses fine textural lines carved into the wider decorative details, which soften the straight lines and lend an archaeological feel to the design. The lamp is available in two reactive Matt glazes – Bornite and Vulcanic – and finished with a Pearl or Oyster linen drum.

Another textured base, the ovoid Rondo design allows reactive glazes to collect in the patterned ring effect allowing a concentration of colour. The ivory matt crackle finish creates a subtle yet beautiful effect, off-set by a hand finished brass base and Soho Linen Drum.

art deco style glass wall lights against art deco wallpaper design

Image caption: Bayreuth | Image credit: Northern Lights

Marble, granite, alabaster and glass are utilised to great effect across several new ranges. Referencing the style and lines of the 1920’s are the Deco-inspired Bayreuth chandeliers and wall lights. Inspired by Fritz Lang’s brutalist lines in Metropolis, they epitomise the styling of 1920’s Germany but are softened by the use of beautiful elliptical alabaster and glass shades.

contemporary chandelier with offset arms by Northern Lights

Image caption: Veris | Image credit: Northern Lights

Elsewhere, the off-set arms of the Veris chandelier cleverly creates an asymmetrical feature which elevates ceiling spaces where there is not much room. Although any height drop is available, this works well as a compact, almost flush fitting option and is finished in matt black and brushed brass with opal drum shades.

Additional ceiling options within the collection, Levit, Warner and Romney glass pendant ranges allow designers to mix and match different shapes and tones to create beautiful, custom lighting installations. Mouth-blown Borosilicate glass is available in frosted, opal, clear and reeded options, as well as smoke, green, amber and teal to add a pop of colour and to complement a multitude of interior palettes.

The full SS23 Collection with more than 90 brand new designs is showcased in the beautiful new Northern Lights Lookbook, and on the website.

> Since you’re here, why not read about Editor Hamish Kilburn’s impressions of Northern Lights’ factory?

Northern Lights 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: Northern Lights

dark blue wall, patterned carpet and purple chair in madurai fabric by skopos

Product watch: Madurai from Skopos

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Product watch: Madurai from Skopos

Skopos launches new fabric collections for use within contract interiors each year and the textured multi-tonal chenille of Madurai is its latest offering…

dark blue wall, patterned carpet and purple chair in madurai fabric by skopos

Experts in flame retardant fabrics and soft furnishings, Skopos products are tested to ensure performance to the high standards set for commercial environments. With echoes of the Impressionist style of art, the new Skopos Madurai upholstery quality offers a broad palette of 23 colourways, from cosy neutrals to exotic multi-tonal brights.

Focussing in on the Berry colourway with pops of bright Magenta– Pantone colour of the year– and deeper berry tones, the fabric brings a lively focal point to a room. A soft, textured chunky chenille, with a subtle brick-like relief, the tones within the palette provide the opportunity for designers to link to numerous colour cues within interior schemes.

colour samples of Skopos Madurai chenille contract fabric against a dark blue panelled wall

Image credit: Skopos

With Crib 5 backing as standard for full flame retardancy, Madurai performs to 40,000 Martindale rubs, perfect for hospitality and leisure interiors and meets the standard set for severe contract use for commercial furniture. Madurai also performs to the requirements for IMO, confirming suitability for Marine and Cruise interior environments. Available immediately, with short lead-times for larger order quantities, Skopos are pleased to add this collection into its Accents range.

Alongside Madurai, Skopos also offer curtain, bedding and a wide choice of upholstery qualities. In addition designers can take advantage of its Bespoke Solutions, where customers can brief the Skopos design team on specific requirements unique to their scheme or to provide an interior solution unique to their brand.

Skopos 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: Skopos

Headshot of Robert Godwin, Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2022

Meet Robert Godwin, Hotelier of the Year, The Brit List Awards 2022

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Meet Robert Godwin, Hotelier of the Year, The Brit List Awards 2022

In the third and final video in our series with GROHE X that celebrates the winners from The Brit List Awards 2022, editor Hamish Kilburn meets Robert Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group, the company that opened the world’s first net-zero hometel…

Headshot of Robert Godwin, Hotelier of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2022

As we heard from Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality at Perkins&Will, going truly embodied carbon net-zero is no easy feat. Robert Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group and winner of Hotelier of Year at The Brit List Awards 2022, took net-zero beyond a blue-sky-thinking concept in hospitality when he and his team opened room2 Chiswick, the world’s first net-zero ‘hometel’.

The modest-sized boutique hotel in West London’s leafy neighbourhood of Chiswick fully accounts for its entire carbon footprint, using 89 per cent less energy compared to other hotels by rolling out various sustainable initiatives.

Aside from the brand’s eco ambitions – room2 is expected to open three new net-zero hotels between now and 2026 – its ‘hometel’ DNA centred around socially and environmentally driven design. “We looked at new and old definitions on ‘what is home’, from east to west, because home is never the same anywhere else,” the hotelier told me in an interview on GROHE X. “When we go to a new neighbourhood, we have to get the flavour of each space.” For Godwin and his team, it is about designing human-centric spaces emotionally, with feeling.

Godwin, who is only the start of his journey in hospitality, has built a strong foundation of a brand – its more than a concept, it’s a hospitality first – that will do as well as feel good each time a guests checks in. The judges of The Brit List Awards 2022 were impressed by the data that the brand had managed to calculate, as well as the hoteliers plans for the future. As part of Godwin’s commitment to being net zero, for example, the company will also be tracking and minimising scope three emissions both within their company as well as encouraging their suppliers, employees and guests to reduce their private emissions. The team at room2 Chiswick are also working with a nature based reforesting partner in Nicaragua to calculate their footprint and offset for the unavoidable emissions.

“The standard was internationally renowned, and I am super honoured, and touched, to have that recognition – it really is for the team to be proud of,” concluded Godwin. “These awards definitely help to nudge our industry to do better, and allow the sustainability movement to to continue.”

Applications / nominations for The Brit List Awards 2023 will open in the summer. The process to apply is free for all designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers alike. This is one of three videos that Hotel Designs has launch in association with GROHE, Broadcasting Partner of The Brit List Awards, to amplify a handful of the winners from last year’s campaign.

Main image credit: Lamington Group

Flair Studio designed Lucarelli

Case study: designing a new dining experience inside Harvey Nichols

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Case study: designing a new dining experience inside Harvey Nichols

Less than six months old, Lucarelli is a new restaurant that is sheltered inside Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, London. To add flavour to this month’s feature exploring public areas, we spoke to the designers at Flair Studio to learn more…

Flair Studio designed Lucarelli

In August 2022, a unique opportunity presented itself for FlairStudio to create a traditional Italian restaurant for Lucarelli and chef Aldo Zilli at the top floor of Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge. The space, which was once occupied by Yo-Sushi, was closed a few years ago – by the time it entered the interior design studio’s radar, it was time for a new F&B concept to arrive.

The design team conducted a feasibility strategy together with Lucarelli and Harvey Nichols to redefine the whole F&B area, including a new kitchen, which the studio wanted to keep as open as possible. The aim for the new open kitchen was to add a sort of theatre and movement with a real-flame pizza oven and to celebrate the importance of the cuisine. “The result was a 10-metre opening, which we conceived like a bar but this time the pizza oven with the open flame sits at the centre, where the spirits would usually be,” Federico Schilling of FlairStudio told Hotel Designs. “In terms of materials, we opted for dark green Zellige tiles to the kitchen walls so the light blue of the chefs uniform could clearly stand out. The bar is made in Verdigris patina with brass accents, which again recalls the colour of the uniforms.”

Fake trees around new restaurant at Harvey Nichols

Image credit: Marco Joe Fazio

Like all successful F&B concepts, the focus is to capture people via a strong first impression and for the experience of the design to be layered so that it maintains attention. “We tried to play with the atmosphere of the place to provide a sense of authenticity and familiarity that is enhanced by the open kitchen but then is also filtered down with the use of natural materials, colours and the textures enhanced the natural light coming through the roof lights,” Schilling added. “We tried to build a narrative along the customer route starting from the sense of arrival were you are greeted by the staff in front of the bespoke Italian mosaic, you then walk along the open kitchen and get the opportunity to chat with the chefs before seating down at your table. Screens we also designed so that each table feels protected but has a view into the kitchen.”

While the idea of adding soft barriers in an F&B concept seems simple enough, it did provide the design team with perhaps their largest challenge, as Schilling explained. “Instead of walls, we imagined these screens composed by a timber structure at low level that was carved out to make it appear less bulky, with a metal structure at high level made by a series of arches which have been covered in foliage and sometimes can be used as an opportunity for signage or for decorative lighting. Sometimes they can give a sense of protection, or allow you to watch inside.”

close up of dining char at Lucarelli Harvey Nichols

Image credit: Marco Joe Fazio

In addition to designing the space, the studio carefully studied all the operational aspects that included the sense of arrival and the route through the open kitchen as well as the seating area. “These routes are sequenced with a series of arches – sometimes hidden by the plants, sometimes enhanced by decorative lights and artworks, including a mosaic piece that we designed at the entrance that reflect the heritage of the traditional Italian cuisine,” Schilling added.

The main narrative was to create an open garden on the top floor. The idea was to curate the experience to ensure that every detail and operational element plays it part. This was, of course, reflected in the choice of materials, finishes and lights. “To enhance the sense of arrival, we collaborated with mosaicist Giulia Manzoni to design a mosaic piece, a tondo artistico that reflects the Italian heritage of the Lucarelli brand,” explained the designer. “We also designed low-level screens with a series of arches, sometimes hidden by the plants, sometimes enhanced by decorative lights and artworks, to create controlled visions through the main hall while offering privacy and separate areas.”

Close-up of mosaic inside Harvey Nichols restaurant

Image credit: Marco Joe Fazio

The result of FlairStudio’s work, to redesign the top-floor F&B space inside Harvey Nichols, is an immersive experience that has been designed to transport its customers somewhere new – perhaps unexpected – away from the noise of the rest of the iconic department store.

> Since you’re here, why not read about this month’s hottest hotel openings?

Main image credit: Marco Joe Fazio

Fritz Hansen PK4 Hotel Designs - lounge chair

Introducing the PK4 lounge chair by Fritz Hansen

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Introducing the PK4 lounge chair by Fritz Hansen

Fritz Hansen has described the new lounge chair as ‘modern lounging at the intersection of art and design’…

Fritz Hansen PK4 Hotel Designs - lounge chair

This spring, Fritz Hansen is presenting PK4, completing the Poul Kjærholm (1929 – 1980) range of easy chairs. Designed in 1952, the striking, streamlined silhouette was one of Kjærholm’s earliest designs after graduating from the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Its visionary approach reveals an early example of Kjærholm’s continuous research of geometry.

Seven tubular steel pieces are welded into a single frame, the back and seat are of a single length of halyard—the result is a light and sculptural expression that is both ingenious and elegant. The design perfectly captures Kjærholm’s unique ability to distill technically complex ideas into visually arresting, functional objects that are as much standalone works of architecture as they are furnishings that stand at the intersection of art and design.

Fritz Hansen black lounge chair by square window

Image credit: Fritz Hansen

The new PK4 comes with an improved structural integrity and includes the addition of a new seat cushion designed to elevate the seating experience. “Halyard is a beautiful material, but we wanted to create the option for the seat to be slightly more comfortable,” noted Marie-Louise Høstbo, Creative Design Director, Fritz Hansen. “The slim-profile, circular pillow adds to the graphic appearance of the chair itself and the materials borrow from Kjærholm’s tradition of working with canvas and leather. When you add to a historic design it must be done respectfully, and with this loose pillow the chair’s profile remains perfectly defined.”

Range of lounge chairs in minimalist room

Image credit: Fritz Hansen

Available in satin-brushed stainless steel or black powder coated stainless steel, with halyard in either natural or black, the PK4 sits in close dialogue with other well-known Kjærholm designs. “I think it’s fair to consider this chair as a further exploration of his studies, the result of an experimental phase where he was full of curiosity, and it certainly has a relationship to the PK25, and later the PK22 chair,” said Thomas Kjærholm, the late designer’s son, who is intimately involved in managing the Kjærholm archive.

Kjærholm’s specific use of tubular steel also lends the PK4 context in the wider design scene that was playing out during the mid-century, nodding to the work of Mathieu Matégot, for example, and the International Modernism movement that was blooming across Central Europe.

Extreme close up of lounge chair

Image credit: Fritz Hansen

On display in Fritz Hansen showrooms globally as of end March, the PK4 joins the wider family of Kjærholm designs that has been manufactured by Fritz Hansen, in close collaboration with the Kjærholm estate, since 1982.

“The more you research the work of Kjærholm the more you must acknowledge his immense impact on Danish design,” added Høstbo, “His respectful approach to tradition, his dedication, and his curiosity continue to impress—and we want to share this with a new generation of design enthusiasts by keeping the collection relevant.”

> Since you’re here, why not read about a new ‘dandy’ hotel in Calgary?

Fritz Hansen 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: Fritz Hansen

TREND ricebowl Hotel Designs

Product watch: TREND Etherium by E-stone

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Product watch: TREND Etherium by E-stone

TREND Etherium by E-stone adds a light touch to the dining experience…

TREND ricebowl Hotel Designs

TREND’s range of engineered stone overlay surfaces have always been a natural ‘go-to’ solution for restaurants and bars looking to upgrade their customer experience. With a wide range of colours and finishes, it adds an extra touch of luxury that’s not only quick and easy to install, but reassuringly affordable.

These low-maintenance, hard-wearing solid surfaces are not only built to keep their looks for years but also stand up to everyday wear and tear without a scratch, stain or heat-mark in sight. Completely non-porous and easy to clean, they also benefit from having MicrobanÒ anti-microbial protection built-in for life, making them ideal for commercial kitchens as well as customer serving areas.

When premier Asian restaurant ‘Ricebowl’ in Chico, California were looking to give their front-of-house a more contemporary feel, it was no surprise they decided to go with TREND for their feature dining bar. With its big sweeping curve, the bar creates a main focal point for the restaurant that draws attention and needs to stand up to close inspection.

Wanting to create a dynamic statement, the owners chose 453 Dark Blue etheriumÒ By E-Stone for the counter-top. With its deep colour and rich tones, it set the mood they wanted perfectly, but they decided to take it a step further and make a real statement by shaving the material underneath. This allowed the whole counter to be back-lit, creating a subtly illuminated feature that literally emits a welcoming glow.

Another benefit of the material is that it was able to be thermoformed to follow the curve of the bar without grooves or interruption.

To contrast, Liberty Ochre mosaic tiles were chosen for the enormous back wall and front of the dining bar. Reflecting the light with subtle tones of yellows, golds and browns, the tiles add an extra dimension to the whole dining experience.

> Since you’re here, why not read about TREND mosaics that are inspired by nature?

TREND Group 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: TREND Group

guestroom in voco Melbourne with grey wall and grey Modieus carpet and white linen

Case Study: Modieus frames the floors in voco Melbourne

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Case Study: Modieus frames the floors in voco Melbourne

voco Melbourne Central is the first new build voco in the world and Modieus was tasked with designing bespoke flooring solutions to compliment and finish its statement look…

guestroom in voco Melbourne with grey wall and grey Modieus carpet and white linen

Located in the heart of Melbourne, this originally designed inner-city oasis gives a stunning first impression from the outside in. Part of the 380 Melbourne skyscraper and moments away from Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central Station and the Emporium, voco Melbourne Central has a modern charm with spectacular views of the city.

“The hotel’s colour palette features smokey blues, dove greys and voco’s signature colour of honey gold,” explained Debra Ryan, Design Manager, Modieus. “The finished look is refined with upscale and luxurious qualities. We designed a combination of Axminster and hand tufted carpets and rugs for different areas of the hotel.”

Modieus have injected a refinement not usually seen in standard Axminster carpets. The sophisticated 3D effect in the corridor and guestroom carpets in soft pastels, blue and greys makes a strong design statement and visually underpins the interior.

restaurant seating and tables on a grey modieus carpet in voco Melbourne with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city

Image credit: voco Melbourne

The restaurant carpet has touches of voco yellow. For the rooftop Blacksmith Brasserie and Bar, Modieus designed a distressed, texture parquet effect with a neutral grey base and highlights of vibrant blue and orange. This contemporary approach to Axminster design creates the voco look, with all the comfort and ambience a carpet brings to a space.

“We continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable in carpets,” said Xander Okhuizen, Founder, Modieus. “Our meticulous attention to design, colouration and using different yarn types such as shiny nylon takes Axminster construction to different level.”

quiet seating space in front of windows in grey and blue tones with yellow cushions and Modieus carpet in voco melbourne

Image credit: voco Melbourne

Specialists in all types of carpet construction, Modieus created luxurious hand tufted carpets with a low/high pile juxtaposition for the public areas and the library on level six, where this hidden gem provides guests with some quiet time to take in the views of the Melbourne city scape.

The statement hand-cut low/high pile running through the interior, accentuates the subtle lines and curves in the design. The yarns used in the weaving change from blue greys to soft, cool shades to enhance the elegant public spaces. The refreshing hospitality, modern charm and those views to spark conversation, makes voco Melbourne the perfect destination to relax, socialise and enjoy the city. Whether guests want to spend some well-deserved down time in their rooms, get social on the rooftop, or have a get-together at Blacksmith Bar and Grill, voco Melbourne provides a space for every moment.

Modieus 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: voco Melbourne

Modern shower - GROHE Tempesta 250 shower set (Cube design) with EcoJoy

How shower tech is driving new era in bathroom design

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How shower tech is driving new era in bathroom design

Paul Baily, Leader, Product Management at GROHE, discusses how tech advancements are paving the way when it comes to showers in terms of design, sustainability and accessibility…

Modern shower - GROHE Tempesta 250 shower set (Cube design) with EcoJoy

The bathroom is no stranger to technological innovations and in recent years, such tech advancements have evolved, granting designers and specifiers great opportunities. With solutions now in place to improve personalisation, accessibility, and sustainability and overall user experience, there’s little room to not utilise such options.

​The industry is more aware than ever of its impact on the planet and coupled with the global cost of living crisis and the rising costs of utilities, it’s not surprising that conscious consumption, resource saving benefits, and value for money are being prioritised when it comes to specification.

Many shower systems and showerheads now available are equipped with water-saving technology, such as the GROHE ‘EcoJoy’ technology which couples flow regulating mousseurs and a O2 infused spray with technology that allows equal flow of water from each nozzle in the shower head. As a result, water usage is reduced whilst still guaranteeing a high-performing shower experience. By pairing thermostatic mixers with water-saving showerheads, designers can deliver the best in sustainable showering.

GROHE EUPHORIA SYSTEM 310 SHOWER SYSTEM with CoolTouch technology & EcoJoy for reduced flow

Image credit: GROHE

With thermostatic technology, thermostatic bar mixers provide precise temperature control and corrects temperature fluctuations within a fraction of a second, meaning water wastage through running the shower while adjusting the temperature is a thing of the past.

Premium thermostats can go a step further to support with eco-friendly benefits. As technology has advanced, there’s now models available that come with an ‘EcoButton’ that allows users to efficiently switch between eco-flow and full-flow, depending on individual preference.

As trends have shifted, the bathroom is now not just considered as the functional room to keep clean but one that can promote personal health and wellness. While we can all recognise and appreciate the benefits of a high-quality shower, what is considered the perfect shower experience varies from one customer to the next and a focus on personalisation is therefore the most effective way to ensure consistent satisfaction.

GROHE Grohtherm 1000 performance thermostatic shower mixer with EcoJoy & EcoButton

Image credit: GROHE

As a digitally connected world, it’s only right that we see digital innovations move into the bathroom and shower market. Many manufacturers have introduced showers that benefit from enhanced personalisation and control thanks to the power of app connectivity and Bluetooth technology. GROHE offers its Rainshower SmartConnect 310 showerhead, a retrofit solution which is Bluetooth connected and comes with a wireless remote control, allowing the user to switch between two luxurious spray patterns. The innovative Bluetooth remote control has up to four years battery life, and being free from mains connection or additional wires, allows it to be placed in any position within the shower cubicle.

Futureproofing hotel designs is also a crucial need when it comes the need of our ageing population and the increase of mutli-generational living. Accessibility and inclusivity are factors that must be considered from the outset of all designs but are particularly of importance for the future of hotels, especially when it comes to the bathroom.

Manufacturers are continuing to focus on thermostats which can balance temperature fluctuations within fractions of a second, as well as providing integrated technology which ensures the outer surface of the mixer stays cool to the touch.

Elsewhere, manufacturers have developed to offer technology that allows users to set a fixed limit for the water temperature. This offers ultimate protection against scalding, giving customers of all generations peace of mind and the freedom to shower independently.

Wet rooms are also becoming an increasingly popular shower design choice, providing more scope for innovation. Alongside the use of large overhead shower heads and responsive wall-mounted body sprays that pop out when the waterflow is turned on, wet rooms have the potential to become a haven of technology with Bluetooth-operated sound, lighting, and steam features for the ultimate shower experience.

> Since you’re here, why not read about GROHE SPA? 

GROHE 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: GROHE

Meliá to arrive in Lisbon in 2024

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Meliá to arrive in Lisbon in 2024

ME Lisbon will be a ‘destination in itself’, sheltering 213 rooms and a contemporary and clean design scheme that celebrates local art and craft…

Meliá Hotels International has announced that it will be making luxury-lifestyle debut in Lisbon next year with the hotly anticipated opening of ME Lisbon.

ME, which is safe to say the most fashion- and design-savvy within the Meliá portfolio, is a collection of design hotels. Each property within the cluster discovers contemporary culture through the lens of its bold, charismatic personality that continues to grow internationally in some of the global cultural epicentres in the world. Put simply, ME Lisbon will raise the bar for luxury lifestyle hotels in the city, following the success of the brand in other major cities such as London, Milan, Barcelona and Dubai.

Render ME Lisbon Lobby Bar

Image credit: Meliá Hotels International

ME Lisbon will be located on the corner of the downtown avenues of Antonio Augusto de Aguiar and Fontes Pereira de Melo, alongside the Eduardo VII Park and Marquês de Pombal Square. Already under construction, the striking semi-transparent, glass-facade building that the 213-key hotel will reside in has been designed by local architect João Paciência.

The hotel design, sensitively conceived by Broadway Malyan, will also employ the most efficient and sustainable technology to minimise its environmental footprint. The heat generated by the cooling systems in the hotel, for example, will be used as a source of energy for the hot water boilers. The design studio is said to have been inspired by the ‘unexpected’ nature of Lisbon. The interiors will feature a fresh and disruptive style that is also influenced by some of the key attractions in the city itself, such as the arches or colour of the trees on the Avenida da Liberdade, helping create a greater bond between the hotel and its local environment and community.

Render ME Lisbon Lobby

Image credit: Meliá Hotels International

With 213 rooms, ME Lisbon will offer the perfect combination of design, service and comfort for modern travellers, perfectly complemented by a choice of innovative dining and wellness concepts. It will feature an à la carte restaurant and a choice of international cuisine available throughout the day, together with one of the most popular hallmarks of the brand, Radio Rooftop Bar; a new meeting point for locals and visitors with an elite rooftop ambience and panoramic views.

The luxury hotel will also offer a gym and fully equipped spa and health club, providing guests with everything they need to disconnect and enjoy a total-relaxation experience in the indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath or massage cabins. There will also be more than 600 square metres of space for meetings and events in 11 flexible and adaptable event rooms. The hotel will have all the facilities required to make it a perfect destination for both business and leisure travellers.

> Since you’re here, why not read our exclusive, first-in review of ME Dubai? 

Main image credit: Meliá Hotels International

guestroom with wooden headboard divider detail and view to terrace with hammock at St Regis Kanai Resort by Chapi Chapo

Chapi Chapo Design unveils latest design masterpiece, St Regis Kanai Resort

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Chapi Chapo Design unveils latest design masterpiece, St Regis Kanai Resort

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya is a mystical paradise honouring ancient Maya civilisation with a design by award-winning interior design firm Chapi Chapo Design, which takes its inspiration from the neighbouring nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site along Mexico’s glistening Yucatán Peninsula…

guestroom with wooden headboard divider detail and view to terrace with hammock at St Regis Kanai Resort by Chapi Chapo

The inspired design of the luxury resort breathes life and magic into the Kanai region with its avant-garde architecture, inviting interiors and enchanted storytelling. Lead by Chapi Chapo Design’s Co-Founder and Partner, Tatiana Sheveleva, the design awakens the wonders of the region, from the luxuriant biodiversity of its natural parks and the mysticism of its cenotes, to the vivid blues of its ocean and the cultural richness of its archaeological sites.

“Chapi Chapo Design is honoured to continue working closely with Marriott International and the St. Regis brand by telling the story of the Mayan peoples and not only protect the land but preserve the rituals and traditions they once practiced through our design,” said Sheveleva, Chapi Chapo Design, Co-Founder and Partner. “The resort awakens a journey to enlightenment through ancient Mayan storytelling and offers an inspiring welcome to one of the world’s most dramatic secluded settings – a sanctuary where time does not exist.”

outdoor dining venue with wooden frame over water and stepping stones

Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort

The St Regis Kanai Resort shelters 124 lavishly appointed guestrooms including 19 suites with a 200 square metre Presidential Suite, each offering mesmerising ocean views and a private terrace or plunge pool. The spacious guestrooms feature design elements and rich materials evoking the surrounding elements from the mangrove trees and nearby cenotes to the stars above. Storytelling, folklore and superstitions are strongly embedded in Mexican culture and brought to life throughout the resort’s design. The Maya excelled at agriculture, pottery, hieroglyph writing, calendar-making and mathematics and left behind an astonishing amount of impressive architecture and symbolic artwork.

Common threads woven within the resort’s design offer respect to the Maya peoples, renowned for their remarkably accurate system of timekeeping based largely on astronomical measurements that let them time agricultural events and religious observances. Considered one of the most accurate in the world, the Mayan calendar was intimately interwoven with their religion and cosmology, lending it an aura of mystical insight that resonates throughout the resort’s guest experience.

Chapi Chapo Design is responsible for all interior spaces including 124 guestrooms and suites, eight incredible culinary venues, The St. Regis Spa with eight treatment suites and a standalone salon, Children’s Club and indoor and outdoor event space spread across six distinguished meeting venues. The resort architecture by Mexican firm Edmonds International, is a design masterpiece, which features an exceptional circular exterior design inspired by the constellation Pleiades, resulting in unrivalled ocean views from nearly every vantage point. Designed with a minimal construction footprint aimed at protecting the natural reserve, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya is suspended above a mangrove forest with the different elements of the hotel connected by elevated walkways. Enchanted by the spiritual power of nature, the Maya believed the sky was the entry to heaven.

wooden furniture in front of curved facade and panoramic windows in the lobby in The St. Regis Kanai Resort

Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort

The resort’s unique landscape pays tribute to Maya astronomer-priests who looked to the heavens for guidance, building ceremonial temples and pyramids which precisely aligned with the movements of celestial bodies in order to protect the gods and help them guide the Sun and Moon across the sky through the night. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the mangroves give way to lush gardens and an expansive outdoor lawn with direct access to two miles of undisturbed white sand beach.

bathroom in The St. Regis Kanai Resort with wood, marble and mirrored surfaces

Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort

The Maya were deeply religious, and worshiped various gods related to nature, including the gods of the sun, the moon, rain and corn. At the top of Maya society were the kings, or ‘kuhul ajaw’ (holy lords), who claimed to be related to gods and followed a hereditary succession. They were thought to serve as mediators between the gods and people on earth and performed the elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals so important to the Maya culture.

Throughout the guestroom, design elements draw inspiration from ceremonial garments made by the Maya women and are found on bedside ceramic light pendants and intricate walnut wood-carved headboards with bronze-finished mirrors. The details of the wood also resemble the Maya’s diamond textile patterns which is a key design element for all St. Regis hotels as diamonds were adored by Mrs. Caroline Astor – the matriarch of the St. Regis brand. Like the Astors, who created some of our most beloved signature rituals worldwide, the Maya society also enjoyed practicing rituals and ceremonies to honour the gods. The resort’s restaurant and bar seating and open layouts are meant to bring the outdoors in and be a welcome place for people to come together like the Mayans as well.

white leather and wood chair detail with mayan inspired circular motif by Chapi chapo design

Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort

The circular shapes and hanging mirrors and amenity shelves within the guestroom take inspiration from nearby cenotes – a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater which is naturally filtered. The regional term is specifically associated with the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, where cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya and occasionally for sacrificial offerings. Rich materials imitating the ecosystem where the resort lays include serene marbles with hues of blue, grey and green that mimic the surrounding elements, travertine to resemble local limestone, while walnut wood brings rich warmth and grounding to each area of the resort where design imitates life. The layout of the resort and materials used invite nature in for the guest to metaphysically experience Riviera Maya, sparking curiosity and a desire to uncover Mexico’s rich history and discover the natural wonders of the land and its people.

bar running along wall with traditional diamond motif pattern on the wall and view along window to outdoors at The St. Regis Kanai Resort

Image credit: The St. Regis Kanai Resort

The resort invites guests and local luminaries to embark on unique gastronomic journeys with eight incredible culinary venues designed by Chapi Chapo Design. At The St. Regis Bar, the mural’s soothing abstract mosaic pays tribute to Maya astronomer-priests who looked to the heavens for guidance. They built ceremonial temples and pyramids which precisely aligned with the movements of celestial bodies to protect the gods and help them guide the sun and moon across the sky through the night which is depicted in the intricately handcrafted mural. The Maya believed that the heavenly bodies needed human help, which was provided through sacred rituals. To the Maya, offering this help was simply the price to be paid for the continued survival of the universe. The abstract motif cultivates a tranquil atmosphere by combining both the warm and cool colours of Kanai’s enchanting sunrise and sunset. Soothing cloud formations create a unified theme while incorporating complimentary tones which reflect the serene and mystical energy of Kanai – a place where resort guests experience heaven on earth.

Main image credit: The St Regis Kanai Resort

terrazzo floor and glass screen on terrace of sircle Milan overlooking the city

Sircle Hotels – a new lifestyle hotel brand from Sircle Collection

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Sircle Hotels – a new lifestyle hotel brand from Sircle Collection

Boutique hospitality group Sircle Collection has announced the launch of its newest lifestyle hotel brand, Sircle Hotels, joining the portfolio alongside Sir Hotels, Max Brown Hotels, Park Centraal Hotels, Àterre and private members’ club concept The Cover…

terrazzo floor and glass screen on terrace of sircle Milan overlooking the city

Sircle Collection is an innovative brand within the hospitality arena, creating one-of-a-kind hotels, restaurants, members club, concept stores and spas in some of Europe’s most inspiring neighbourhoods. The addition of Sircle to the portfolio will drive the group’s global expansion and included in its pipeline is the launch of a debut UK property, Sircle London, opening its doors in late Autumn and Sircle Milan, opening in Spring 2024.

brick façade of Sircle London hotel with view up the street to London centre

Image credit: Sircle Collection

Sitting on the corner of London’s vibrant East End and The City, Sircle London will house a 81-guestroom hotel, The Cover members club, yoga studio and gym, outdoor botanical courtyard and Seven North restaurant by internationally renowned Israeli chef Eyal Shani. Inspired by local craft, Sircle London’s in-house design team will shine a spotlight on home-grown makers and creators, whilst combining custom furniture synonymous with Sircle Hotels’ aesthetic.

Sircle Collection will also see the exciting arrival of Sircle Milan, a restoration project in Milan’s iconic Torre Velasca housing 72 ultra luxury penthouses, Sircle Collection’s private members club The Cover and an impressive spa and gym, spanning over 11 floors of the building. Globally renowned architecture and interior design studio Dimorestudio, will be at the helm of the property’s interiors.

balcony with chairs and table in sircle Milan with views right across Milan

Image credit: Sircle Collection

“We are absolutely thrilled to be expanding further into Europe and at such a pivotal moment for Sircle Collection’s evolution,” said Liran Wizman, Founder, Sircle Collection.” It’s always been a dream of ours to open a property in London and offer something compelling and distinctive to the city, as well as introduce London to The Cover, our global member’s club. Likewise, the opening of Sircle Milan will add a new and exciting dynamic to the ever-evolving brand.”

The brand’s global expansion is set to continue through 2024 and beyond, with further hotel openings in some of the world’s most coveted destinations. In Vienna, located within the Max Brown 7th District, Sircle Collection’s private members club The Cover will open this summer. The clubs focus on the three key areas of wellbeing, work life and community. The restaurant will serve a dedicated club menu and contemporary drinks and a rich cultural programme will be available as well as diverse body and mind classes.

The Cover, Amsterdam is planned for Winter 2023. The Cover is a private members club for entrepreneurs, innovators and the culturally curious set within the centre of Amsterdam inside W Amsterdam. Members enjoy free access to private social spaces, the AWAY Spa & Gym and members-only workspace. Plus exclusive benefits at the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Duchess, hotel rooms in Sircle Collection’s portfolio, spa treatments and meeting spaces.

The first Max Brown property to appear in the Mediterranean area is slated for Winter 2023. This hotel will welcome 103 guestrooms, a rooftop and a variety of community spaces including several relaxed F&B areas, an indoor living room, dining area, open bar, outdoor terrace, and plunge pool. With a modern 70’s feel, Max Brown Athens will sit in the centre of Athens, within reach of major central squares such as Omonia Square.

Another winter opening, Max Brown Vienna is located in Vienna’s 5th District, Margareten and will be Max Brown’s second outlet in Vienna, designed by Sircle Collections in-house team. With neighbours like the historic Margaretenhof and the famous ‘Naschmarkt’, it will offer 117 guestrooms, meeting and event spaces, a local art collection, as well as an all-day F&B concept on the hotel’s ground floor.

artist render of guestroom in Aterre rotterdam slated for spring 2024

Image credit: Sircle Collection

Moving into 2024, Àterre rotterdam is designed for extended leisure and business stays, relying on seamless technology and a space concept that is adapting home routines to guest stays. Àterre Rotterdam will bring the best of a new generation lifestyle hotel and service apartment under one roof. Located in one of the most vibrant culinary streets, Witte de With, Àterre Rotterdam will open with 56 guestrooms, each with a kitchenette, living room inspired public spaces and an open kitchen and a gym.

Completing the pipeline, located within a heritage building with high ceilings and a charming courtyard, Sir Prague will open in autumn 2024 as one of Prague’s newest lifestyle hotels. With 76 guestrooms, Sir Prague will sit in close proximity to the famous Dancing House alongside the Vltava River and will be home to a Seven North restaurant, an indoor courtyard, a speakeasy bar concept, as well as a gym and a library.

Main image credit: Sircle Collection

Northern Lights in factory - Hotel Designs

In the factory: behind the scenes with Northern Lights

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In the factory: behind the scenes with Northern Lights

Editor Hamish Kilburn had a ‘day in the life’ with the team at Northern Lights. While at the brand’s headquarters in Chesterfield, England, he was given a tour of the product development process – from laser cutting through to metalwork – and got hands-on in creating bespoke finishes…

Northern Lights in factory - Hotel Designs

It’s not true what they say. You don’t only notice lighting when it is done badly. The lighting schemes inside projects such as Venice Simplon Orient Express, Chateau Denmark, Mayfair Townhouse, Waldorf Astoria, Heythrop Park Hotel, Belmond British Pullman, and a range of superyachts – all featuring statement lighting pieces from Northern Lights – are proof that lighting is (and should) be part of any guest’s first impression.

A luxury living area inside Galaxy Yacht by Njord by Bergman

Image caption: Statement lighting is designed to be noticed inside Galaxy Yacht, designed by Njord by Bergman. | Image credit: Jack Hardy

Exceptional lighting has come to define and, of course, transform interiors in hotels and beyond. But to really appreciate the art and craft of bespoke lighting, designers should take the time to understand the intricate design and manufacturing processes, which is exactly what I was able to do recently when I travelled up to Chesterfield to spend a day with the team at Northern Lights. “We are creators, visionaries and craftspeople,” said Donna Bruce, Managing Director of the company when she started to show me around the factory floor. “We all have a burning passion to transform the sublime into the iconic.” And with that mantra in mind, my journey around the factory floor – delving into the various manufacturing elements, from design to metalwork, polishing to assembly – began.

As we started walking around the site, I caught a glimpse of an enormous lighting chandelier that at the time was in the wiring stages of its manufacturing journey. Just days before I was with the interior designer who, by nothing other than coincidence, was explaining how impactful the lighting inside the project they were referring to was going to be. The designer’s eyes lit up when they mentioned a statement chandelier, the very piece that was being carefully created under the factory roof. Working with Northern Lights and various other specialists, they had designed a bespoke moment in a special area of the hotel – and here it was, resting on a table in a factory, exposed and ready to be assembled.

Projects like these start months before, with various meetings and consultations with the in-house design team, where everything from the form to the finish can be discussed. For Donna Gridley, Head of Creative at Northern Lights, creative problem solving and having an eye for detail allows her to work closely with the in-house manufacturing teams and the artisans. “One of the biggest pitfalls I see is when lighting is not considered at the very early stages,” she explained. “I love that my role allows me pin-point precision thanks to the design and manufacture all being under one roof. No two days are the same. I feel fortunate to work in an area I’m fiercely passionate about, and grateful to continue to collaborate alongside some of the industry’s elite interior designers. They trust us with making their creative visions a reality and I get great satisfaction in seeing the finished projects come to life.”

A modern, lighting and bright guestroom inside Sopwell House - lighting by Northern Lights

Image caption: The lighting scheme playing a major role inside Sopwell House, designed by Sparcstudio. | Image credit: Michael Franke

The bespoke lighting brand has had many milestones since it first launched in 1987 as a small family business designing and hand-making various products from stained glass. Within just a number of years, the company transformed into one of the key hospitality lighting manufacturers, creating bespoke lighting for luxury hotels, restaurants and retail.​​​​​​​ “We moved into larger premises and invested in new state-of-the-art machinery in the early 2000s,” Bruce added. “This increased capacity and capability was transformational for Northern Lights, springboarding us into opportunities to work with large global hospitality brands and providers such as ACCOR, Hilton, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria and HYATT.”

Today, as well as offering the best quality manufacturing – and metalwork that is, put simply, exceptional, Northern Lights is also able shelter a dynamic design team who are regularly researching future trends while working collaboratively with master artisans and configuring complex manufacturing techniques to consistently deliver spectacular lighting designs. This is where an experienced operations director is needed in order to keep a seamless flow between all aspects of any given project. Cue the arrival of Natalie Shakesheff, who is regularly being welcomely challenged to ensure a bespoke design can be transformed into a physical project. By using her experience and know-how as a senior designer, Shakesheff is able to find solutions for factory processes. Facilitating the company’s myriad of complex projects – especially when many of them are completely new designs – is driven largely by a transparent relationship between manufacturer and designer. “In short, if it’s possible, we will do it,” she said.

Piles of metal pipes in factory

Image credit: Northern Lights

The company’s reputation as being a leading and world-renowned lighting manufacturer has led to an impressive and loyal client list. While visiting the factory, I was inspired by the number of active projects I could see being worked – all perhaps at different stages. But in a world that ear-ringingly loud with greenwashing, the environmental and social breakthroughs that the company has achieved in recent years – attaining zero waste to landfill in 2017 being among them – it is refreshing to see that ethics have not been sacrificed as a result of the company’s mission to continue to scale up. On the contrary, the environmental and socially driven attitude of Northern Lights has allowed the designs to be more meaningful. “Over decades we have established close collaborative partnerships with our raw material suppliers,” added Bruce. “These suppliers have been carefully selected and measured against strict criteria, including alignment with our own code of ethics, commitment to workplace equality and green credentials.”

What’s more, I’m told that the team embark on regular supplier visits to ensure the criterion is adhered to and that the quality and, of course, values of the company’s partners continue to reflect what the Northern Lights brand stands for. “We also aim to source as many raw materials as possible within a 60-mile radius to reduce our carbon footprint, support local businesses and localise the supply chain wherever possible,” said Bruce.

chandelier in Oatlands Park Hotel by Northern Lights

Image credit: Oatlands Park Hotel / Northern Lights

It’s amazing to see how far the manufacturing industry has come. While technology has allowed the lighting industry to turn new chapters, so too have the people at the top who are authentically, by example, promoting equality and diversity. Although much more needs to be done to balance the scales, since we have just celebrated International Women’s Day, it is reassuring to see Bruce, a competitive yet compassionate leader in her own arena, surrounded by the respect of her peers. “I am proud to say we have built a strong female leadership team right the way throughout the business, spanning operations, creative, finance, HR and marketing,” she said. “Greater diversity in the workforce attracts and retains talent and broadens lateral and creative decision-making. Sadly, women are still under-represented in manufacturing and the number of women in leadership roles remains disproportionately low.

“As a business we’re committed to changing this and challenging the archaic gender stereotypes still present. We actively encourage women to join our manufacturing team where we ensure they get mentorship and support. It’s important that we continue to increase the visibility of our female leaders and staff, whilst offering real opportunities for career progression. Women can have a tough time climbing the career ladder in manufacturing – we’re here to change the script.”

If you have ever wondered the capabilities of a company like Northern Lights, then look no further. From signature to bespoke, the company rarely – if ever – turns down a project. “If it’s possible, we’ll do it,” is the general mindset from the design team. And with all challenging projects come the juicy stories, such as the Breuer chandelier, 2,200 mm high with five modular tiers with a largest diameter of 1,000 mm, that Gridley designed for the stand at HIX in 2022.

Image caption: Breuer Modular chandelier, part of Northern Lights' signature collection, that was exhibited at HIX 2022. | Image credit: Michael Franke

Image caption: Breuer Modular chandelier, part of Northern Lights’ signature collection, that was exhibited at HIX 2022. | Image credit: Michael Franke

“It was initially designed as an imposing, dramatic five-tier chandelier, weighing in at a hefty 250 kilograms,” the designer explained. “The original design was used to show the scaled-up capabilities we could offer. However, the true design approach allowed for modularity, scalability and flexibility across multiple spaces, budgets and visions for a truly versatile installation that also doubles up as a sculptural artistic piece.

“For my showcase piece at HIX 22, I felt that a modular brutalist-inspired design would work well with the rest of the collection I was designing and curating at the same time – I decided Verdigris as an acid finish was also long overdue a revival and my instincts were correct. The Verdigris worked perfectly as a foil to the strong linear form of the Breuer and was further softened by faux alabaster diffusers to the LED lights.”

The highlight of my time with the Northern Lights crew was getting a hands-on experience; learning how to acid finish with the creative chief herself, Gridley. The enthusiastic and immersive masterclass, experimenting and learning the delicate art and chemistry of the acid finishing process – where there are many elements at play – left me with a new-found respect for the team who are regularly asked to ‘match’ finishes. This aptly left me to draw the conclusion that this, what Northern Lights do, is not lighting, it is art, science and innovative design wrapped into one – long may purposeful, British lighting manufacturing thrive.

Northern Lights 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: Northern Lights

Collage of 6 interior design and architecture projects from Ica

In conversation with: Ian Burleigh on 20 years of Ica

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In conversation with: Ian Burleigh on 20 years of Ica

Established in 2003, Ica has spent 20 years building both projects and its reputation and is regarded as one of the world’s leading hotel architecture and design practices. Editor Hamish Kilburn caught up with Ian Burleigh, Executive Chairman, Ica, to find out a little more about the story behind the studio…

Collage of 6 interior design and architecture projects from Ica

Ica studio has a 50-strong team of both architects and interior designers based between Glasgow and London with a list of clients that span both the globe and the brands in the hospitality arena. Working from the starting point of designing hospitality businesses rather than merely the buildings has allowed the studio to develop unique offerings with some well-designed results.

Hamish Kilburn: Can you explain the ethos of Ica Studio – what’s its personality?

Ian Burleigh: We love hospitality and thread that through everything we do. It’s the ethos of our studio, the way we treat each other, the way we welcome, the way we serve our clients and relationships across the community. It helps us hold to norms less rigidly, it’s the fuel of creativity. It makes us easy to get along with, find solutions to resolve problems and give candid support to our clients.

interior atrium and oculus designed by Ica architects for Virgin Edinburgh

Image caption: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh | Image credit: Ica

HK: One of your team, Kerry, received Architect of the Year last year for her role on Virgin Edinburgh. Just how large a project was that for Ica?

IB: Well, this was certainly one of the longest projects we’ve done. 10 years from initial sketches to completion! Sites don’t get more sensitive, a World Heritage site, a rare gap site right in the heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh. Add to that the presence of three listed buildings and fragile gap sites to thread in new buildings, with a four-storey level difference from front to back and among the oldest archaeology ever found in Scotland. The planning process was incredibly intense and high profile, but we stuck to our guns and delivered a great development return for our client, as well as a building of real architectural merit.

Virgin was actually quite late on the scene and drew focus to the interiors, which are amazing, but I’m so glad the architectural merit has been recognised, not only in Kerry winning Architect of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2022, but also more recently at the Scottish Property Awards.

neon oh deer writing in the fireplace of the funny library in virgin Edinburgh interior design by Ica

Image caption: Virgin Hotels edinburgh | Image credit: Ica

HK: There seems to be a demand among brands to open inside heritage buildings. What would you say is driving this demand?

IB: Hotels and heritage buildings are a great match. First of all is the opportunity. Former public buildings of architectural importance can sometimes struggle to find a contemporary function with a commercial return. Hotels can be more flexible than other building types which might struggle to occupy them with the same sensitivity in conversion and renovation. Heritage buildings also offer great design opportunities and character to a new hotel. The juxtaposition of contemporary interiors and more formal classical architecture creates energy and drama, a great platform for a hotel to develop personality and identity. Working so much in London and Edinburgh has helped us develop considerable expertise in the conversion of heritage buildings, which we are now using globally in locations such as Rome.

HK: Let’s talk about you. What’s your story and how was Ica born?

IB: Good question since this year is Ica’s 20th birthday! Ica was born when three friends with complementary skills got together, Ian, Chris and Alistair, now you know where the name ‘Ica’ came from. We wanted to create a studio specifically shaped around the demands of hotel design. We wanted our studio to define the activity of designing a business and not just designing a building. Blending the skills of design creativity and technical knowledge with commercial, operational, financial and hotel experience, allowed the three of us to design five major hotels in our first year from a small room.

After an initial focus on architecture, we quickly realised the relationship with interior design was key. We established a separate interior team, so they had the freedom to independently establish their style and vision. While we have maintained the two teams, we have grown to realise the strength of having them both in the same studio. Architects learn from interior designers how to think about buildings from the inside out, to better understand the customer journey. Interior designers learn from architects on seeing the bigger picture and how to communicate design information in a commercial environment.

Growth was consistent and steady for the first ten years when we introduced more sophisticated management and appointed, Susannah our MD and Amanda who heads our Interiors team. As hotel specialists, we have always covered all hotel sectors from lifestyle and budget to luxury, and also covered the whole of the UK. Our most recent growth has been in international projects which tend to focus more on upscale and luxury, currently, almost half of our work is overseas, across Europe and the Caribbean.

roof terrace with comfortable seating and big star statement light for The One Off

Image caption: The Gantry | Image credit: Ica

HK: What does luxury mean to you?

IB: I remember when I was a young architect hearing Gordon Campbell Gray (a fellow Glaswegian) speak about luxury hotels. I was very inspired and the takeaway for luxury was ‘Space, Service and Style’. Generosity of space is indeed a luxury today and more often than not compromised by economics. Service is very high on my list. I only really remember a luxury hotel when the service is personal, warm and thoughtful. Style is where we come in and is a real skill to achieve.

Style and design can work on so many levels, overt and subliminal, to create mood, ambiance, place and personality. We added a few benchmarks of our own and one is that a luxury hotel must be better than home, ‘I love the design but how can I watch Formula 1?’ Understanding the guest is key, old style grand hotels with expensive finishes just don’t make the cut anymore. Authenticity, experience, wellness and sustainability are now more relevant components for the discerning traveller, where a luxury hotel is probably the destination and not just part of the journey. Reflecting and curating the customer’s tribe, personality, culture and identity, has allowed new energy and variety in luxury hotels and an almost endless reason for them to exist in new places.

marble surfaces and a blue wall in bathroom at Lost Property designed by Ica

Image caption: Lost Property | Image credit: Lost Property

HK: Another one of your completed projects last year was Lost Property in St Pauls. Where were the design opportunities in this project?

IB: Lost Property is all about the location and the interior, very different to Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. This is a city island, with Ludgate Hill on one side and narrow lanes on the other sides, a new building hidden behind the original façades. Within this wrapper, the interior is accentuated with Art Deco and mid-century design with shots of bold colour, sculptural pieces and luxe materials, a stylish sanctuary in the heart of the city. A destination for those who love travel, art and culture.

orange seating below windows with plants in CitizenM

Image caption: CitizenM | Image credit: Ica

HK: You work with a lot of brands – Virgin, Marriott, Hilton etc. How, from your perspective have you seen these brands develop in terms of how they use design to amplify their characters?

IB: All the brands offer something different and continue to evolve. Successful brands understand their customers and take care of them. This can be a valuable resource for independent or investor lead hotel developments. At the affordable end of the spectrum brands like CitizenM have a very loyal following and the customer knows exactly what they want and they feel at home.

We recently completed the CitizenM in London Victoria and design is a sophisticated and key element for this brand. Luxury and upscale brands tend to be much more discreet. Lost Property and The Gantry, for instance, are the key identities at their respective locations in St Paul’s and Stratford’s Olympic Park, with a Hilton customer base through its Curio Collection. Right now we are seeing much more fluidity with brands, less standardisation and less hierarchy.

We like a contextual approach, to design the right hotel for the location, market and client vision. For example, The Reach at Piccadilly, set to open later this year, a new upscale Tribute by Marriott Hotel, stands out for its incredible location in the heart of the bustling city of Manchester. More flexibility from brands can help creative opportunity. On some levels brands are best at maintaining standards of life safety, operations, customer touch points and marketing and a lighter hand in design standardisation is often a good thing.

grey guestroom design with copper wall detail and white bedlinen in The Gantry

Image caption: The Gantry | Image credit: The Gantry

HK: What is the biggest challenge facing the hotel design and development industry at the moment?

IB: Construction and finance costs have been the biggest challenge for a few years now. I’ve seen these cycles before and there are always compensatory factors such as higher valuations and increased revenue. These trends can drive the type of development such as the balance of conversion and refurbishment to new build. Ica have been pioneers in modular construction for many years and this for many, is part of the solution. Modular was associated with mid-scale for a long time, but we have been pioneering modular in luxury and the cost savings for luxury hotels are higher as well as opening up more remote parts of the world to development.

There has been real growth in RevPAR, allowing recovery to pre-pandemic levels in most markets. With the return of business travel, group travel and China opening up, we anticipate strong demand for hotel development in the medium and long term.

HK: What have we got to look forward to from Ica this year?

IB: Current projects include The Reach in Manchester, luxury hotels in Liverpool and Rome, three hotels in Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean– two of them are luxury, three new prototype – a spa resort in Lancashire, and I know this isn’t a hotel but we are very excited to be designing housing using our modular experience for Ukraine at the end of the war.

Main image credit: Hotel Designs/Ica

rustic wooden four poster bed with baskets on the wall and a fireplace in Omni Tucson National Resort

Omni Tucson National Resort unveils its reimagined Southwestern look

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Omni Tucson National Resort unveils its reimagined Southwestern look

Long revered as a prime destination for golf, Omni Tucson National Resort has harnessed the breathtaking beauty of the resort’s natural surroundings as the inspiration behind its inspired multi-million dollar renovation…

rustic wooden four poster bed with baskets on the wall and a fireplace in Omni Tucson National Resort

Omni Tucson National Resort has completed its highly anticipated transformation and has been upgraded with a suite of luxury accommodations, vibrant lobby transformation, indulgent spa experiences, a dynamic mix of elevated dining offerings and refreshed modern meeting spaces to match. Each of the property’s generously sized Deluxe and Premier guestrooms have been reborn with a bright and modern Southwestern residential feel. For a more private experience, 51 Casitas and Hacienda Suites lining the greens have been masterfully redesigned, offering secluded patios with serene views of the surrounding courses and lush landscape to create the ultimate golf-lover’s retreat.

chairs and tables under an arched terrace at Omni Tucson National Resort with views across to the golf course and mountains

Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts

“This long-anticipated renovation marks a whole new era for Omni Tucson National Resort,” said general manager Michael Maruca. “The entire property has been transformed, inside and out. Guests will be blown away by our Casitas and Hacienda Suites and we cannot wait to welcome visitors and locals alike to experience our new Mokara Spa and differentiated dining outlets.”

Beyond the refreshed accommodations, a relaxed Southwestern ambiance permeates the entire resort. From the moment guests arrive they are welcomed by the colours of the surrounding desert landscape with a palette that reflects the day-to-night transformation of the magnificent scenery. Inside the resort, no expense was spared to redefine the Omni Tucson National experience.

wooden beams and cacti in the lobby in Omni Tucson National Resort with elements from the location in details

Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts

The calming effect of the desert continues with the addition of Mokara Spa, Omni Hotels & Resorts’ signature wellness offering. Designed with organic and earthy touches, the state-of-the-art facility features 12 treatment rooms and a wide variety of services for individuals, couples and groups, including a sauna and Vichy shower room. A full menu of salon services, expanded manicure and pedicure stations, relaxation areas and an all-new fitness centre complete the destination spa and wellness retreat.

desk and display area in wood, stone and natural colours on surfaces and design of Mokara spa

Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts

A fully reimagined dining experience comprises three new restaurant and lounge concepts, several refreshed spaces and local favourites like Bob’s Steak & Chop House – the Arizona outpost of the Texas staple synonymous with fine steaks for nearly 20 years. Additional new venues include The Peak, a dazzling new lounge inviting guests to relax over cocktails. The racetrack-style bar is the centrepiece of the venue, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Sweet Water pool and mountain views – an alluring spot to gather after a day of meetings, golf, sightseeing or relaxation.

orange bar stools against a blue bar with wooden beams and floors in the Peak Bar at Omni Tucson National Resort

Image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts

“The reimagination of Omni Tucson National Resort has put food at the forefront so that more memories around the table will be made,” said Executive Chef Jonathan Stutzman. “The additions of Desert Farmer, The Peak, & Terra Cotta Café to our existing Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Legends, & Sweet Water Terrace give us the opportunity to offer a quintessential experience of the Sonoran Southwest from a true Culinary perspective all over the property.”

Completing the project, more than 2,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor meeting space has been remodelled to present a fresh, modern look. Boasting beautiful natural light, extraordinary banquet capabilities and new linen-less meeting tables and banquet chairs, the resort offers customisable solutions for any event, large or small. Thirteen unique meeting offerings include the 266 square metre Papago Ballroom and the Norville Lawn, the resort’s largest outdoor space with an area of 550 square metres.

 

Main image credit: Omni Hotels & Resorts

a contemporary bathroom with views out to sea fitted with RAK-Valet by RAK Ceramics

RAK Ceramics upgrades sustainably sanitaryware manufacturing model

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RAK Ceramics upgrades sustainably sanitaryware manufacturing model

Ahead of putting on a performance in its London showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week, RAK Ceramics is heavily investing in new technology to upgrade its manufacturing process…

a contemporary bathroom with views out to sea fitted with RAK-Valet by RAK Ceramics

RAK Ceramics, one of the leading ceramics brands in the world, has announced a USD 14 million investment in its sanitaryware production line in the UAE, upgrading the facility with the latest cutting-edge technology kilns and elevating sustainably the company’s sanitaryware operating model.

RAK Ceramics aims to begin installation of the new machinery in 2023, with the aim of going online in the first half of 2024. The investment will allow the sanitaryware line to incorporate latest technology into the heat exchanger system of kilns, with the capability for future conversion to hydrogen fuel and waste heat recycling given advanced features. Once operational, the Company will be able to maximize and optimize efficiency during production, enabling the realization of significant savings in both energy consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, the process allows for an enhanced yield during production, reducing as such waste and increasing capacity utilization.

Commenting on the investment, Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said: “As a responsible manufacturer and as the fourth largest ceramics player in the world, we have an important role to play on the global stage to make the industry more sustainable. This investment and the launch of this project in our sanitaryware business truly anchors our commitment to sustainability and our drive to long-term value for our stakeholders.

“For this year, we aim to stimulate sustainability further through our functions and businesses, as we established a clear commitment to prioritise and support sustainable investments, and we are currently working alongside experts in the field to help us in our sustainability journey.”

Over the years, RAK Ceramics’ emphasis on sustainable production has expanded as the demand for distinctive and sustainable ceramic items develops and as the Company continues to reap the benefits of sustainable long-term investments on the environmental front, especially in terms of energy conservation and waste management.

The Company has outlined in its 2023 Priorities that it is working on defining and implementing a sustainability strategy for the short-to-medium term, incorporating further ESG practices and initiatives and adopting it across all its operations.

> Since you’re here, why not read about what the surface brand as up its sleeve for CDW 2023?

RAK Ceramics 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: RAK Ceramics

upholstered couch in Harlequin colour 4 fabric in front of wall painted with cloud mural

Product watch: Harlequin Colour 4 was ‘designed to dream’

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Product watch: Harlequin Colour 4 was ‘designed to dream’

Seeing the natural world through renewed eyes, Harlequin Colour 4 is the latest installation in the British interior brand’s successful Colour series…

upholstered couch in Harlequin colour 4 fabric in front of wall painted with cloud mural

Featuring original artwork in a range of styles, Harlequin Colour 4 is inspired by nature’s abundant beauty and all-encompassing colour. From atmospheric skies to forested landscapes, the world’s gentle flow is the rhythm that surrounds us. A quartet of essential elements, earth, water, air and fire sustain our everyday existence. Perfectly balanced, yet complex and varied, discover a carefully designed ecosystem that allows all to flourish.

“We wanted to create a collection that had a more mindful approach to design, translating nature in its purest form onto paper, with every piece of artwork hand painted in the studio,” said Flora Daly, Harlequin Studio. “As Cezanne once said, ‘Art is a harmony parallel with nature’. I hope Colour 4 resonates with our customers and they’re able to transform their interiors into immersive, soothing and perfectly balanced spaces.”

white wooden floors with green patterned wallpaper behind a bed with green fabric from Harlequin range colour4

Image caption: Retreat | Image credit: Harlequin

A continuation of Harlequin’s signature looks, the collection delves deeper into the concepts Renew, Rewild, Retreat and Reflect, as each look aligns with a classical element in an exciting, conceptual way. Comprising 27 wallpapers and 37 fabrics, this collection is designed for dreaming and creating relaxed, immersive interiors for every style of home while encouraging customers to #OWNTHEROOM in a way that makes them feel uplifted.

Most fabrics in the collection have been produced using the new digital pigment inks, which are considered one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ink options available. Additionally, BCI cotton has been used throughout and the materials are all responsibly sourced and ethically produced, with all wallpaper printed in the UK on FSC certified substrates from sustainable, traceable sources.

The Retreat design takes its lead from water. Water hydrates the earth, creating beautiful flora and fauna, which is the inspiration for this adaptive look. A tranquil palette of naturally elegant colour, Retreat shares a nostalgic intensity, accented by chalky textures.

Rewild is all about the earth – earth is the perfect biosphere, allowing all life to exist and evolve. Filling our homes with layered bursts of rich pigment, Rewild celebrates the beauty of nature, with joyous uninhibited pattern that refreshes our minds and our interiors.

charcoal grey and black abstract wallpaper from Harlequin Colour 4 collection Reflect

Image caption: Reflect | Image credit: Harlequin

Cocooning the earth with its airy glow, Renew is celestial, uplifting and regenerative design. Small movements of colour adorn tinted hues, adding perspective to this environmentally inspired look. Elegant and ethereal, soft reflective colours highlight the intricacies of subtly detailed design.

Completing the collection, and inspired by the primal element of fire, Reflect’s simple, strong designs align with obscured organic patterns and architectural influences that harmoniously blend edgy angularity with powerful, traditional design.

Sanderson Design Group 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: Harlequin

Render of development: Nammos Resort Maldives

Nammos moves in to Mykonos, Maldives & Abu Dhabi

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Nammos moves in to Mykonos, Maldives & Abu Dhabi

Nammos Hotels & Resorts is born, a new hotel brand born out of 20-plus years on the hospitality scene, will open its first cluster of properties in Mykonos, the Maldives and Abu Dhabi…

Render of development: Nammos Resort Maldives

Following in the footsteps of other signature restaurants entering the hotel market – but, by the looks of things, poised to add its own flair to the booming hotel scene – Nammos Hotels & Resorts is the new sibling in the Nammos World family, which, until now, has offered an iconic portfolio of beachside restaurants.

The new brand, which is the result of ADMO – a joint venture between Alpha Dhabi and Monterock International – will encapsulate the effortless exclusivity and service Nammos built up over the past 20 years. The hotels and resorts around the world will provide a ‘holistic hospitality experience’ befitting of the international jet-set.

Opening its doors on the golden sands of Psarou beach this summer, Nammos Hotel Mykonos will mark the brand’s first property, with resorts in the Maldives and Abu Dhabi on the horizon.  

Nammos Hotel Mykonos - white architecture

Image credit: Nammos Hotels & Resorts

“Over the last decade we’ve mastered the art of creating a daytime experience like no other, and are delighted that Monterock International and Alpha Dhabi have set a vision to further fortify the Nammos World brand with the launch of Nammos Hotels & Resorts,” said Zannis Fratzeskos, Founding Partner of Nammos World. “The properties are set to embody the lifestyle we’ve created within an unrivalled hospitality experience, and we’re excited for Nammos’ global customers to experience the brand within a hotel setting.”

Catering to the most sophisticated of travellers and stylish sybarites, the brand will provide an unrivalled and genuine hospitality experience that mirrors elements of the existing Nammos offerings, whilst evoking a true sense of laid-back luxury. An establishment that never ceases to evolve, Nammos began as a traditional tavern the beach of Psarou in Mykonos 20 years ago and has since transformed into a world class destination that redefines beach life. The pivot into hotels and resorts marks an ambitious and scalable plan from Alpha Dhabi and Monterock International to extend Nammos World’s reach and global footprint, whilst diversifying its offering, further establishing its reputation as a luxury hospitality brand that provides an unrivalled culinary experience. 

“All of us at Monterock International are thrilled to be partnering with Alpha Dhabi via our recent joint venture ADMO and honoured to be building upon Nammos World’s existing lifestyle offerings,” added Alfredo Longo, CEO of Monterock International. “We hope to capture the exclusive ambience Nammos World has created over the last 20 years within a hotel setting and are excited for guests to experience this first hand.”

Nammos Hotels & Resorts is expected to offer an exceptional guest experience, world-class entertainment, signature gastronomy and unfaltering attention to detail. Providing a chic and sophisticated haven, international travellers are invited to escape fast paced city life by reconnecting with the ones who mean the most and forming new connections with an eclectic and hedonistic set. Each property will be designed to the very highest standard, provide the finest service and offer otherworldly experiences that reflect the destination they’re set within. Consider the gap in the market significantly more closed.

> Since you’re here, why not read our VIP arrivals of the hottest hotels opening in April 2023?

Main image credit: Nammos Hotels & Resorts

seating areas in the lobby of JW Marriott Madrid separated by a row of columns

JW Marriott opens its doors to Madrid

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JW Marriott opens its doors to Madrid

JW Marriott’s entry into Spain with JW Marriott Hotel Madrid, offers a serene destination in a storied location, right in the heart of the city…

seating areas in the lobby of JW Marriott Madrid separated by a row of columns

JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has unveiled its first property in Spain with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Madrid. Located in the cultural charm of the Canalejas zone, next to the dynamic and bustling Puerta del Sol, the luxurious new hotel sits in the heart of the city, moments away from prestigious art institutions and theatres.

“With each new opening, JW Marriott brings a legacy of luxury hospitality combined with the brand’s foundation of holistic well-being,” said Candice D Cruz, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “JW Marriott Hotel Madrid captures the essence of the city and encourages guests to disconnect from stress and distractions so that they can focus on reconnecting with what matters most to them.”

sunloungers on the black and white zigzag tiles on the terrace floor of the guestrooms of JW Marriott Madrid with views over the city

Image credit: JW Marriott

The hotel is designed to offer a new standard of luxury, one that inspires guests to achieve balance and become present in body, mind and spirit. Every detail is curated to encourage guests to reflect and recharge. Whether it’s soaking in the striking views of the city from the privacy of the guestroom terrace, enjoying the botanical oasis of El Patio JW Garden where ingredients used by the restaurant and cocktail bar are grown, or indulging in the city’s gardens with a picnic of local produce arranged by the hotel, mindful moments can be found and created anywhere. Ingrained in the brand’s belief that true luxury is having the time and space to focus on what matters most – oneself – the new 139-guestroom hotel offers guests an inspiring urban retreat in the centre of the Spanish capital.

Image of luxury hotel with marble table and light

Image credit: JW Marriott

In addition to the large and fully equipped Fitness Room and Wellness Area, the property has designed special in-room experiences allowing guests to enjoy a personalised wellness journey during their stay. Yoga mats are available in all rooms and complimentary access through QR codes to video workouts and meditation practices allow guests to nurture their physical well-being. The bath menu, with special playlists and customisable light settings for sensory pampering of all five senses, turns each bathroom into a private spa experience.

Previously one of the oldest perfumeries in Madrid, the building itself has a unique legacy and captures the very essence of the city. The hotel’s architecture and design was entrusted to Rockwell Group, who created an elegant concept using natural materials and a neutral colour palette to ensure a relaxing environment. Touches of the building’s historic past remain visible through the preservation of certain elements, such as the wrought iron columns from the 19th century which can be found throughout the property.

Madrid’s essence is tied closely to its history and the evocative aromas of violets, tuberoses, carnations and roses that fill the city. JW Marriott Hotel Madrid has collaborated with the Spanish Academy of Perfume, paying homage to the building’s unique heritage and the city’s sensuous past, to create a fully holistic wellness experience that stimulates the senses.

To start, each guest is welcomed with a traditional violet or rosemary-scented tea in an artisanal ceramic cup upon check-in. Guests then choose from one of five ‘Madrid scents’ which will then be placed in their wardrobe. Stories about Madrid and its aromas are found on the bedside table, designed to relax the mind before sleep. In the Lobby, there is an exhibition featuring antique perfume bottles, books and essences, which guests can explore at their leisure. For those keen to continue their scent journey, there are olfactory ‘scent training’ workshops in partnership with the Academy which offer exclusive opportunities for guests to learn more about the city and their scent preferences.

Partnering with renowned Michelin-star chef Mario Sandoval, the property has crafted a dining and cocktail concept that elevates and subtly reinvents local flavour. Using ingredients grown in the JW Garden and sourced from local providers, ‘QU’ offers the ultimate expression in refined Spanish flavour. Served on dishes inspired by the beauty of perfume containers, each meal nourishes more than just the body, engaging all five senses to create an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Madrid. Visitors can also sip and savour the city’s spirit through an inventive cocktail menu that highlights local ingredients and iconic aromas such as chocolate, rosemary, and lemon.

Main image credit: JW Marriott