Panel discussion: using design as a force for good
In the heart of London Design Festival, Hart Shoreditch sheltered an art and ceramic installation around its hotel inspired by breaking down the elements in design. Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs, chaired a panel discussion at the hotel to speak to the designers and other creatives about using design for good. Here are the takeaways…
Creatives and members of the design community were invited to a live panel discussion at Hart Shoreditch to watch an inspiring conversation on the journey of interior design in hospitality and how it can be used as a positive force for good.
Chairing this discussion was always going to be a balancing act. As well as hearing from the masters of the installation – meet James Daw (Illustrator) and Will Martin (Ceramic Artist) – I wanted to also open up this conversation to an outside designer – meet Jessica Morrison (Senior Associate at G.A Group), a spokesperson from London Design Festival – say hi to Rachael Hymas – and, of course, here from Lina Zakzeckyte, the General Manager at Hart Shoreditch.
To set the scene, Hart Shoreditch partnered with Daw for the ‘Fundamentals of Caring’ exhibition for London Design Festival 2023. The artist wanted to break down the fundamentals of the hotel’s design by creating hundreds of small objects in simple, basic designs and rebuilding these components back up again. This is where Daw brought Martin in to collaborate on this project by creating ceramics.
Image credit: Hart Shoreditch
Zakzeckyte is a General Manager who really understands the value of design and collaboration, which is hugely inspiring. She felt a connection and understanding when she met James and knew he would be the right artist for this commission. Supporting local artists and designers is of the utmost importance to Lina – to provide a platform for those who may not have previously been given the opportunity. Finding local artists in East London is highly important as it is an opportunity to give back to the neighbourhood and local community – a value incredibly significant to Hart Shoreditch.
Morrison, who led the interior design of 1 Hotel Mayfair, another hotel that has opened to redefine the area, spoke of the importance of partnering with craftspeople who can help to find the right pieces for the project, which ultimately helps with the whole design narrative.
Image caption: The lobby inside 1 Hotel Mayfair. | Image credit: Jon Day
During the project, the interior designer went out to local craftsmen and women to really bring out the flavour of the neighbourhood through materials which she found was an easy sell as the hotel understood the importance of creating a particular narrative through its design. Daw added that the narrative for his project for LDF was incredibly important and to make the journey multisensory – sounds, smells and impressive animations all coming together to create a sensory explosion.
Supporting up and coming artists became the overarching topic of conversation across the panel. Hymas explained LDF’s platform – the Launch Pad – which aims to empower designers who encounter obstacles, such as financial boundaries, when wanting to participate in LDF’s partnership program which comes at a fee. The spokesperson for the festival agreed with Lina on the importance of celebrating artists who haven’t had the opportunity to showcase their work and enabling talented artists to emerge onto the design scene.
Martin added that working on this project with Hart Shoreditch allowed him to research deeper into his craft and found the time to improve his skillset and as a result his capabilities on the wheel have improved. Inspiring artists to do exactly what they do and continue their vision certainly allows the commissioner to get the best result.
Image caption: Ceramic artist Will Martin brought James Daw’s illustrations to life, creating artefacts that were dotted around the hotel. | Image credit: Will Martin
The conversation delved into luxury and how this is defined today. Rachael began by highlighting the environment and finding a way to use materials to improve the space is the key. Experiences and how you feel in a particular space now holds much more value when looking at design.
Daw brought the conversation to a close by highlighting that he draws inspiration from everyday life, which I think is a reminder to us all – find beauty in simplicity, in the fundamentals of design, which is an apt lesson to learn from this hearty discussion.
Four Seasons announces plans for the Dominican Republic
Four Seasons and Cisneros Real Estate have announced plans for the development of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia, a sustainable luxury destination located along the pristine beachfront of Playa Esmeralda in northeastern Dominican Republic…
Featuring a tropical modernist design by Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia plans to set a new standard of natural, sustainable elegance. The property will include a 95-key resort and 25 Private Residences of three- and four-bedroom units, all located steps off the beach. A site of breathtaking natural beauty, Tropicalia is the private estate of the Cisneros family, featuring a diverse ecosystem of white-sand beaches, aquamarine water and coral reefs, mountains, forests, mangroves, lagoons and rivers along with a working coconut plantation and an organic farm.
The Cisneros company’s nonprofit Fundación Tropicalia has dedicated more than a decade to the region’s well-being through an array of educational, socioeconomic and community programs. “Tropicalia reflects our family’s cultural values, stated Adriana Cisneros, Chief Executive Officer of Cisneros. “More than 10 years ago, we embarked on a journey to support social sustainability through innovative projects in agriculture, gender equality, education, environment, entrepreneurship and microfinance. Our goal was to create a new kind of luxury destination that is in balance both with nature and with the local community. We’re pleased that Four Seasons shares our vision, both for Tropicalia and the future of tourism.”
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
“We are thrilled to expand Four Seasons global portfolio in the Dominican Republic, a market that we have long been focused on as a luxury travel destination,” added Alejandro Reynal, President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are proud to bring this project to life with our partners at Cisneros, who share our values of supporting the environments and communities in which we operate, and who we deeply admire for their work with Fundación Tropicalia. Together, we will remain focused on these values as we welcome guests and residents alike in 2026 and become stewards of this beautiful destination.”
In addition to the 95 rooms and suites, the Resort will include a spa, fitness and wellness facilities including a yoga pavilion; a variety of beach activities and watersports; racquet sports such as tennis, paddle and pickleball; a Kids For All Seasons children’s club; and event spaces. The onsite culinary offerings will include numerous restaurants and bars including a specialty restaurant, beachside grill, poolside bar, ceviche bar, juice bar, marketplace and sundry shop, coffee shop and rum bar.
The design of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia is slated to qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, one of the world’s most respected standards for ‘green’ buildings and the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic. Environmental and social management systems are guiding the Resort’s design, construction and operation, from biodiversity to waste and water management, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
Isay Weinfeld’s design for Tropicalia is innately low-impact and draws inspiration from the island’s native materials and colonial-era towns. Coralina limestone, brick and stucco echo the country’s history, harmonising with the surroundings and conveying a sense of authenticity. His timeless, sophisticated modern design reflects a tropical touch. The nonlinear format encourages guests to continuously discover the Resort, as the buildings integrate with the lush landscape to give the sense of being immersed in nature.
The project’s modernist design will transition easily from indoors to outdoors, inspiring guests to engage with the natural environment. The low-density Resort will feature open spaces, passive cooling and lush landscaping using curated, non-invasive native species. Guest and residential buildings will be located along the beachfront of Playa Esmeralda with views of Samaná Bay. Guest rooms will be spacious and designed with Four Seasons guests in mind, including private terraces and state-of-the-art technology, with green space and interior gardens prioritised throughout the rooms and common spaces.
Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
In addition to Isay Weinfeld’s architecture and interior design, luxury development firm Sinergo has been named project manager, international design firm Gensler as executive architect and Bouygues Construction of France as general contractor. The project’s master planner and landscape architect is EDSA, who has been working closely with former Dominican botanical garden curator Ricardo Garcia, ensuring holistic development and landscaping with primary native species. These development and design experts are known for their expertise in bringing environmentally sound and sustainable luxury resort projects to life in remote locations.
With a focus on socioeconomic inclusion and sustainable development practices, Tropicalia will seek to share and inspire local cultural experiences by inviting guests and residents to participate in activities that help sustain the surrounding community and environment. They include PROTORTUGA, a sustainability initiative to care for leatherback turtles in the coastal area of Miches where guests will be able to observe and participate in habitat preservation. Tropicalia also offers a range of volunteer opportunities, such as visits to after-school programs connected to the foundation’s Soy niña, soy importante program, which is focused on gender equality and inclusion. Each of these initiatives gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves into the local culture and to take part in positive change.
Tropicalia’s guests and residents will also enjoy a symbiotic relationship with land and sea, working closely with the Cisneros family’s sustainable organic farm, Estancia La Querencia. The farm is certified in organic cacao production, providing local farmers with year-round food and training in organic agricultural practices as well as supplying produce to local markets and food suppliers. Estancia La Querencia offers residents unique farm-to-table experiences and an in-depth look at local ingredients and gastronomy.
Adriana Cisneros drew on the legacy of her father, Gustavo, and her mother Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, to build Tropicalia on a foundation of social responsibility and leadership. In 2008, more than a decade before the first shovels would break ground at the luxury resort, Cisneros Real Estate created the nonprofit Fundación Tropicalia to build a sustainable tourism destination in partnership with the local community of Miches.
In 2010, Tropicalia committed to the United Nations Global Compact and has aligned its business strategy with fundamental concepts of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Accordingly, Fundación Tropicalia has invested millions of dollars and sponsored a broad range of programs promoting education and addressing hunger, climate change, diversity and gender equity.
Launched 22 years ago, the iBox universal was a revolution in concealed installation – now, hansgrohe has revealed the next generation of pioneering concealed technology , the iBox universal 2…
Simplified installation steps and new technical refinements mean the new iBox universal 2 from hansgrohe is more convenient and faster to install, with added safety improvements. The product has also been manufactured with the highest quality in mind, giving installers security in the product’s longevity and performance.
“Installers are facing more demand and daily time pressures on the job than ever before,” explained Axel Meissner, Product Manager, Hansgrohe SE. “To support them in installing the best, high-quality products aligned with customer expectations, we designed the new iBox universal 2 with the installer’s needs top of mind. The new generation iBox is designed to simplify the everyday lives of installers, efficiently improving their workflows, and supporting them in obtaining excellent customer satisfaction.”
Image credit: hansgrohe
Designed with flexibility in mind, the iBox universal 2 gives installers a range of installation options. For example, the basic body can be adapted to any standard wall depth between 80 and 108 millimetres and an extension rosette enables convenient installation even in the case of wall constructions being too flat, making it the right solution for any installation.
The installation process has been considered at every stage of product design. The integrated circular spirit level makes the first alignment of the iBox universal 2 simple, with alignment indicators located on the expanded polypropylene box, as well as a pictorial representation to support with easy installation. A cleaning cap also protects the concealed unit from dust and damage during installation and transport.
The iBox universal 2 saves time and nerves. Thanks to pre-assembly, the function block forms a unit with the adapter. This eliminates the need to shorten the screws and the adapter must no longer be measured, cut and calibrated. Moreover, the use of tools is minimised. It is also equipped with a new sliding sleeve for deep installation, meaning the product can be easily installed without cutting, regardless of the depth in which the flush-mounted body is installed. A pre-mounted sealing sleeve is also tightly connected to the sliding sleeve, meaning the unit is automatically fitted with essential watertight installation.
Finally, thanks to an all-new mounting ring, the new unit can easily be installed in a concealed fashion within, or alternatively in front of the wall. When considering the installation of hansgrohe hand and overhead showers into the iBox universal 2, four Rp ½ connection threads mean installation is simple, regardless of the showers flow rate. The threads also enable precision-fit installation, particularly of resource-saving showers that more customers are now looking to have installed, without compromising on shower experience. Rigorous testing has also guaranteed reliable protection against backflow, for example with bath inlets, outlets, and overflow fittings, to ensure the customers showering experience remains a luxury.
Image credit: hansgrohe
In terms of materials, the iBox universal 2 is manufactured with expanded polypropylene (EPP) – a sustainable material providing sound absorption and thermal insulation, supporting installers with providing high-performance products that meet the growing sustainability demands of customers.
More customers seek their bathroom to be a feel-good space of tranquillity, so minimising noise disruption is important. Hansgrohe have considered this within the design, with all water-bearing product parts being designed to reduce flow noises within the bathroom. The product also works in conjunction with new prefabricated sets for both showers and bathtubs, which comply with noise class 1, to support continued noise reduction in the bathroom.
Individualisation has also grown in importance, with select finishes, personalised experiences, and innovative functions in demand. To support this, the iBox universal 2 can be combined with all hansgrohe prefabricated sets, giving customers complete design freedom in the bathroom. To support installers who may be working on older bathrooms, an adaptor plate can be bought to fit the new unit to any hansgrohe shower installation.
For those installers working in the public sector or on specific projects, the iBox universal 2 complies with current global standards and is compatible with a range of different installation systems, connection types and fittings. In line with the usual hansgrohe quality standards the product meets the technical standards, reliability and durability expectations of all installers working across a range of jobs.
With many customers gravitating towards concealed fittings for a seamless bathroom aesthetic, the iBox universal 2 has been designed to make bulky pipes a thing of the past, with the new design revealing only slim and elegant concealed piping. To continue a seamless bathroom look, hansgrohe has developed two new shower and bath mixer solutions to match.
Image credit: hansgrohe
Firstly, the ShowerSelect Comfort thermostat brings both visual appeal and technical function to the bathroom, designed to appear as though it is floating in front of the wall. The thermostat’s full surface Select buttons allows for easy alteration of temperature and water flow, including an integrated flow control with the ’stop’ function to ensure the sustainable use of water, and their metal composition ensures the product not only stands the test of time, but is particularly easy to clean. To meet the design aesthetic of all customers, the thermostat is available in three geometric design lines (round, rounded and angular), and five FinishPlus surfaces, giving installers a wealth of options to present to the customer.
Secondly, hansgrohe has developed the DuoTurn concealed mixer, with a rosette height of only 7 millimetres and the filigree temperature handle at a height of only 40 millimetres, giving customers a high degree of both freedom and convenience in the bathroom. Operation of the mixer is also particularly intuitive, with customers now able to select the water flow and temperature via a turning mechanism that no longer requires pulling when switching. A lower handle allows users to conveniently adjust the desired temperature, while the upper handle allows users to switch from overhead to hand-shower and control the water flow, in just one turn. To match any bathroom aesthetic, hansgrohe DuoTurn is also available in a wide range of FinishPlus surfaces, including the trendy matt black, contemporary matt white, or a warmer brushed bronze.
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.
The Atlas Concorde and Zaha Hadid collaboration cast in stone
Atlas Concorde has presented us with a dual icon of elegance at Cersaie 2023, in the shape of its Marvel Meraviglia collection, along with its collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects for the series’ range of decors…
Wonder – or meraviglia in Italian – is what drives you to explore the new, to experience eternal moments of beauty. The new Marvel Meraviglia collection from Atlas Concorde interprets an idea of eternal elegance, elaborating and enriching the heritage of Marvel World, a comprehensive style project, that for more than 10 years has encompassed all the Atlas Concorde surfaces inspired by the finest Italian and international marbles.
The collection is named after Calacata Meraviglia, the iconic marble that inspired it and it is designed to offer the design world the whispered elegance that encapsulates the history and future of marble-inspired aesthetic research. With neutral shades drawn from the most sought-after marbles, this collection features unique elements, from sleek, sparse veins to soft weaves, from white brushstrokes on a dark background to sumptuous blacks.
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
In addition to Calacata Meraviglia, the beauty of other marbles such as Calacata Bernini, Silver Majestic and Black Origin is rendered with an extraordinary realism, the result of Atlas Concorde research that attentively studies the design of each natural grain and faithfully replicates it in each format in perfect harmony. The completeness and variety of finishes, formats and versions for both indoor and outdoor use, contribute to its richness and identity.
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
Aiming to inspire designers and meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of contemporary interiors, Atlas Concorde offers a rich selection of diversified finishes. Hammered is a textured, marked finish that mimics one of the oldest marble processing methods, replicating the natural effect of ‘split’ marble and offering the eternal appeal of a stone cut fresh out of the quarry.
The brands constant drive for innovation is expressed here in the new patented Velvetech surface, which is inspired by the effect of polished natural stone. The results are a velvety touch and reflections reminiscent of the variations in the surface of silk fabric when struck by light, with a natural alternation of shiny and opaque areas that bring out the tiny, artfully created scratches visible in the reflected light. Elegant and discreet, Velvetech is the innovative technology that reconciles a minimalist vibe and esthetic research.
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
Atlas Concorde research has also given Marvel Meraviglia the strength of a disruptive decorative range, with the Diamond decor designed by Zaha Hadid Architects being the ultimate expression of a multifaceted meeting of styles.
“The collaboration with Atlas Concorde, led to a project in which ZHA blends a classic mosaic with a disruptive element,” said Paolo Zilli, Associate Director of ZHA. “Like an inclusion in a diamond, the insertion of a foreign body into a crystalline structure lends an unsuspected dynamism to the strict repetition of the rigid geometric structure. In the resulting design, the inclusion of new logic creates a metamorphosis of the shape of the tiles as the transition from one colour to another occurs. However, the rules of manufacturing and logistics do not bend to the pursuit of design.”
Inspired by the art of cosmatesque-style mosaics, widespread in Rome between the 12th and 13th centuries and characterised by inlays of marble and glass in continuous geometric shapes, with Diamond the mosaic is no longer the constant repetition of a pattern of geometries and colors but rather evolves and transforms as it develops across the surface. Calculated with special computational algorithms, the rigid geometry undergoes a metamorphosis. The goal is to offer designers and planners the tool to orient one’s gaze, characterising an area with a special, unique element, making the surface define the nature of the place.
The collaboration is based on the commonality of values shared by both brands and their respective stories: a strong international focus, leadership in interior design projects, innovation and pursuit of excellence, and attention to environmental sustainability issues. The result of this meeting of values and visions is a spectacular decoration that unfolds across the surface in a gradual, continuous transformation of modular shapes that, as they move towards the centre, turn into sinuous interweaving diamonds in contrasting colors. The structure of the decor was designed to combine shapes and colours, suggesting combinations of looks that constantly intertwine and re-emerge from each other, moving from Calacata Meraviglia to Black Origin to Silver Majestic in a continuous transitioning sequence that makes the surfaces dynamic and vibrant.
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: Zaha Hadid Architects / Atlas Concorde
The iconic Fontainebleau brand has arrived on the Las Vegas Strip as Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the luxury resort and casino brought to life by Fontainebleau Development…
Seamlessly connecting the past, present and future, the 67-storey Fontainebleau Las Vegas – the tallest occupiable building in Nevada — is the first western expansion for the iconic brand. Reflecting the grandeur of its heritage, the resort’s 3,644 rooms and suites present an aura of timeless elegance, while incorporating a lavish splendor and distinctive amenities unique to Las Vegas.
Designed by Fontainebleau Development’s in-house design team, the rooms and suites feature a colour palette of blue and silver water tones and dashes of coral-pink, accented by mercury-glass mirrors and brass details. Custom brass bowtie shaped drawer-pulls represent both exquisite attention to detail and a nod to Fontainebleau’s history. All luxurious accommodations feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Strip.
Image credit: Fontainebleau Las Vegas
“For almost 70 years, the Fontainebleau brand has challenged boundaries and expectations,” said Jeffrey Soffer, Fontainebleau Development Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With Fontainebleau Las Vegas, we have transcended aspiration and set the stage for a new era of luxury hospitality defined by innovation, sophistication and opulence, with an inextricable link to our roots at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. This building represents a remarkable new chapter in our storied legacy and will be a beacon for those seeking to indulge in the unforgettable.”
Image credit: Fontainebleau Las Vegas
The property shelters a 14,000-square-foot fitness centre and 55,000-square-foot Lapis Spa designed by Milan-based Lissoni & Partners. Lapis Spa, arriving in Las Vegas from Fontainebleau Miami Beach, will redefine wellness with an approach that emphasises personalisation and community. The spa offers a full spectrum of wellness-enhancing facilities, including 44 treatment rooms; a purifying salt cave; a healing infrared sauna and invigorating event sauna; rejuvenating lounge areas; men’s and women’s hydrotherapy lounges as well as a co-ed sensory room with communal healing waters; and 11 luxurious suites offering exclusive spa experiences.
“We are thrilled to introduce many of the world-class amenities we are recognised for in Miami alongside our new-to-market offerings at Fontainebleau Las Vegas,” added Soffer. “All of these concepts, infused with the dynamic spirit of the Strip, allow us to create a destination that is the best of all worlds and promises an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience for every guest.”
Additional resort amenities will include a 96,500-square-foot luxury boutique retail district, located on the first two levels of the resort; a six-acre pool district, 550,000-square-feet of customisable, indoor-outdoor meeting space; 150,000 square-feet of gaming space; and the forthcoming LIV and LIV Beach experiences.
David Collins Studio has designed many of the hotel’s public areas and F&B offers for Fontainebleau Development, including the showstopping Great Dome arrival space. The luxurious interiors pay subtle homage to the original Fontainebleau Miami Beach and the iconic architecture by Morris Lapidus
Fontainebleau Las Vegas resides on nearly 25 acres on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip. The property, acquired in 2021 by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments, will be solely operated by Fontainebleau Development upon its opening.
French hotel group Touriste, has thrown open the doors to Hôtel de la Boétie – the sixth Parisian hotel to join its portfolio…
Tucked away on Rue la Boétie near the Champs-Élysées, the 40-room property has been brought to life by designer Beata Heuman who brings her imaginative take on Parisian style to her long-awaited first hotel venture. Hôtel de la Boétie follows the trend of each of the group’s hotels – all of which have been designed by popular and fashionable designers, every one representing a design moment in time.
“It has been a dream for a long time to work with Beata Heuman,” said Adrien Gloaguen, Founder. “I have followed her work for many years, and I am drawn to her elegant style which we wanted to impart to our new hotel to add a little panache to the Champs Élysées area.”
Image credit: Simon Brown
Heuman follows in the footsteps of artist-designer Luke Edward Hall who designed Touriste’s Hôtel Les Deux Gares and Chloé Nègre whose flamboyant Hôtel de Beauregard opened earlier this spring. Found in the eighth arrondissement, Hôtel de la Boétie is a rare boutique offering for the Champs-Élysées area, fashionably positioned amongst some of the best shopping in the city on Avenue Montaigne. Iconic destinations such as Le Petit Palais, Le Grand Palais, l’Arc de Triomphe, Musée Yves Saint Laurent and La Galerie Dior are all in easy reach.
Image credit: Simon Brown
Touriste is a small hotel group with the simple ambition to welcome travellers and tourists in the best possible setting, where they can enjoy the best possible experience, at the fairest price. The sense of exploration and excitement of being a ‘touriste’ in Paris is instilled into each hotel’s design; Hôtel de la Boétie is no exception.
Image credit: Simon Brown
“I have really enjoyed working on our first hotel,” commented Heuman, Founder, Beata Heuman. “A hotel is about having an experience for a day or two which means that we have been able to explore a concept and a mood to a greater extent. We can treat it a bit like a stage set, which is not the approach I would take when it comes to someone’s home. When it comes to residential the client is in the centre but with commercial work it is more about our vision rather than another individual. This has opened up new paths for us creatively which has been inspiring. I also loved working on the branding of the hotel which is something we haven’t done other than for ourselves before.”
Image credit: Simon Brown
From the outside, the 19th-century architecture of the hotel is unassuming. In keeping with the spirit of the building, the designer chose to keep the interiors simple, using a limited palette of rich block colours, natural woods, stainless steel and brass. Heuman also hoped to instil a sense of mystery; once inside, guests are transported into another world, where some surfaces and materials are reflective and glossy, so guests may catch a distorted reflection of themselves.
Image credit: Simon Brown
Image credit: Simon Brown
On the ground floor, the lobby leads to a theatrical lounge room in silver wallpaper which provides the perfect setting for working or a quiet drink in the evening – where the movements of passers-by on the street are reflected dreamily on the shimmery walls. Grassy green carpets run throughout the hotel to make things ‘pop’, meanwhile the guestrooms are divided into three schemes, starting with a moody, glossy blue, moving through shades of brown and ending on a light, airy blue across the top two floors.
Image credit: Simon Brown
In the guestrooms, Heuman’s original headboards are a defining feature and an artwork in their own right. The scrolling shapes on these oversized headboards recall a medieval coat of arms and create the feeling of sleeping in a slightly warped world. Woven as rugs and then upholstered, they have a majestic, sculptural presence and take centre stage. Their design coincided with a recent trip to Florence where she took inspiration from the inlaid marble floor at Cappelle Medici – and are a nod to her love of placing historical motifs in a contemporary setting.
Image credit: Simon Brown
Image credit: Simon Brown
Heuman brings her discerning eye for offbeat art, antiques and objects to each room, including many items from her own ‘Shoppa’, a collection of original interiors products that combine form and function with personality. The bedrooms feature The Knot handles on the wardrobes as well as lighting. The Cub Chair and Lion Chair can be found in the lounge areas, as well as irreverent statement lighting such as the Dodo Egg Light and the soon-to-launch Crinkle Lights and Paper Bag Lights.
image credit: Simon Brown
While the hotel’s clean, streamlined design feels distinctly current, it has been executed to stand the test of time. The hotel’s pieces are made predominantly of natural and solid materials that will age gracefully; the desks, bedsides and breakfast tables are all made from wood that will develop a beautiful patina over time. Natural brass has been used throughout and bedroom headboards have been hand woven in wool. Existing elements of the former hotel have been preserved where possible and reworked into the new design, such as the marble entrance, lift and staircase.
The highly anticipated Bed Show from the National Bed Federation (NBF) is back again for another year with Sleepeezee in attendance and exhibiting several exciting new products…
The show, which is taking place this week in Telford, is firmly established in the trade calendar as the UK’s biggest bed exhibition. This year, as always, it will offer an exclusive look at what the many bed manufacturers that the UK and Ireland have to offer and Sleepeezee are excited to be part of such a prestigious line up of brands.
With many exciting new products coming to market, Sleepeezee will be showcasing its new Memory Ultimate, Centurial, In Motion, Fusion Pro and Little Bedz ranges to its new and existing customers.
With all key bed buyers in attendance, The Bed Show is one of the most significant shows to launch new products and innovations. “We’re excited to be attending the NBF Bed Show again in September and look forward to showing our retail partners the great new products we have on offer,” commented Amy Curtis, Head of Marketing at Sleepeezee. ” Everything we are taking to the show this year is brand new, so there is plenty for retailers to come and see, not to mention being able to grab one of our Centurian drinks from the stand!”.
Image credit: Sleepeezee
In celebration of the brand’s 100 years, the Centurial collection features some of the finest natural materials such as British wool and alpaca wool, to provide the ultimate in luxury comfort. Finished with rows of genuine hand side stitching and a chemical free soft Damask, the mattress collection offers medium or firm support for premium comfort.
Another exciting release at the show will be the Fusion Pro which features sumptuous copper infused memory foam that not only provides comfort and support during the night, but also helps reduce heat build-up for an undisturbed night’s sleep. Encapsulated for extra edge support, the Fusion Pro has also achieved a Which? Best Buy award demonstrating its superior comfort and quality finish.
Finally, Sleepeezee will be exhibiting its brand-new kids beds range, Little Bedz. As the newest member of the Sleepeezee family, the innovative kids’ beds range is carefully designed for the needs of children. With pocket spring technology that adjusts accordingly to your child’s body shape, both mattresses grow with your little ones, providing maximum support all the way up to their teenage years.
Sleepeezee 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.
Hilton’s fast growing upscale brand has expanded its footprint with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo in South Gyeonggi…
Spanning 25 floors, DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo is the largest full-service hotel and residences complex in southern Gyeonggi. The dual building complex comprises 432 hotel rooms and 170 residences respectively, designed in neutral tones and muted colors inspired by the lush foliage surrounding the property.
“The launch of DoubleTree by Hilton in Korea is testament to Hilton’s commitment to establishing our presence in enticing gateway cities across the region,” said Timothy Soper, Area Vice President, Head of Japan, Korea & Micronesia, Hilton. “South Korea is a dynamic destination for business and leisure with strong projected growth for the coming years. We are optimistic that DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo will be well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our guests”.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
The hotel guestrooms boast modern interiors and natural lighting with stylish executive rooms that grant access to the Executive Lounge. As the first upscale residential hotel in the city of Seongnam, the residences feature spacious and comfortable studio rooms, as well as premium suites of up to two bedrooms that feature separate bedroom and living room spaces.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
Amongst the dining offerings, Nyx offers an elevated dining experience that enables guests to take in the Pangyo skyline through panoramic windows, while the all-day dining restaurant Demeter offers international buffet spreads. The hotel also features state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities, an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre with a fully equipped Pilates studio, a driving range, a tennis court and a sauna.
“With a full-service hotel sitting alongside a spacious residence, we are ready to extend a double dose of comfort and care, whether to the business traveller here in town for a few days, or the leisure traveler who is looking to clock in a longer stay,” said Peta Ruiter, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo operates an urban rooftop bee farm with the aim of sustainable beekeeping that helps protect and maintain viable populations of thriving colonies. With its own harvest, the hotel offers a wide spectrum of honey-infused culinary creations, ranging from cocktails with a natural honeycomb to honey cakes and ‘Bee My Honey’ afternoon tea sets. As part of DoubleTree by Hilton’s ‘Do Good, Feel Good’ program and as an extension of its CARE culture, the hotel also organises weekly workshops to help educate children to care. Helping young ones understand the importance of bees to the ecosystem aims to instill a sense of purpose that travelling with awareness can further fulfill.
The property is also amongst the first in South Korea to obtain Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Chain of Custody certifications, offering guests sustainably-sourced seafood across its restaurants.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton has made several strides towards a rapid expansion across the region. Apart from its debut in Korea, Hilton also marked its 50th DoubleTree by Hilton property in Greater China with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Kunming Airport in December 2022 and soon after announced the opening of its first hotel in Japan’s Hokuriku region with the debut of DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama in January 2023, and first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Kyoto with DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama in August 2023.
In 2024, a bevy of openings are anticipated, including new DoubleTree by Hilton properties opening in Jakarta, as part of a mixed-use development in Bintaro Jaya; Osaka, the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Osaka; and Vientiane, Hilton’s first property in Laos.
Case study: Wrest Point celebrates with custom carpets from Modieus
Wrest Point was Australia’s first legal casino and has never looked better, with Modieus flooring creating the beautiful custom carpet designs in each of the distinctive spaces…
Wrest Point opened its doors in 1973 in the suburb of Sandy Bay in Hobart, Tasmania. Fast-forward to 2023 and Wrest Point has marked its 50th birthday with a make-over. Sydney-based firm Altis Architecture, one of the major design groups behind the $65m renovation chose to work with Modieus flooring to create the bespoke carpet designs we see woven into the design narrative.
“I have loved working with the inspirational team at Altis Architecture,” said Leah Manwaring, Design Manager, Modieus, “Each area on this project is distinctively different, so we’ve been able to showcase the best in flooring design.”
Image credit: Modieus
No refurb would be complete without a grand entrance area. This contemporary space incorporates a three-pod arrangement. A stylish double-height suspended chain screen feature encircles a modern pendant style chandelier. The Art Deco heritage of the original building is perfectly reflected in the custom carpet and interior design, creating an impressive entry to the Wrest Point Tower and Casino.
“Altis have worked with Modieus for many years and have been greatly inspired by their collaborative and creative approach to flooring design,” added Julia Amos, Associate, Altis Architecture. “We are very proud of the final outcomes and are impressed with the unique results achieved for every space. It has been a pleasure working together with whole the Modieus team to help bring our interior visions to fruition.”
Image credit: Modieus
The Riviera Casino has been transformed into beautiful inviting space, complete with a new cocktail lounge, casino bar and gaming area. The unique and dramatic carpet design has an Art Deco influence, which is also mirrored in the superb ceiling design with sweeping curves, beaded and sheer curtain features and linear backlighting throughout.
Image credit: Modieus
The ambitious new Birdcage bar and lounge space was originally a popular nightclub in the Casino. Inspiration was derived from the existing heritage murals by famous artist, Charles Billich, featuring dancing cabaret girls wearing peacock style outfits. The bar was relocated to allow for more lounge space, whilst opening and activating the adjacent thoroughfare. The glamourous feel has been achieved through the selection of rich contrasting colours and materials. Altis commissioned artists to create bespoke decorative pieces and worked with Modieus on the distinctive carpet design, which reflects the peacock theme.
Image credit: Modieus
The $65m renovation and refurbishment also includes a complete relocation and expansion of member gaming facilities. The members only Forte space includes the creation of private VIP gaming areas including a French café, new bar and lounge. The space also features bird sculptures by Clarita Brickerhoff, tapestry artworks by US artist Leroy Neiman and bespoke carpets from Modieus.
Image credit: Modieus
The Showroom is a historic treasure, established in 1973, the world-famous Cabaret show retained at The Showroom, has been enjoyed by the Royal family and various international stars. Fittingly, the corridor has been completely transformed into a dramatic viewing and exhibition space. It commemorates and showcases the historic costumes, actors, musicians and famous visitors to the venue over the 50 years with an interchanging exhibition of the rich history of Wrest Point entertainment.
Image credit: Modieus
As well as the bar and casino areas, guests can enjoy Wrest Points hospitality at the new Longhorn Smokehouse. Bespoke Texan Longhorn sculptures are featured throughout the space by Texan artist Jim Mundorf, an inspiration for both the name and theme of the venue. Intelligent design enabled this once large area to be divided into four smaller areas, creating intimate dining zones. The Southern American inspired menu utilises the finest Tasmanian produce, including the local highly sought-after Robbins Island Wagyu. A palette of timber, aged leather, metal studs and collected antique objects work perfectly with the textured carpet design from Modieus, to create an inviting yet rustic atmosphere.
Image credit: Modieus
Wrest Point is part of the Federal Group, a family-owned business operating across the tourism, hotel and gaming industries. They are the oldest continually operating hotel group in Australia and Tasmania’s largest private sector employer with employees located right across the entire state. “Wrest Point, with Altis and Modieus, have been on this journey for a few years now, ” stated Evelyn Wong, Project Manager at Federal Group. “We started our relationship back in 2017, and it has been a joy to be working with such inspirational and talented designers at the height of their craft.”
Popular with tourists and locals alike, Wrest Point Casino and Hotel offers a wide range of facilities, including a casino, restaurants, bars, accommodation, and event spaces. Part of this impressive complex is the Riveria Building which dates back to 1939. The outstanding refurbishment reflects the buildings historical and architectural significance, as the circular Art Deco building design is echoed in the corridors and guestrooms carpets.
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.
Space Copenhagen redefines luxury in Porto inside The Largo
Editor Hamish Kilburn caught up with Peter Bundgaard Rützou and Singe Bindlev Henriksen, the Founders of Space Copenhagen, to understand the design layers inside The Largo. The new luxury hotel that has just arrived in Porto has an unconventional narrative, told largely through materials…
Six years in the making, from concept to completion, The Largo is a new luxury hotel in Porto that has been designed by Danish design studio Space Copenhagen to offer ‘something different’ on the hospitality scene in the city.
Located on the historic Largo de São Domingos, the 18-key hotel, featuring a restaurant and bar, occupies five interconnected 15th, 16th and 19th century buildings that the design studio has carefully stripped back and restored to reveal, while maintaining, many of its original features.
Image credit: Joachim Wichmann
“We have applied a refined, historically detailed design language that celebrates modernity combined with a sense of an aesthetic slowness in celebration of the city, its legacy and the local traditions of Porto,” said Peter Bundgaard Rützou, C0-Founder of Space Copenhagen. “The materials used throughout are local, subdued, warm, intimate, tactile, and natural. Where possible we have collaborated with local artisans to create an experience, an environment that is elegant, distinctly discreet, sensuous and comfortable.”
The hotel concept is the brainchild of Annassurra, a Copenhagen-based travel and hospitality group. It playfully subverts the standard notions of luxury hospitality to offer something distinctly personal and tactile. “The client really sincerely wanted to create a more in-depth [hospitality] experience,” Signe Bindslev Henriksen, Co-Founder of Space Copenhagen told Hotel Designs. “When we started the project, we realised that the interesting thing about Porto was this feeling of ‘undiscovered potential’, added Rützou. “This project was about taking chances, with the client collaboratively as well as with materials. The client initially bought two buildings facing the largo before purchasing three more. The height differences between the buildings presented certain challenges. The project felt, at times, like a three-dimensional puzzle we had to put together.”
Image credit: Joachim Wichmann
The collection of historical buildings was first lovingly restored by architect Frederico Valsassina and are situated in a prime position with views across the Douro River, which runs through the city of Porto. One of the key objectives of the renovation, which has steadily been taking shape over the last three years, has been the conservation of hundreds of years of history and preserving the crafts and traditions embedded within the architecture of the building. “On any project, you dive into a visual language that is relevant to the location, and then translate that into the project,” Henriksen said when explaining the process of the studio’s design approach. “Exploring Porto during that long start-up period was a great way to filter down the essence of what we believed was particularly beautiful about Porto. During this time, we started dialogues with the right crafts people to ensure the city felt strongly represented not just through colour but also through materials and art.”
Image credit: Joachim Wichmann
The Largo’s interiors have been conceived to inspire connection; between guests, hosts, the Portuguese community and the space itself. Through thoughtful elements of craft, materiality, texture and art, The Largo plays at the intersection of tradition and modernity; attention to detail and authenticity. Both Rützou and Henriksen created the interiors of The Largo to be soft, slightly nostalgic yet timeless, refined, historically detailed and overall orchestrated by a modern design perspective with an overarching sense of slow design and travel. “It is a mysterious and magical feeling to be inside [the hotel],” added Henriksen. “There is a juxtaposition between the city on the outside and being enveloped in the hotel, which has many layers.”
Materials have been locally sourced for their qualities of subdued, warm, intimate, tactile, and natural. As such stone, wood, brass and soft fabrics feature repeatedly throughout.
The lounge at The Largo has a secluded feel and this is where guests are greeted at ground floor level. Located towards the back of the building, there is an opportunity to interact and engage, dwell or listen to an intimate performance or talk. Guests can also enjoy the outside courtyard, which is impressively suspended between the building and rock, at five storeys deep.
Image credit: Joachim Wichmann
The suites at The Largo are all generously proportioned with thoughtfully considered layouts that consequently encourage a longer stay at a slower pace. All rooms mimic the intimacy of an apartment living room and private quarters. “There is a freedom of space in each of the rooms,” explained Rützou. “When you enter and close the door, it feels immediately intimate, and feel protected by the hotel and its surrounding natural elements.”
Throughout the hotel, there is a strong relationship between space, function and form, which is confidently defined in all areas by the design duo’s creative approach as both interior designers and product designers. “When you walk through the corridors you immediately sense that the hay day of this place was a long time ago, so the buildings have these worn-down features,” added Rützou. “Some of that essence is distilled into the bed frames, for example.” The beds are the centrepiece of the room and are framed by a renaissance feature of elaborate headboards reinterpreted in a modern way to pay respect to its origin.
Image credit: Joachim Wichmann
Ceilings bear the same level of diluted ornamentation bringing the historic context of the buildings into a new and repurposed setting. Paying homage to local craft and tradition each element has been carefully and exclusively designed for The Largo and executed by Portuguese artisans. The millwork, stone and metalwork throughout were carefully created by local artisans, as well as tiling sourced from local tile manufacturers. The wooden flooring, granite portal, entry passage and plastered walls in subdued colour tones further enhance the slow and warm pace, with the ornate ceilings preserved with the historical buildings original design.
The bathrooms feature large tile stone flooring and bathtubs carved as a singular piece in local Portuguese stone. Each room includes a lounge and table settings that facilitate the experience of luxury in room dining. The penthouses and townhouses have their own kitchens, and all suites have extensive pantry storage and wine fridges to welcome a longer stay.
Image credit: Joachim Wichmann
Adjoining The Largo are sister projects Cozinha das Flores and Flôr, a restaurant and a bar, both also under the direction of Nuno Mendes. The restaurant, Cozinha das Flores, celebrates the food, culture, wines, techniques and ingredients of Porto and the surrounding region. The adjacent 12-seat bar, Flôr, has fast become a cornerstone of the local neighbourhood.
“Our wish has been to create a soft and charming oasis in the heart of Porto – a place and destination where you can feel at home, sense the honest and genuine atmosphere of the historic buildings and the area,” concluded Rützou. “A place of discovery, and a place to recharge for new adventures in the beautiful city and surrounding nature.”
Image credit: Joachim Wichmann
With more meaning being demanded around hotel development in hotspot neighbourhoods, just like Porto, The Largo is a fresh and unexpected example of how an independent hotel can set new standards in personalised luxury hospitality while also sheltering spaces that stand as timeless reminders of the power of architecture, nature and materials when pieced together sensitively.
> Since you’re here, why not watch Editor Hamish Kilburn’s Hotel Designs LIVE session, featuring Space Copenhagen discussing ‘a new era of wellness’?
Sustainable and adaptable, the new Outdoor Living porcelain tile collection from RAK Ceramics is the ideal choice to design or revamp gardens, patios, terraces, driveways or pool areas…
Available in a range of style options, the different installation possibilities of this RAK Ceramics collection allows the material to blend in with its surrounding landscape. With a host of technical advantages that ensure the tiles are weather-proof and highly durable, the extra thick tiles are ideal for installation on any outdoor area. Able to match indoor and outdoor paving for a seamless flow, the Outdoor Living Collection is versatile and easy to install, with no special treatment needed to keep it looking clean.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
Weatherproof, the tiles are also UV resistant so won’t discolour from direct sunlight, while their slip resistance make them a safe flooring option for all situations. The tiles also feature the award-winning Klima technology, that repels the heat from sunlight, resisting high temperatures. Even with significant sun exposure, the surface is not burning hot, and the floor remains cool and pleasant to walk on with bare feet.
Ideal for gardens, gazebos and walkways, the porcelain tiles can be installed directly on to grass, or on to gravel and sand. For terraces and high traffic areas installation can be made on to screed with adhesive.
The Outdoor Living porcelain tiles collection includes eight styles – Carmo Stone, Fashion Stone Outdoor, Gold Calacatta, Grey Calacatta, Maremma, RAK Stone 2.0, Stone Lagoon and Surface 2.0 Outdoor, with a variety of colour options to suit any setting. The tiles measure 60cm x 60cm and 60cm x 120cm, perfect for covering large areas with ease.
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.
Introducing the New Chair and Table Collection from Liang & Eimil
Not only will Liang & Eimil be exhibiting at Decorex this October after moving in to its new Shoreditch showroom recently, but the luxury furniture brand just dropped a new collection just in time for AW23. Let’s check it out…
Liang & Eimil, a name synonymous with sophistication and innovation in the world of interior furnishings, proudly introduces its latest triumph—the all-new Chair and Table Collection. With a decade of unrivalled expertise in crafting exquisite furniture, Liang & Eimil once again elevates interior design to new heights with this stunning addition to their repertoire.
Crafted to perfection, the Chair and Table Collection is a testament to Liang & Eimil’s unwavering commitment to blending style, comfort, and functionality. This collection features an array of modern yet timeless pieces, each designed to seamlessly integrate into a variety of interior aesthetics.
Here are five highlights that our editorial team have discovered about the collection:
Armchairs in Neutral Shades with Solid Wooden Legs:
The armchairs, which are available in a palette of neutral shades, embrace understated elegance. What’s more, the addition of solid wooden legs infuses warmth and sophistication into any space.
Image credit: Liang & Eimil
Image credit: Liang & Eimil
Dining chairs
Designers can choose from a selection of dining chairs, with versatile leg options, which are complete with solid wooden legs for a classic touch or steel legs for a modern twist. This versatility allows you to create a dining area that perfectly suits your style.
Bar stools with backrest
The collection’s bar stools provide not only comfort but also support with their backrest design.
Faux marble side tables and coffee tables:
The collection introduces a range of faux marble side tables and coffee tables with glass tops. These eye-catching pieces effortlessly combine luxury and practicality.
Image credit: Liang & Eimil
Upholstery in neutral shades and autumnal colours:
The chair upholstery is available in a selection of neutral shades for a timeless look. For those seeking a touch of autumnal warmth, explore hues of rust orange and ochre that evoke the spirit of the season.
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.
Statement sustainability with Rusticork from Granorte
With its true bark texture, Rusticork from Granorte brings an original, bold and raw aesthetic to walls…
The Rusticork collection of panels by Granorte create natural, bold and beautiful walls that come directly from the renewable bark of cork trees. Available in a range of striking decorative effects, all remaining true to the natural textures of cork bark, it creates a unique wall finish.
Granorte has used pigment dyes to bring even more creativity to the collection, enhancing striking textures in colours such as bluemoon, black, ash grey, terracotta and warm white, as well as natural bark. The panel is made from pieces of raw cork bark – faced to an agglomerated cork backing for Sandstone and Bark textures – for a product that’s natural and renewable, as well as close to original.
“Our range of cork products use processed waste product, but with Rusticork, we’ve gone one step closer to harnessing the original material in its purest form,” said Paulo Rocha, Granorte. “Taken directly from the harvest of cork bark, we select individual pieces and apply only what we need to create a functional and decorative wall panel. Adding granulated cork and binding together, it’s a process that really is as minimal as it can be and one with a distinct and beautiful result.”
The product is completely free from formaldehyde, PVC and softeners, making it non-hazardous, as well as being natural, biodegradable and recyclable. It also has functional benefits in use too. Absorbing airborne sound and increasing thermal comfort, Rusticork helps to make interiors more comfortable and it is finished with waterbased CORKGUARD for protection from marks.
Connecting walls to nature, the cork bark finish is part of Granorte’s Delivering Nature Walls collection, which includes a range of decorative cork finishes suitable for use in commercial interiors.
Granorte 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.
Miniview: Cowley Manor Experimental – a haven for creativity
Experimental Group, together with design collaborators Dorothée Meilichzon and De Matos Ryan and Chef Consultant Jackson Boxer, has breathed life back into Cowley Manor, the much cherished British country house hotel…
Cowley Manor has been a manor house at the heart of England’s history for more than 300 years, with the first iteration constructed in 1695. The land was once owned by Edward the Confessor, the property designed by the renowned R.A. Briggs and the estate a safe haven for locals in the war. It is also widely recognised as the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Today, it enters a new chapter under the tutelage of Experimental Group.
Image credit: Mr Tripper
Sat within 55 acres of Cotswolds countryside, Cowley Manor is home to 36 bedrooms and suites, the award-winning C-Side Spa, restaurant, Experimental Cocktail Club Cotswolds Bar, lounge, library and plentiful living rooms. Interior Designer Dorothée Meilichzon has put her spin on its storied past, carefully weaving together classical inspiration with contemporary elements, placing baldaquin beds at the heart of each grand bedroom complemented by blurred maple and Verdigris.
Image credit: Mr Tripper
Touches of rattan, mixed with bold colours and glossy lacquer and statement lava stone feature throughout, alongside nods to Lewis Carroll’s iconic Alice in Wonderland: a small hidden door here, White Rabbit door knockers there, and an entirely bespoke checkerboard carpet throughout.
Image credit: Mr Tripper
Image credit: Mr Tripper
The bedrooms are divided into: Petite Cowley – the cosiest rooms located in the main house; Wildflower – spacious open plan suites with four poster beds in both the main house and stable block, some with outdoor terraces; WaterLily – a romantic suite overlooking the lake; Alpaca’s Room – havens for the whole family featuring a sofa that magically turns into a bunk bed; Family Tree – a stone’s throw from the main house and set across three levels; and four hero suites including Churn’s River Junior Suite, St Mary Suite, Swan Lake Suite and Cowley Manor Suite.
Image credit: Mr Tripper
Image credit: Mr Tripper
Designed as a place for guests and the community alike, the new restaurant and cocktail bar at Cowley Manor is a place to mark a milestone, or simply enjoy a long lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. Celebrated chef Jackson Boxer leads the team as Chef Consultant with a menu woven with extraordinary local produce and paying homage to Experimental Group’s French heritage. As part of the hotel’s revival, the team have focused on evolving the kitchen garden, growing wider varieties of produce and increasing its size. The complementing cocktail and wine lists offer a mix of English and French wines, alongside classic cocktails and Experimental signatures.
Image credit: Mr Tripper
An escape to nourish the soul, relax the body and emerge rejuvenated, C-Side Spa has reopened following an interior refresh for hotel and day spa guests. An iconic post-modern building carved out of the land flanked by two heated pools, indoor and out. Behind the doors, local vegan skincare brand Monu Skin is at the heart of each treatment – 100 per cent natural, a combination of plants and essential oils and a real tonic for tired skin and sore muscles. The spa is also home to a fitness centre, sauna and steam rooms and five private treatment rooms.
Image credit: Mr Tripper
Gently enveloped by meadows and pastures, with Italianate gardens at the heart, the original Cowley Manor gardens date back to the 19th century when the fertile soil was planted with ginkgo biloba, atlas blue cedar, grand sequoias and later, cypresses. Seven natural springs are at the heart of the gardens, with the upper lake flowing east to the middle lake on the River Churn. Delicately flowing through a Grade II listed water-staircase consisting of fountains and pools, created at the hand of James Hutchinson in the 19th century and overlooked by ornamental statues of eagles and lions carefully carved from stone.
Image credit: Mr Tripper
Early morning brings the promise of wildlife encounters and birdsong from woodpeckers, kinglets and kingfishers and throughout the day, alpacas graze on pastures in the surrounding fields. Cowley Manor is a true playground for nature lovers, a place where head gardener David Masters lead guests on a trail of discovery.
Trend alert: 7 interior design trends to look out for in AW23
From biophilic design to bold colours, dopamine dressing to earthy tones, Hotel Designs, in collaboration with Swyft interior designer, Kelly Collins, identifies some of the key AW23 design trends…
With designers, makers and creators all dropping their AW23 look-books and collections, along with London Design Festival (LDF) making bold statements and curating interesting conversations across the capital, we thought it would be good time to catch up with interior designer Kelly Collins from Swyft, to take a closer look at the emerging trends and how they are being integrated into our interiors.
Image credit: Material Matters
With ‘The Power of Colour’ being placed firmly on the agenda with an immersive entrance designed by 2LG Studio in partnership with Lick, as part of LDF, it feels like a strong starting point when identifying trends.
“First up has to be Earthy Tones,” stated Collins, kicking off the colour conversation. “The past few years everyone’s been really big on neutrals and before that, it was grey that I saw everywhere. When I say earthy tones, I’m talking about colours that are naturally found. There are two main groups that stand out to me that are perfect for home interiors – earthy shades of pinks and reds and on the other side of the spectrum, those in tones of greens.”
Image credit: Swyft
“We’re going to see so much more pink come through in interior choices this season and into next year,” added Collins. “Unfortunately for all you Barbie lovers out there, it’s all about pinks and reds that are a little more toned down – versions of warm browns, terracotta, rust, henna and brick.”
Feeding into these earthy tones are the Shades of Green, which along with the clays and hennas, cross over into the realm of biophilic design on a sensory level. “Greens I’m loving at the moment are a little more subtle, going with the organic theme, agreed Collins.” If you’re changing up your place this season, try out Spruce, Moss or Celery – they’re all great options for nailing this trend with a slightly different angle.”
On a slight colour deviation, the London Art Collective, with its exhibition On Purple, has put the royal colour in the spotlight during LDF – so who knows, maybe the colour purple will reign again?
Image credit: Locke
We have been talking about Biophilic Design in all its shapes and forms here on Hotel Designs for some time now – it has proven to be a trend that is here to stay and clearly crosses all disciplines, moving into colour, materiality and lighting. Exhibitions like Planted continue to explore the theme from a broader social base as it provides a platform for a sustainable vision of the future, built upon the principles of biophilic design and working only with brands who place nature and sustainability at their core.
“This concept isn’t anything new – it’s been used by architects and interior designers for decades,” agreed Collins. “In super simple terms, biophilic design is all about spaces that make you feel more connected to nature. I’m confident that we’ll see it get even more popular in interiors this AW23 season.”
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
“Incorporating biophilic design into your interior doesn’t have to be complicated – we’re not trying to recreate the Eden project here,” expanded Collins. “Increasing the number of houseplants you’ve got in your home is the most obvious choice, but if you’re not green-fingered, there are plenty of other ways to create a calming oasis. Include natural materials in your decor choices – things like real wood, rattan, jute and stone are important when designing a biophilic-inspired interior. It’s all about mimicking natural patterns and shapes, so don’t be afraid to experiment with this concept.”
Image credit: Newmor
On a bright note, another trend identified by Collins is Dopamine Dressing – a relatively new interior design trend which is all about using colour, pattern, texture and accessories that make you feel happier in your space. It’s playful, joy-inducing stuff.
The Newmor team identified this in its trend forecast for 2023 and luxury brand Bulgari made a bold statement in its Bulgari Hotel London collaboration within multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori. Fabric house Harlequin has also embraced the dopamine dressing trend with its collaboration with designer Sophie Robinson.
Image credit: Harlequin
Discussing the dopamine trend in a little more depth, Collins went on to discuss just how to introduce these happy notes into the home or hotel interior. “There’s a sense of nostalgia with this trend too,” she explained. “I’m seeing lots of vintage and retro items being used as decor, especially anything that’s quirky and very of its time – think 60’s/70’s rotary phones, 80’s/90’s lava lamps – basically anything with lots of nostalgic good vibes. If dopamine dressing is an interior trend you want to try out for yourself, start by choosing colours you’re drawn to that make you feel happy. In your soft furnishings and furniture, choose textures that make you feel safe and comfy. Then, bring the look together with accessories that spark joy or bring back happy memories. Your home interior has so much power to make you feel happier in gloomy winter months – dopamine dressing is the proof.”
Image credit: Gabriel Scott
Bold Architectural Lighting is another trend that is making strong statements across the boards. Lighting brand Gabriel Scott launched Welles Reimagined, earlier in collaboration with six global designers and architects and showcased at Milan Design Week and the team at Northern Lights continue to make bespoke architectural lighting statements in hospitality interiors.
Making a grand gesture this week at LDF and featured in our Editor’s pick, was Aura – a live installation that transformed the sounds present in St Pauls Cathedral into a pulsating line of light projected at an architectural scale. It introduces new ideas while seamlessly integrating into the building and its daily life as if it had been part of the original design. Aura listens to the sound, voices and music generated in St Paul’s and materialises them into a spectral, three-dimensional aura that enhances the ritual aspects of this space.
Image credit: Pablo Valbuena
Sustainability continues to be a significant focus in interior design, in fact it is less of a focus and more of a fixture. As AW23 collections emerge, you can expect to see more eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient fixtures and a general emphasis on reducing environmental impact. Not simply about the end product, mode of production and waste continues to come under scrutiny. Fabric collections like RESET from Edmund Bell place these issues in centre stage, as its recycled fabric have become a core part of the company ethos.
On the subject of sustainability, Material Matters has returned to Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, as part of the Bankside Design District. The fair brings together world-brands, designers, makers, and innovators to investigate and celebrate the importance of materials and their ability to shape our lives. From innovative use of materials, through to a spotlight on clean tech, this exhibition continues to push sustainable boundaries.
Image credit: 25hours / Stephan Lemke
Finally it feels appropriate to end a trend forecast about future directions by looking back, with the trend that is all about Retro Hues and a sense of nostalgia.
“Retro is definitely here to stay! I talked about vintage vibes in our last style guide, and as a lover of this trend I’m very happy it’s back in full swing for the AW23 season,” concluded Collins. “This year and next it’s going to be all about warm, comforting colours, and a little less about avocado bathrooms and shag carpets. Think 70s style, but toned down a bit. If you’re looking to recreate a subtle retro look, it’s all about warm colours. Mustard yellow and Ochre are probably the boldest of retro-inspired warm hues to go for – ideal for a statement piece like a sofa or accent chair. Browns, burgundies, deep greens and terracotta also work well.”
Earlier this year, Hotel Designs sat down with leading designers at a roundtable event to discuss the trends that have been shaping and reshaping the hotel design and wider hospitality industry for decades. Whether we choose to be a follower of fashion, or prefer to step outside the trend-directed path, it is both interesting and important, to understand the trends shaping our lives, the reason behind them and the social impetus that drives them forward.
Marriott International has recently announced that it has signed an agreement with New Development Group to introduce the EDITION Hotels brand to Dali, a travel destination in Southwestern China, known for its picturesque natural scenery, diverse ethnic culture and vibrant nightlife…
Nestled on a hillside halfway up the Cangshan Mountain, The Dali EDITION, which marks the brand’s third property in China, is expected to open in December 2025 and establish a new benchmark for the luxury hotel segment in Yunnan Province.
“We are thrilled to be working with New Development Group to bring EDITION Hotels brand to Dali, inviting travellers to indulge in the local culture and traditions of the unique Bai ethnic folklore,” said Yibing Mao, President, Greater China, Marriott International. “The signing highlights our commitment to strengthening the presence of our luxury portfolio in Greater China as part of the ‘Brand + Destination’ development strategy. We will continue to strategically expand our footprint and match brands with complementary destinations to cater to ever-changing guest demands.”
At an altitude of 2,090 meters, Dali is well situated on a fertile plateau between the Cangshan Mountain to the west and Erhai Lake to the east. It has traditionally been a significant centre on the routes westward from Kunming to the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Dali EDITION will offer convenient accessibility to public transportation, including the Dali Railway Station and Dali Fengyi Airport. The hotel will also allow guests to immerse themselves in natural, cultural and recreational experiences, with its proximity to local attractions such as Cangshan Mountain Scenic Area, Three Pagodas, Dali Old Town and Dali Stone Mountain Golf Club.
With its interior design led by the acclaimed Shenzhen Cheng Chung Design, the hotel will remain rooted in the brand’s strong sense of simplicity and style. It is expected to offer 150 luxurious, serene guestrooms including suites as well as villas with private pools, most of which will provide breathtaking views of either the Cangshan Mountain or Erhai Lake. The hotel is also slated to feature four signature restaurants and bars, which will offer a selection of exquisite food and beverage options that celebrate culinary innovation and reflect the best of the destination culture. Other planned facilities include the swimming pool, the Fitness Centre, The Spa, the Recreational Activities Centre, as well as conference and event spaces including a 600-square-meter outdoor lawn.
“We look forward to working with New Development Group on this exciting property,” said Josh Fluhr, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, EDITION Hotels. “This signing demonstrates guests continued demand for EDITION’s luxury accommodations and experiences in China.”
“We are excited to partner with Marriott International in The Dali EDITION project, following the success of our previous five hotel developments,” said Mr. Ding Furu, Chairman of New Development Group. “We are certain that The Dali EDITION will raise the bar for luxury hospitality, and inspire travellers to embark on new journeys to this historical and cultural city.”
This signing underscores Marriott International’s growing luxury portfolio in Greater China, where the company now has nearly 70 luxury hotels. The unveiling of The Dali EDITION further grows the company’s luxury footprint in Southwestern China.
Workspace Design Show prepares for its 3rd UK edition
Workspace Design Show, the leading trade show bringing together the UK workplace design community, returns to London’s Business Design Centre for its eagerly awaited third UK edition, running from February 27-28, 2024. Save the date…
The organisers of the Workspace Design Show have unveiled an array of exciting plans for the upcoming February event. This year, the show will revolve around the theme of Bloom: Exploring the thriving ecosystem of work life. One of the standout features will undoubtedly be the raft of collaborations with renowned architects’ practices, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.
At the 2023 event, visitor number to Workspace Design Show increased by an impressive 75 per cent year on year with exhibitors from over 20 countries showcasing innovative and transformational workplace interiors products over the two days. Building on this success, over 75 per cent of stand space is already booked for 2024.
“I would highly recommend attending the show next year, it is a brilliant chance to learn and to meet many people through a shared interest in the design sector,” said Gurvinder Khurana, Director, M Moser Associates, commenting on the last edition of Workspace Design Show.
Image credit: Workspace Deign Show
“Highly recommend – a show that brings the entire industry together; a great place to network,” added Natalie Smith, Principal, Planning and Strategies, London, Perkins and Will.
Gensler will be designing the Design Talks Lounge, BDP will be curating the Insights Lounge, both of which will be sponsored by Hunters, and tp bennett will be responsible for creating an experiential entrance design.
Workspace Design Show will be the place in London for architects, designers, occupiers, developers, consultants, coworking companies and fit-out companies to explore the latest industry trends, see the latest products, and find inspiration in the thought-provoking talks programmes.
Hotel Designs is proud to return in 2024 as an official media partner for Workspace Design Show.
Comprising three seating ranges, the new designs from sofa.com offer a hint of Scandi styling and a whole host of sleek, contemporary shaping…
Catering for a global network of interior designers working on a varied selection of specifications, sofa.com has built on its much-loved core collection and become a renowned interior design destination. A curated collection which takes inspiration from timeless shape and design, with each piece presenting unique elements which showcase one of Autumn’s key furniture trends – sculptural minimalism. 24 new fabrics join the expansive offering of seating, ensuring all sofa and armchairs are specifically tailored to their final placement. In addition, there is the option to upholster each and every sofa.com piece in COM, allowing for endless possibilities.
Image credit: sofa.com
Boston is introduced as the urban hero of the collection, available as various sized sofa, chaise, armchair and footstool. The upholstered base facilitates a more generous seat depth, and dual-layered arm detailing balances the masculinity of the sofa, bringing a sense of enveloping comfort and a touch of modern sophistication, with the purpose of the design being to combine relaxation with luxury.
Image credit: sofa.com
Anders launches as an edited reimagination of Isaac, one of the brands best selling designs and epitomises laidback luxury. The shape boasts a plush base and back cushions filled with feathers, for ultimate indulgence. Fully removable fabric covers, beautiful piping detail, plump padded arms and a simple silhouette, culminates in a tailored approach to minimalist design.
Image credit: sofa.com
Borrowing inspiration from the 80’s, geometric contrasts are created through the juxtaposition of Hockney’s angular wooden detailing and the sweeping curves of the seat itself. A self-supporting shape with its bulbous seat resting comfortably on the floor – intelligently designed and effortlessly sturdy, with enough squish to sink into.
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.
Great Plains’ Sitatunga Private Island opens in Botswana
Great Plains, the iconic eco-tourism company, has announced the opening of Sitatunga Private Island, a water-based Réserve-Collection Safari Camp in the upper reaches of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, built entirely from recycled materials…
Built on a raised, wrap-around railway sleeper private deck, Sitatunga Private Island can accommodate a maximum of four adults in two separate and stunning private suites. The spacious double-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite hosts four adults or a family of two adults and up to three children, offering a total footprint of approximately 607 square metres. Sitatunga Private Island can host up to eight guests in total sharing the two suites and the two-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite.
Image credit: Sitatunga Private Island
Constructed almost entirely of recycled materials, breathing new life into old treasures, the new camp offers discerning explorers a ‘slow safari’ experience that is as sustainable as it is luxurious. Each of the two guest suites, as well as the 2-bedroomed suite comes complete with an indoor lounge, gorgeously appointed bathrooms with baths and separate showers, a private deck with outdoor lounging and seating areas as well as a private pool with expansive views over the lagoon that stretches in front of the camp itself.
Image credit: Sitatunga Private Island
“Sitatunga Private Island is unlike any other Great Plains property, pushing the eco-design boundary in a remote region in Botswana whilst also offering the highest level of hospitality and accommodation,” elaborated Dereck Joubert, CEO, Great Plains. “It is also one of the few locations in the world where one can still see sitatunga, the rare aquatic antelope, from camp and by boat, which is the main activity here in addition to walking. It is deep Okavango Delta and, as such, is rich in birding. Head out on a boat to view elephants, crocodiles, and hippos all day, every day. I know our guests will enjoy every moment of it, as I do.”
Image credit: Sitatunga Private Island
Dereck and Beverly Joubert have both been pivotal in the interior design process, imbibing a sense of place and authenticity into the camp, with the giant bamboo fisherman basket structures of the suites paying homage to the Bayei people who historically occupied the area. “Sitatunga’s design tells the story of the Okavango, a camp surrounded by water, and one that has had indigenous fishermen in the region for over 200 years,” explained Joubert. “Those fishermen designed and used fishing baskets and traps made from reeds in a funnel shape, so I took this reference and designed the rooms as tents hanging inside of giant fishing baskets. The interiors, as a result, draw on a colour range that mirrors that of the Okavango – a blend of misty greens and light bleached woods.”
Image credit: Sitatunga Private Island
A true labour of love, all materials within the camp have been personally sourced by Dereck and Beverly over the years and used to create Sitatunga Private Island. The suites seamlessly blend into the natural landscape of the Okavango Delta, conjuring a strong imaging of its ancestral origins while respecting the local environment.
Image credit: Sitatunga Private Island
“Sitatunga Private Island is very ‘Robinson Crusoe, desert island-ish’,” continued Joubert. “It is designed with a ‘salvage’ inspired reference. Thick, shaggy thatch covers canvas roofs and walls. There is thick pole woodwork, feeling like masts salvaged from a shipwreck, but the very spacious inner floorspace is actually some of the largest we have ever built. Each suite is set up very high in the ebony trees, a traditional way to seek and find safety, take advantage of the views, and rest in the cool shade. And, of course, to spot sitatunga!”
Image credit: Sitatunga Private Island
A water-based camp, guests can choose from a variety of ‘slow safari’ adventures, from boating safaris and mekoro rides and more. For the traditionalist, walking safaris and game drives are also available, and for a truly indulgent celebration, guests can even opt for a scenic private helicopter tour of the Okavango Delta – complete with champagne, naturally! Flexibility is at the core of every Great Plains’ stay, and guests are encouraged to create their own unique itinerary in line with their interests, with guidance and recommendations from professional guides who know the Delta like the back of their hand.
“Sitatunga Private Island is the perfect camp to slow down in, to walk, to get on the ever-soothing water”, added Joubert. “Get on the river. Let its pace determine yours, give yourself to it and find silent moments on your safari. Because, like the river, it is not about the water itself but the journey.”
Image credit: Sitatunga Private Island
For those guests keen to unwind within their new home-away-from-home in Botswana, Sitatunga Private Island offers yoga mats, an exercise bike, light weights with in-room massages available upon request. A unique wine cellar and boutique complete with D&B Explorer clothing are also available to guests within the camp. As has become synonymous with a Great Plains Conservation Réserve-Collection safari camp, each suite comes complete with a complimentary professional camera and lens set, for use while out on the water and in the bush, ensuring lifelong memories can be captured during one’s stay.
Breaking news: Villeroy & Boch takes over Ideal Standard
Joining the ranks of Europe’s biggest manufacturers of bathroom products, Villeroy & Boch AG has signed binding agreements to acquire operating companies in the Ideal Standard Group. Here’s what we know…
Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard are a strong strategic fit given their regional presence, sales strategies and product and brand portfolios, laying the foundations for a stronger market position and additional growth. In an industry with global growth potential, the integrated company will, after completion of the transaction, join the ranks of Europe’s biggest manufacturers of bathroom products. The Ideal Standard shares are being sold by corporations under the management of Anchorage Capital Group and CVC Credit. The acquisition price is based on a company valuation of approximately € 600 million.
The revenue of the Villeroy & Boch Bathroom & Wellness Division will double to € 1.4 billion as a result of the merger. Including the Dining & Lifestyle business, this represents an increase to over 1.7 billion euros (around € 995 million in the 2022 financial year) for the Group as a whole.
“This merger means that we will now catch up with the largest players on the European market in the bathroom sector in terms of turnover,” explains Frank Göring, CEO of Villeroy & Boch. “Our complementary strengths also make us more competitive and significantly improve our starting position for achieving additional growth.”
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
The merger will create a powerful combination of complementary established brand and sales strategies. Villeroy & Boch has a strong geographical basis in Central and Northern Europe as well as Asia, while Ideal Standard enjoys an excellent reputation with its brand portfolio in the UK, Italy and the Middle East / North Africa region in particular.
While Villeroy & Boch’s sales strategy focuses primarily on a high-end private customer base, Ideal Standard possesses particular expertise in the project business, including for the public sector, the healthcare sector and for developers of large residential, hotel and commercial properties. In addition, alongside a broad range of ceramic bathroom ware and other products, Ideal Standard comes with an established fittings business, which generated more than a third of its revenue last financial year.
“Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard complement each other, in terms of products but also in terms of brands, and will gain mutual benefit from their different sales channels,” continued Jan Peter Tewes, Ideal Standard CEO. “Both companies will play a key role in charting the future course of the industry. We look forward to this development!”
In addition to the strategic fit, Frank Göring pointed to the cultural similarities between Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard. “We are characterised by strong brands steeped in tradition and share similar values,” said Göring. “These include a pronounced service orientation, a flair for good design and a constant striving for innovation. We are delighted that the employees of Ideal Standard will become part of our global organisation after the closing of the transaction. Our clients will benefit from this combined expertise and an expanded offering.”
“The bathrooms sector remains a fast-moving global growth market, but it is a market in which scale effects will be increasingly important to remaining competitive and attracting future investment,” stated Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Villeroy & Boch. “For this reason alone, the acquisition represents the right strategic step for Villeroy & Boch. In addition, Ideal Standard is an excellent extension to our own business model. This heralds a new era for the Bathroom & Wellness Division and for Villeroy & Boch as a whole.”
With this merger, Villeroy & Boch is not only elevating its bathrooms business to a new level in terms of volume, but is also gaining access to significant additional growth potential. Ideal Standard’s manufacturing base in the fittings business, expertise in the project business and strong market positions in the UK, MENA and Italy will grant Villeroy & Boch improved market penetration and coverage of specific regions and product segments.
With these long-standing brands combining their strengths, it will be interesting to see what this means for future collections and the role of designer Robert Palomba as Ideal Standard’s Chief Design Officer, along with the path forward for ethical and conscious manufacturing in the industry more broadly, which Hotel Designs’ explored in Venice with Ideal Standard earlier this year.
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.
The power of darkness – blackout fabrics from Edmund Bell
Edmund Bell Fabrics, a trailblazer in the textile industry, proudly presents the marriage of innovation, sustainability and sophistication, drawing back the curtain onto the world of blackout fabrics and their profound impact on hospitality interiors…
At the heart of every guest’s experience lies the quest for comfort. From the moment they step foot into the guestroom, visitors seek a tranquil atmosphere that soothes the senses. This is where the blackout fabrics from Edmund Bell emerge as the unsung heroes of hospitality design. By offering impeccable light control, these fabrics empower guests to tailor the environment to their desires. Be it a late afternoon nap, an uninterrupted sleep-in, or simply the preference for a dimly lit space, blackout fabrics place the power of ambiance at one’s fingertips.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Gone are the days when blackout fabrics were synonymous with heavy, dull drapes. Today’s design trends celebrate innovation and diversity and blackout fabrics are no exception. Edmund Bell Fabrics has curated a collection that not only satisfies practical needs, but also ignites aesthetic brilliance. From luxurious velvets in rich jewel tones to sleek, modern textures that exude urban charm, these blackout fabrics transcend stereotypes, showcasing the limitless possibilities for harmonising functionality with style.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
In a world where sustainability is paramount, Edmund Bell Fabrics proudly introduces the new RESET collection, embodying the brands commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising on quality or design. This innovative blackout fabric contains recycled yarns, a testament to its dedication to minimising its ecological footprint. The collection takes recycled yarns and transforms them into luxurious blackout fabrics that tell a story of renewal. Crafted with ingenuity and care, the fabrics radiate elegance while honouring the environment and symbolise a new era of conscious design at Edmund Bell where every thread can contribute to a greener future.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Image credit: Edmund Bell
In addition, as the year unfolds, several design trends have emerged, reshaping the hospitality landscape and Edmund Bell has design solutions to incorporate these trends into a scheme whichever path it takes.
As bringing the outdoors in has transcended cliché and entered the realm of sophistication, incorporating blackout fabrics adorned with nature-inspired prints, lush foliage, intricate florals and serene landscapes, imbues spaces with a tranquil vitality that resonates with guests seeking refuge from the bustle of the world.
The timeless elegance of monochromatic palettes takes a dramatic turn with the interplay of textures. Pairing blackout fabrics with varying textures in the same colour family introduces depth and visual interest, creating a sense of opulence that’s both contemporary and classic. Moving from the monochromatic to minimalism, bold minimalism has evolved from stark simplicity to bold statements. The juxtaposition of clean lines and vibrant colours in blackout fabrics creates a dynamic visual impact that resonates with the modern traveller’s desire.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
In the quest to redefine hospitality interior design, Edmund Bell Fabrics stands as an unwavering beacon of innovation and sustainability. The brands’ commitment to crafting blackout fabrics that transcend convention, is only matched by its dedication to minimising our ecological impact. By merging the practical advantages of light control with the allure of design versatility, all while incorporating recycled yarns, the fabric choices empower designers, hoteliers, and architects to reimagine spaces that resonate with comfort, luxury, environmental responsibility, and artistic brilliance.
In collaboration with the visionary minds shaping today’s hospitality industry, Edmund Bell Fabrics presents a harmonious fusion of light and darkness, sustainability, and sophistication. Welcome to a world where blackout fabrics are not just utilitarian; they are the canvas upon which dreams of unforgettable, eco-conscious interiors come to life.
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.
Product watch: the MS Series lamp from Fritz Hansen
The new MS Series of lamps by contemporary Danish architect and designer, Mette Schelde for Fritz Hansen introduces a cool, clean aesthetic to living and working spaces…
Danish architect and designer Mette Schelde is behind the latest series of lamps from Fritz Hansen, infusing her signature functionality and style into three harmonious lighting designs. The MS Series is synonymous with clean lines and clear function. Crafted in steel, the floor, desk and table designs each have their own identity while being discernible as a series.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
“The MS Series is function packaged in a minimalist design language that harmoniously balances stringency with soft curves,” explained Schelde. “Functionally and visually, the series builds upon Fritz Hansen’s extraordinary design tradition while at the same time reflects the now.”
Modern and minimal reinventions of classic lamp designs, the series centres around the circle, a favoured shape of Schelde and visible on the base, dial, joints and shade of each and the movement of light waves. The MS011 floor lamp, MS021 desk lamp and MS022 table lamp each feature a dimmable function via the integrated on-off dial. Adaptable in height and direction, the floor and desk iterations direct the light where needed, while the MS022 table lamp is designed with the same rotational curvilinear shade for angled light, albeit set on a static arm. All three designs feature replaceable LED light technology, ensuring the purposeful pieces last for generations.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
“The starting point was the need for a desk lamp in my studio,” added Schelde. “I wanted a lamp head which, in all its simplicity, would emit optimal, glare-free task light on my desk while being minimal in size. The design is simple and functional and juxtaposes the stringency of the arm with the softness of the shade. That represents harmony to me, which is part of the series’ DNA.”
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
Anchored in the Danish design tradition and made with premium materials, a nod to past pieces by Poul Kjærholm and Arne Jacobsen, the elegant steel lamps fit effortlessly into the Fritz Hansen collection. Offered in two different finishes that enhance their precision craft and stringent forms, brushed stainless steel is tactile and subtly textured, while black PVD lends modern sleekness to the clean lines of the series.
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.
Lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke has opened the fourteenth property in its portfolio and its first property in Berlin. With the design by Grzywinski+Pons, we stepped inside for a closer look…
Marking the third Locke opening in Germany, Locke at East Side Gallery offers breath-taking views across the city’s skyline and the River Spree and is situated within Berlin’s trendiest inner-city districts; Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Mitte. The new opening comprises of 176 sleek studio apartments equipped with kitchenettes and living areas, with many also having access to a private balcony with river or skyline views.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
“We are thrilled to be opening our first Locke in Berlin, a city of innovation and creativity,” said Stephen McCall, Chief Executive Officer. “Locke at East Side Gallery has been a very special project for us and the finished result is an incredible offering. With an exciting partnership in place with audiophile bar and restaurant ANIMA, spectacular views across the River Spree and located in a great location within the trendy inner-city districts Friedrichschain, Kreuzberg and Mitte, we are excited to open the doors and welcome people to Locke at East Side Gallery.”
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
Locke at East Side Gallery also features a complimentary co-working area for guests and locals to enjoy coffee shop, audiophile bar and restaurant ANIMA, which will introduce new immersive ways of experiencing music in the German capital. The property houses a flexible meeting and events space that includes a rooftop terrace, as well as a gym on the eighth floor, with floor to ceiling windows and views overlooking Berlin’s Mediaspree.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
Designed by Matthew Grzywinski of Grzywinski+Pons, the property takes its design cues from its surroundings – most notably the former Berlin Wall, River Spree and neighbouring parks. Each apartment combines sophisticated neutral tones, natural textures and raw concrete with pops of playful colour. Within the rooms themselves, walls are composed of timber panelling, with kiln-formed glass inspired by the surface of the Spree River acting as a partition to the bathroom.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
The furniture in the rooms exude warmth and texture with turmeric chairs, pastel mirrors and heavily braided grass rugs juxtaposed with suede and rattan floor screens and bedheads. The bathrooms feature back-painted black glass, while walls and ceilings feature exposed structural concrete softened with a powdery finish. Hand-scraped wood floors complement the use of timber and textured glass.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
Areas on the ground floor including the cafe, bar and restaurant ANIMA, reception lounge and co-working spaces are connected (in a subtle nod to the vestiges of the Berliner Mauer) by the use of non-continuous walls, creating implicit ‘neighbourhoods’ in the space. Built-in seating and planters are fabricated from locally-sourced bricks comprised of recycled sand and lime, while furnishings follow a cohesive palette of timber, cane, fabric and cord, surrounded by verdant vegetation spilling out of planters and cascading from the ceiling.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
ANIMA, an audiophile bar and restaurant, combines gastronomy with music. Intended as a dedicated space for music lovers, the concept is inspired by Japan’s ‘Kissaten’ hi-fi cafes predating affordable home stereos. Focused on providing the highest standards across dining, drinking and hi-fi audio experience, ANIMA allows guests to connect to music and one another within an unpretentious, friendly, warm and elegant setting. During the week, an extensive in-house record collection and ANIMA Radio live stream provide the soundtrack for guests and locals to enjoy, while on weekends music is selected by the finest local and occasionally international selectors.
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
Born from a desire to share, exchange and provide a place to bring people together, ANIMA’s concept is reflected in their tapas inspired food and drink offering. Designed for sharing, the menu features fresh, local and seasonal products that combine childhood favourites and street food influences with a touch of Mediterranean style. A carefully selected assortment of independent, non-corporate, Berlin-based partners provide special drinks, including a wine selection by Ritual Wine, mezcal by Algavera, sake by Sake38, coffee from Bonzana and tea by Yoshi EN.
“It’s important to keep the true nature of ingredients and introducing creative twists to culinary traditions is vital,” said Andrea Lannicella, Head Chef, ANIMA. “Berlin is an inspiring setting that encourages exploration and experimentation in the field of food and culture and this will be reflected in our offerings at ANIMA.”
Image credit: Nicholas Worley
In an exciting move that reflects the cultural heritage of Berlin, Locke has partnered with unisex brand Fade Out Label to provide uniforms for the team at Locke at East Side Gallery. Local fashion brand Fade Out has collaborated with legendary Berlin Wall artist Mirta Domacinovic to create a uniform collection which features symbols of hope, new beginnings and Berlin’s resilience as a city to turn a new leaf. Committed to sustainable, timeless design approach, they have utilised deadstock to repurpose a collection that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill.
Designing St Regis Kanai Resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico
Editor Hamish Kilburn spoke to Tatiana Sheveleva, Co-Founder of Chapi Chapo Design, to understand how she used nature – and the clear, starry skies – as her inspiration when creating the interior design scheme inside St Regis Kanai Resort in the Riviera Maya. Listen to the full episode of Travel By Design, a podcast by Marriott Bonvoy Traveller, in the article below…
St Regis Kanai Resort, in the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, has a hotel design narrative that is unlike any other in a location that is out of this world.
Listen below to the full 18-minute episode of the podcast, featuring the resort and Editor Hamish Kilburn’s interview with Tatiana Sheveleva, Co-Founder of Chapi Chapo Design.
The Riviera Maya is a coastal paradise on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. It is home to peaceful mangroves, stunning beaches and breathtaking underground limestone lakes known as cenotes — but it’s also home to more than 4,000 years of Maya heritage. Fascinated by the Mayas’ historic mastery of astronomy and inspired by her first trip into the crystal-clear waters of the Yucatan’s cenotes, Tatiana Sheveleva designed the St. Regis Kanai Resort as an indoor-and-outdoor experience that literally reflects the stars and immerses travellers in the heavenly natural settings of the Riviera Maya.
Image credit: Marriott International
From above, the resort that was built by architect Michael Edmonds is a cluster of white circular, low-level buildings. Edmund’s vision, which deeply inspired Sheveleva, was to reflect the stars of the ‘Seven Sisters’, honour the Mayan lunar calendar, and recognise that, in the Yucatan, this place is called Kanai — which translates to ‘Where the sky is born’.
More than perhaps anything, the interior designer was inspired by the architect’s initial approach. “He came to the land and in a quiet evening, he sat down beside the sea and he started to kind of meditate,” she told me on Travel By Design, a podcast by Marriott Bonvoy Traveller.
Image credit: Marriott International
To compliment Edmund’s architectural aesthetic, Sheveleva also looked towards the stars for inspiration – and, where possible, connected the design and architecture references. In the corridors, for example, the architect had explored the value of natural light to blur boundaries in the design, while also creating a layer of drama to these ever-evolving spaces. He did this by using shadows and natural materials that confidently answered to the hotel’s location. “The metal structure has this herringbone shape, which is also reflect of the Mayan textiles,” Sheveleva said. “It is exactly the same pattern that we designed on the headboard behind the bed in the guestrooms.”
Image credit: Marriott International
Image credit: Marriott International
As well as being inspired by the structure of the building, Sheveleva wanted to reference a transformative experience she had during her research of the area. “I felt like I died and went to heaven,” she told me on the podcast when describing the local cenotes, which are underground caves almost, made of limestone, which often have beautiful crystal clear pools of water. “It’s like the ground was shifted,” she explained, “the land got shifted and it created this beautiful underground lake, which is a pure clear water.”
Inspired by the powerful and emotional experience, Shevelva decided to incorporate references of the cenotes in the design of the bathrooms inside the hotel. “I decided to create an architectural sculptural sink, that stands in the middle of the room,” she explained. It’s a pure shape of this lake, cenote. And the stone has to capture all of these colours – brown, green and a touch of blue.”
Travel By Design is a podcast, hosted by Editor Hamish Kilburn and brought to you by Marriott Bonvoy Traveller. New episodes, which feature incredible design stories from all corners of the world, drop bi-monthly.
Offering timeless luxury for sophisticated rebels, each design in the Metal X Patina collection from Arte has been printed on metal foil, to create an artistic, distressed plaster look on walls…
With patterns inspired by old painting techniques or crafts, Arte has used advanced printing technology to combine a matte look with luminescent highlights to add vibrancy and a natural patina in this collection, Metal X Patina.
Image credit: Arte
Chalk Stone is a design that is all about detail and a homage to travertine, a chalk stone used to make sustainable artisan tiles. The Romans used travertine to build large parts of Rome, including the Colosseum. This metallic variant stands out because of its simplicity and is available in six colourways.
Image credit: Arte
A lovely combination of broad, ripped and aligned strips of textile, which have been covered with a thin layer of plaster. This pattern takes its name from the eponymous super-light silk fabric, Alepine. The design’s distinctive, unconventional look is enhanced by the metal foil. Alepine is available in five colourways.
Image credit: Arte
Impasto, a design available in six colourways, is named after a centuries-old painting technique of the same name, a process whereby the paint is laid on the surface very thickly. The visible brush strokes enhance the texture of this wallcovering for a very realistic result. Impasto is printed on metal foil, combining the best of both worlds with a seamless blend of artisanship and an industrial look and feel.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
Old quilts were the inspiration for the design of the same name, in particular the quilt top, which is often made from several pieces of fabric that are randomly sewn together in a pattern. Here the pattern consists of a patchwork of textile swatches that were printed on metal foil and covered with a thin layer of plaster, offering a fleeting glimpse of the fabric beneath. Quilt is available in six colourways.
The final design in the collection, Platinum, is a slightly weathered block pattern, which looks aged to perfection even with a picture- perfect patina. Matte and luminescent sections cast a warm metallic sheen on this eye- catching wallcovering. Platinum is available in nine colourways.
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.
Giovanni Podini, fascinated by the history and architecture of the Stadt Hotel Città has collaborated with architect Sergio Bizzarro to restore this historical Bolzano hotel to its former glory…
Located in the oldest part of Bolzano’s historical centre, the Stadt Hotel Città always had the feel of an elegant lady waiting to be invited for a waltz. She knew all the steps, all she required was a sure hand to lead her to the centre of the parquet floor so that she could shine again. With all eyes are trained upon her once again, she now is as cosmopolitan as she was before, the centre of attention. Giovanni Podini from the Podini Company, a South Tyrolean family-owned company, decided to pursue this ambitious goal.
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
Together with his architect, Studio Bizzarro, Podini has dedicated countless hours to choose the colours and work on the details for the hotel interiors. Whereas Podini prefers the warm tones of the Moroccan sand dunes, the architect looked out of the window, gazed at Piazza Walther, and took in its colours, such as the many shades of green on the cathedral roof and the antique pink on the hotel facade. Today, the interior of the Stadt Hotel Città shines in a colour palette ranging from iridescent jungle green to tropical green, sage, teal and the enveloping midnight blue of the restaurant.
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
Beyond the highly personalised colour scheme, Podini focused intently on the character he wanted the hotel to reflect. He wished to create a hotel where he himself would choose to stay. “I love hotels that have tradition, hotels that have a story to tell – but most of all, hotels that have soul,” he explained.
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
Studio Bizzarro, a studio based in Ravenna, has created a brand-new space in accordance with the very precise requirements of the client – a space with an exclusive flair, designed to satisfy a discerning clientele that appreciates privacy. Fully renovated in fresh and bright colours, the hotel’s rooms and suites offer all the creature comforts. Turquoise, green and blue, together with their many nuances, are the common thread running through the various areas of the hotel, characterised by a note of unusual and timeless elegance that is relaxing and regenerating for the eye and for the spirit. The harmonious combination of fine fabrics, soft forms and a forest of lush plants speaks to a fortuitous synergy between the aesthetic concepts of the two patrons, with masculine and feminine elements complementing each other in a surprising and harmonious way.
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
Podini wanted to create a new restaurant on the back side of the hotel, with separate entrance. Out of his passion for elegant interiors, the pleasures of fine dining and quality wine, an environment has taken shape that offers an urban and sophisticated charm – a place to sit, eat and drink as in a traditional Italian trattoria, equally ideal for a candlelight dinner or business lunch. So, it seems that Bolzano has finally regained its living room! A meeting point in the very heart of the city, with the timeless charm of a Vienna café, the Parisian atmosphere of the restaurant ‘Al Città’ and the Elliptical Hall, which feels a bit exotic with its glass dome, green velvet armchairs, tea tables and lush jungle of plants all the way up to the ceiling: This is an urban space that sweeps you back in time, into a luxurious dream world. It is spacious, brightly coloured and bustling – but with a casual touch. A stylish environment enriched by a sense of worldliness.
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
With Studio Bizzarro at the helm, the project completely revamped the hotel from a functional point of view, especially on the ground floor, where the current café and restaurant has been redefined conceptually, converting the entire floor into a series of restaurant activities that are fully open to the external surrounding, in keeping with the most progressive and contemporary trends of city hotels. As a result, this first floor no longer has the connotation of a structure at the exclusive service of the hotel guests, but instead offers diversified food and beverage services to the entire city.
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
The functional subdivision of the ground floor has resulted in the creation of a charmingly designed bar and cafe, overlooking the arcade of Piazza Walther, which is intended as an iconic meeting point in Bolzano for visitors and locals alike and includes a pastry shop with a gelateria overlooking Via della Mostra, the city’s reference point for foodies and gourmets and a restaurant Al Città with an independent back entrance on Via Argentieri, which over the years has become the city’s go-to address for restaurants. The point of exchange and fusion of these activities has been and remains the intriguing central Elliptical Hall, which serves almost as the epicentre of the floor. Here sunlight rains down from above through a transparent glass ceiling, giving form to a triumph of cascading plants amidst sofas and tables with a Central European feel, it’s lovely to sip tea surrounded by a greenhouse.
Image credit: Stadt Hotel Città
On the upper floors, the existing 95 rooms have been reduced to 91 in order to consolidate the space, with a look that is urban, soothing and retro, yet still up to date with the new standards of comfort and services required by a discerning clientele. The bathrooms have been completely redone, using black-and-white rectangular tiles with diamond edges typical of the 1930s, along with the oversized mirrors and large, well-equipped showers, evocative of our ongoing, modern-day quest for relaxation and wellbeing. The lower floor features a wellness area with gym, treatment rooms and spa, with sauna and Turkish bath, connected to a small pool immersed in the blue of a starry sky, which is both enrapturing and inspiring.
A follow on from the much-loved Chamonix collection from Skopos, Chamonix Deuxième brings a new colour story to contract upholstery…
A fresh influx of these three well-loved upholstery fabric designs, Chamonix Deuxième provides even greater choice, in addition to the original Chamonix offer from Skopos. With 38 new Skus, each design works beautifully alone or in combination, to create simple, contemporary and stylish contract furniture pieces.
Image credit: Skopos
In an extensive palette, ranging from staple neutrals to fashion-led brights, colours can be selected and combined to fit with any chosen project scheme. Orelle, Marmotte and Slalom are provided with Crib 5 Flame Retardant backing, soil and stain resist finish and a waterproof layer and meet the requirements for severe contract situations, with 50,000 Martindale rubs, offering a beautiful choice for any contract interiors, whether office, education, care or high-end hospitality and cruise interiors.
Along with many other of its upholstery fabrics, this collection comes under the Skopos Protect+ banner. Following on from the success of Chamonix, this collection is perfect for flagship interiors, with colours that compliment the brands drapery and bedding designs.
Image credit: Skopos
The collection meets the requirements for Flame Retardancy standards across the UK and Europe, and meets IMO standards with the added benefit of the MED wheelmark, confirming suitability for marine/cruise-line interiors. The collection, which has been added to the Accents range, is available immediately, with short lead-times for larger order quantities.
Skopos are looking to become a ‘Carbon Neutral’ organisation in 2023, working towards PAS2060 status, as part of our drive towards a more sustainable future.
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.
Stepping into the Presidential Suite of the St. Regis Chicago
Designed by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, the Presidential Suite of St. Regis Chicago highlights the extraordinary views over the city as it weaves its story into the design…
Tasked with the interior of the Presidential suite along with several other select spaces sheltered within St Regis Chicago, KTGY not only found inspiration in the city’s rich architectural history, but in its inherent social progressiveness and in its geographic evolution as a masterfully interconnected urban marvel of waterways, buildings and green spaces. Notably, KTGY referenced the lake front’s distinctive gardens and the city’s abundant parks — a respite for locals and tourists — which, at more than 8,800 acres, is one of the nation’s largest park developments.
Image credit: Mike Schwartz
Highlighting the extraordinary views of the Chicago River, Navy Pier and Lake Michigan from its dining room and singular bedroom, the Presidential Suite pairs neutral tones and organic shapes with high-impact metallic and stone details to create a sense of contemporary urban sophistication. Select niches were designed for lounging and displaying art – including Denver-based artist Derrick Velasquez, whose abstract painted sculptures utilize industrial materials to investigate the relationships between people and the built environment.
Image credit: Mike Schwartz
“For The St. Regis Chicago’s Presidential Suite, Iridium Spa and select lobby spaces, our design team was largely inspired by the city’s rich architectural history and post-Great Chicago Fire grit, as well as its myriad of carefully planned green spaces and twisting shoreline,” explained Sara Talleux, KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group Associate Principal. “The design references those influences through interior grids that play with light and shadow, sumptuous fabrics and curved furnishings, and intimate niches that emphasize the remarkable views from every vantage point.”
Image credit: Mike Schwartz
Additional design features include a free-floating, four-poster bed, a generous walk-in closet, private fitness room, butler’s pantry and an impressive primary bath – featuring an oversized soaking tub and steam shower – provides visitors with the ultimate in contemporary luxury. The suite also offers the option to connect to an adjoining guest room for additional space.
Image credit: Mike Schwartz
The design team weaved through the character of the curved exterior designed by legend Architect Jeanne Gang within the 10th Floor Iridium Spa interiors, featuring sumptuous fabrics, rough carved forms, bright metallics and onyx pedestals. Impressionistic brass inset wallcoverings, nature-inspired light fixtures, and modern art installations offer a calming allure for guests, who can enjoy a glass of champagne in the Celebration Bar or unwind in front of the flowing, serpentine fireplace in the Relaxation Lounge. Tucked-away seating areas throughout the reception area, nail salon, changing rooms and private spa suite add to the feel of a luxurious, urban retreat.
Image credit: Mike Schwartz
In the double-height lobby, the infused elements of light and shadow reflect Chicago’s post-fire grit, playing with interior grids, reimagining the steel skeletons of the city’s tallest buildings as modern design installations. Smoky marble floors and walls lead guests to the gilded, high-gloss front desk, where charred wood mantles are paired with a floating chandelier of linear metal rods and glass orbs. A decorative metal-grid structure became the framework for six sculptures by Brooklyn-based artist Jack Henry, which blend found objects, building materials, and natural elements to highlight the give-and-take relationship of urban environments and nature, ever present in the Chicago landscape.
Regarded and respected globally as the industry’s most widespread campaign to identify the leading interior designers, architects, hoteliers and brands, The Brit List Awards 2023 has unveiled this year’s shortlist, which includes more than 150 individuals and projects selected across 12 categories…
Not being content with a single grand gesture in the form of the awards ceremony of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs decided to make a month of it this year, and decided to kick-off the award season with a pre-awards party! On September 14, sheltered inside last year’s winning project, One Hundred Shoreditch, the hotel design community were welcomed to witness the official unveiling of the shortlist for The Brit List Awards 2023.
Sponsored exclusively by Crosswater, The Brit List Awards 2023 Shortlist Unveiling Party became the unofficial switch for the year-long campaign, which aims to find Britain’s best hotel interior designers, architects and hoteliers, from discovery mode to celebration.
For six years, the awards have been a celebration and a recognition of all the design and hospitality innovation across the boards in the industry. So, it felt fitting, to not only announce the winners to our annual fanfare, but also to share the creative talent that is The Brit List Awards Shortlist, which contains 150 individuals and brands – the most ever in the campaign’s history.
“Much like what we see each year in the entries, we aim to unlock creativity in every nook of every studio and to, quite simply, offer something that is new,” said Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs who hosted the event. “That’s why our application / nomination process is free, and why we decided to throw a party to celebrate this year’s community, which has always been at the heart of our industry’s progression.”
The shortlisted finalists are…
INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Name
Studio
Adam Clayton
SPATIALIZED
Alex Holloway
Holloway Li
Alexandra Jurkiewicz
Helen Green Design
Ana Moisin
Anamo Design Studio
Andreas Christodoulou
House of Dré
Angus Buchanan
Buchanan Studio
Anthony Rudolph
Nicolas James Interiors
Beata Heuman
Beata Heuman
Charlie North
Ennismore / AIME Studios
Clara Ewart
Kitesgrove
Clare McDonald
Design Command
Colin Carswell
Bell & Swift
Craig Mckie
Bell & Swift
Pauline Dellemotte
Atelier Ochre
Eirini Karamolegkou
Hopkins Architects
Geraldine Dohogne
Geraldine Dohogne Design
Hannah Lohan
New Heritage Design
Henry Chebaane
Blue Sky Hospitality
Jeremy Grove
Sibley Grove
Jessica Morison
G.A Group
Maria Oliva
Maria Oliva Interiors
Mark Bithrey
B3 Designers
Martin Goddard
Goddard Littlefair
Martin Hulbert
Martin Hulbert Design
Nicholas Hickson
THDP
Raquel Camino Garcia
TGP International
Sasha Stupar
EPR Architects
Scott Torrance
3D Reid
Tara Bernerd
Tara Bernerd & Partners
Tina Norden
Conran & Partners
Tom Thorogood
Studio Moren
ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR
Name
Studio
Alastair Shepherd
Falconer Chester Hall
Ben Adams
Ben Adams Architects
Christina Seilern
Studio Seilern Architects
David Chipperfield
David Chipperfield Architects
Davide Bertacca
Arcadis
Emma Perkin
Emil Eve Architects
Geoff Hull
EPR Architects
James Dilley
Jestico + Whiles
James Walsh
Studio Anyo
Jen Samuel
3DReid
Jonathan Comfort
Studio Moren
Jonny Sin
ReardonSmith Architects
Kate Sandle
Studio Moren
Laurence Pinn
Tate + Co
Lorraine Stoutt Griffith
Twelve Architects
Luke Fox
Foster + Partners
Manuela Manniono
THDP
Mark Bruce
EPR Architects
Martin Dobbs
BrightSPACE Architects
Murray Levinson
Squire & Partners
Nicholas de Klerk
Purcell
Philip Harrison
Harrison
Arran Pexton
Hopkins Architects
Patrik Schumacher
Zaha Hadid Architects
Paul Gallacher
EPR Architects
Polona Pirnat
Bogle Architects
Rebeca Aguilera
Studio Moren
Richard Holland
Holland Harvey Architects
Rob Gibbs
Synergy Architects
Simona Mirón
Gensler
HOTELIER OF THE YEAR
Name
Hotel
Anne Golden
Pan Pacific London
Conor O’Leary
Gleneagles / Gleneagles Townhouse
David Taylor
Lore Group
Eljesa Saciri
The Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone
Franck Arnold
Savoy London
Francois-Xavier Schoeffer
1 Hotel Mayfair
James McGinn
Hastings Hotels
Jennifer McCabe
art’otel London Battersea Power Station
Jill Chalmers
Glenapp Castle
Kalindi Juneja
PoB Hotels
Kevin Brooke
Heckfield Place
Lauren Vine
NYX Hotel London Holborn
Lina Zakzeckyte
Hart Shoreditch
Marwan Hemchaoui
Ellenborough Park Hotel
Michael Bonsor
Rosewood London
Neil Kedward
Grove of Narberth and Penmaenuchaf
Nuno César de Sá
Grantley Hall
Oliver Bon
Experimental Group
Philip Steiner
Bankside Hotel
Philippe Leboeuf
Raffles London at The OWO
Pierre-Charles Cros
Experimental Group
Ray Goertz
The Prince Akatoki London
Robert Godwin
Lamington Group
Romée De Goriainoff
Experimental Group
Ross Grieve
Seaham Hall
Simon Galic
AMANO Covent Garden
Sonja Vodusek
The Peninsula London
Timothy Griffin
LEVEN Manchester
PUBLIC AREA OF THE YEAR
Studio
Project
Atelier Ochre & House of Dré
Ember Locke Kensington
Design LSM
Heythrop Park Hotel
G.A Group
1 Hotel Mayfair
LXA Projects
BYRD
Nicolas James Interiors
The NICI
Suited Interior Design
Montagu’s Mews
THDP
Oltremare Lounge Bar at Mediterraneo Sorrento
THDP
Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars
LIGHTING SCHEME OF THE YEAR
Company
Project
Elektra Lighting
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Northern Lights & DesignLSM (in collaboration with Nulty)
Heythrop Park Hotel
Nulty
Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha
Visual Energy
1 Hotel Mayfair
Visual Energy
Stradom House Hotel – Kracow
HOTEL CONCEPT OF THE YEAR
Studio
Product/project
Design Command
Mercure Northampton
Buckley Gray Yeoman
The Hertford
Kirstin Fordyce
The Sorting Room
LXA Projects
Hotel Lounge
Matteo Bianchi
Patchwork Hotel, Whitechapel
ReardonSmith Architects
Urban cliffside hotel – Istria, Croatia
BEST IN BRITISH PRODUCT DESIGN
Company
Product/project
Fitzroy of London
The Gosfield Collection
Lyndon from Boss
Kato lounge chair
LUUME Fires
Elixir Fire Table
Newmor Wallcoverings
Heritage With A Twist Collection
Perrin & Rowe
Armstrong Bathroom Collection
Philip Watts Design
Starburst
Red Dog Glass Design
The Earth Collection – Original Abstract Art Glass Wall Panels
SWD Bespoke
Bespoke High Gloss Lattice Doors
The Monkey Puzzle Tree
Blues Fantasia’ super wide textile wallcovering
Clarke & Clarke
Levanto Sheers Collection
Morgan
Bilbao
Morgan
Aran
Artiq
Richard Stone
Bert Frank
Rinato Chandelier
BEST IN TECH
Company
Product/project
LUUME Fires
Elixir Fire Table
LEVEN
LEVENverse
Reevela
General
Sky
Sky Select powered by the Sky Bright Box
Zennio
ZHS API integration
THE ECO AWARD
Company / Studio / hotel
Product/project
Heckfield Place
General
Hansgrohe
Pulsify Planet
Naturalmat
General
Sekers and FR-ONE
FR-ONE & Sekers Spellbound
Silentnight Hospitality Group
General
Siminetti
The Botanicals Collection
Stowaway Waterloo
General
WWF Eco coffee capsules
Tupinamba Coffee
Zennio
HVAC and occupation management
RISING STAR
Name
Company/Studio/University
Adriane Maramo
Studio Moren
Aurélie Baton
The Mayfair Townhouse
Florentina Tsakiri
TGP International
Henry Dowson
Artiq
Isabella Johns
David Collins Studio
John Torres
David Collins Studio
Joseph Spour
David Collins Studio
Kirstin Fordyce
Kirstin Fordyce / University of Dundee
Louise Jones
EPR Architects / University of Nottingham
Miranda Pearson
David Collins Studio
Oscar Brookes
LXA Projects
Parvati Pyarelal
David Collins Studio
Raghav Swarup
Benoy
Sara Daaboul
David Collins Studio
Tamas Turdean
Ica
INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Name/Brand
Company
Ashlee Lloyd
Studio Lloyd
Cowley Manor, Cotswolds
Experimental Group
David T’Kint
DTK Studio
Dereck / Beverly Joubert
Great Plains Conservation
Dobrica Milić
Regent Porto Montenegro
Jean Louis Pismont
Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels
Kendal Schutt
SCHUTT
Lindon Lovell
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
Lucy Lopez – Wilderness
Wilderness Usawa Serengeti
N/A
Oliver’s Travels
Patrick Woodhead
White Desert, Echo Camp
VILLA SEA PRINCESS NIKA
Lošinj Hotels & Villas
There is no shortlist for the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry, which will be the final award presented at the exclusive ceremony.
With the shortlist celebrated and the anticipation growing, the winners will be unveiled in spectacular style at the awards ceremony, which takes place on November 1 at Circa Embankment. The finalists have been invited to attend The Brit List Awards’ annual award ceremony, which, if tradition is followed, is expected to be a night full of celebration, along with a few surprises for good measure. At the event, as well as the nine individual winners being announced, The Brit List 2023, a publication that will profile the top 25 designers, architects and hoteliers, will also be unveiled.
How to attend the award ceremony of The Brit List Awards 2023
All designers, architects and hoteliers that have been shortlisted will receive an email asking them to confirm their complimentary ticket to attend the awards ceremony on November 1 at Circa Embankment.
Outside of the shortlist, designers, architects, hoteliers and developers can purchase tickets here. Suppliers, and anyone else wishing to attend, can click here to purchase their tickets.
#TBLA23 #CreativityUnlocked
Sponsors and partners for 2023
Headline Partner: Bathrooms Brands Group / Crosswater
Showcase Partner: Schlüter Systems
Showcase Partner: Hamilton Litestat
Showcase Partner: Utopia Projects
Award Partner: Faucets
Award Partner: hansgrohe
Award Partner: Atlas Concorde
Event Partner: Duravit
Red Carpet Partner: Balsan
Entertainment Partner: BECK
Official Videographer: CUBE
Podcast Partner: DESIGN POD
Main image credit: The Brit List Awards / Hotel Designs
Woods Bagot explores ‘the future’ of the luxury hotel design
In pursuit of wonder – the future of the luxury hotel industry is written in the difference between visiting a place and experiencing a destination. Samer Charara, Woods Bagot Principal and Dubai Studio Chair, explores why hotels are leaving behind escape in favour of experience…
In his role at Woods Bagot, Charara has worked on The Londoner, the recently-completed Minthis Hills, 25hours Hotel One Central Dubai and many other hotels and hospitality projects. Drawing on all this experience, Charara talks us through the changing face of luxury in the industry – looking at how the definition of luxury has changed as designers, architects and guests step forward in pursuit of wonder…
Instead of the rootless escapism that has defined travel’s last decade, a rising craving for connection through first-hand experience indicates the turning of a new leaf – we’ll settle for nothing less than pure wonder. This shift means that today’s definition of the ideal guest experience is deeply embedded in a genuine understanding of place. For designers, this has sparked a quiet renaissance. From delivery to detail, the age of the experiential, culturally connected, lifestyle-focused hotel is here, and with it comes new standards for luxury.
Identifying a change in appetite, 2020 saw travellers taking ‘revenge’ against lost time during the pandemic by booking trips abroad. Evocatively termed ‘Revenge Travel’ by the media, this continued behaviour has bolstered global tourism to the point that it’s expected to reach approximately 80 to 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels this year – with the Middle East and Europe predicted to meet pre-pandemic visitor volumes by year’s end. But the real seeds of change lie in the type of trips travellers are booking. A global surge in journeys to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats, and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains, mark a subtle change in appetite – we’re leaving behind escape in favour of experience.
Image credit: 25hours Dubai / Woods Bagot
The preference for experience is reflected in the way global retail consumer habits continue to lean from the possession of objects to the creation of memories, indicating a growing preference for access over ownership. With 72 percent of millennials reporting that they’d like to increase their expenditures on experiences in the future, it’s clear that the definition of modern luxury is shifting to become more about ‘being’ than ‘owning’ – we’re choosing stories over souvenirs. ‘Being’ happens in place. Where objects are symbols of status, experience is born from context – a product of the sights, sounds and smells of the time in question. Aware that context is key, designers looking to create a successful hotel must make decisions that provide travellers with an authentically personal connection to the destination that binds them with the surroundings, culture, and people. In short, they must use storytelling to create genuine immersion in place.
Image credit: 25hours Dubai / Woods Bagot
25Hours Hotel Dubai One Central had a clear brief – capture the essence of the city. Encapsulating a place as futuristic as it is ancient, saw designers deliver a concept that weaves nomadic Bedouin and Hakawati traditions back into modern life. Walking through the double-volume lobby, guests are greeted by the ‘Fountain of Tales’ – a colossal fountain with seating spaces and bookshelves featuring over 5,000 books – before spilling out to discover treasures from local artists throughout the space and beyond.
Image credit: 25hours Dubai / Woods Bagot
By designing moments that allow travellers to walk in the shoes of the hotel’s nomadic antecedents, 25Hours Dubai facilitates a connection to the past that leads to an altered perspective in the present. Genuinely experiential and steeped in stories and culture, a stay here is immersive – travellers will leave feeling truly connected to Dubai city.
Image credit: 25hours Dubai / Woods Bagot
The pursuit of wonder is driven by our desire to encounter the remarkable. Sparked by a change in perspective, wonder is a culminating moment arrived at from a series of experiences. Savvy designers can cultivate this feeling by deliberately layering experiences in ways that uses the user journey to create narrative, allowing guest encounters to ebb and flow naturally instead of attempting to surprise at every step.
Image credit: the Londoner / Woods Bagot
A royal blue beacon in Leicester Square, The Londoner draws the eye with a façade that incorporates the work of artist Ian Monroe – a light-shifting, 15,000-terracotta-tilestrong nod to the area’s manufacturing history. Aware of its position at the intersection of four distinct neighbourhoods, the hotel is careful to complement its setting without overpowering it – reacting to its surroundings to create a contextual landmark.
From approach, visitors are drawn into the world of the hotel through layers of carefully designed experience. Some might discover a trio of guest-only rooms called The Residence that, behind a secret door, includes The Whisky Room. Others might venture higher to discover awe-inspiring views of Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square or the National Gallery. Whether with whisky, a view or with the building itself, The Londoner layers experiences in ways that create a myriad of chances to experience wonder.
Image credit: Jumeirah-Al-Naseem / Woods Bagot
The return to place through layered experience opens our understanding of luxury up to include deliberate reconnection with our natural environment. Completed in 2016, Jumeirah Al Naseem is an early example of this change. The beachside hotel reflects its unique geographic location by extending it. This decision creates a public space that connects with neighbouring buildings to form over three kilometres of waterways that continue from the water’s edge. Jumeirah Al Naseem takes every chance to connect visitors with the sea and its pools. Rooms are beach-facing and have extended balconies that ensure the view and elements can be soaked in, and the lobby opens out to frame Burj Al Arab and the sea. Complete with 40 traditional abras, the waterways are a cornucopia of secluded moments. Travellers may discover gardens, the Drum Bar, or simply the joy of a private moment cocooned by water and sky.
Minthis Hills takes up Jumeirah Al Naseem’s mantle of returning travellers to nature via its sensitive integration into the landscape. Nestled along the natural contours of the land in Pathos, Cyprus, every villa has been positioned to maximise views, frontage and privacy. Carefully designed to preserve and enhance the surrounding features, the project includes the restoration of a 12th-century monastery and a design philosophy that takes influence from Cypriot architecture, light and landscape.
Luxury today is entwined with the art of showcasing our environment, which in turn speaks to our need to protect and preserve the natural world. Once misunderstood to be in opposition to luxury, sustainability is a driving force behind its redefinition: if the very essence of luxury hinges on timelessness, enduring desirability, and scarcity, then the preservation of the natural world is an unignorable asset.
Image credit: Minthis Hills / Woods Bagot
Sustainability doesn’t sacrifice experience. As seen in Minthis Hills, consideration of orientation, ventilation and thermal comfort will negate the need to totally rely on air conditioning (or heating). Similarly, embracing smart technologies like virtual concierge and biometrics reduces energy consumption and can be combined with renewable energy generation – like solar and water recycling – to seamlessly reduce a hotel’s carbon footprint.
More outwardly, the demonstration of sustainable practice in a hotel meets a growing demand for transparency. With 53 percent of travellers more determined to travel sustainably than they were a year ago, hotels must make clear changes.
The pursuit of wonder is a race back to ourselves. An experience that allows us to spend time differently, wonder breaks us out of our routines and into a new perspective. In a world struggling with its own wellness, we’re returned to a state capable of joy and delight. For a secondless second, we take in our environment from an unfettered perspective – travellers in the purest sense. 25Hours Hotel Dubai, The Londoner, Jumeirah Al Naseem and Minthis Hills are vastly different offerings united by their commitment to place, culture, and layered experience. As luxury evolves to steadfastly include sustainability and preservation, hotel designers are newly tasked with a level of storytelling that surpasses escape to reach experience.
In the archives: behind the scenes with Morris & Co
Editor Hamish Kilburn was given exclusive access inside the archive of Sanderson Design Group to flick through centuries worth of design under one roof and, ultimately, understand the context of the group’s latest collections…
Hidden from view on the outskirts of London, is where Sanderson Design Group (SDG) perhaps unexpectedly shelters its most previous and valuable hidden treasures, 230 miles away from where the fabrics are printed in Lancaster. Along with the group’s latest collections, it is where the Sanderson Design Group’s archives is being perfectly preserved.
Protecting this library is Dr Catherine Sidwell, Senor Archivist at Sanderson Design Group, who means it when she says that photography is strictly prohibited. Sidwell, a design historian who, prior to joining SDG, worked at the V&A museum as a curator and managed exhibitions at the Powerhouse in Sydney. Sidwell kindly explained the value of the group’s archive as we rummaged through hundreds of years’ worth of design trends – time really did stand still as we carefully pieced together how today’s design team at SDG – who crucially work in the same building – use these historical treasures to confidentially produce tomorrow’s collections.
Image credit: Morris & Co
With so much design history locked into one environmentally controlled room, it’s hard to know where to start. Taking advantage of the one-to-one interaction with the person who, arguably, is the most in–the-know when it comes to the history of design, I decide to launch into the interview by asking a few questions that would bring me up to speed on 19th century design and the Arts & Crafts movement that influenced a change of direction in interior design. And to not get lost in the library, I decided to focus on one influential character in the evolution of this movement, William Morris.
Hamish Kilburn: Catherine, what is the Arts & Crafts movement and how did it start?
Catherine Sidwell: The late nineteenth century Arts & Crafts movement was focused on honesty in craftsmanship, truth to materials, simplicity in design, and an emphasis on the beauty of natural colours and materials, such as wood. This movement began in England and those involved with its development placed great value on the hand crafts and sought to elevate the status of decorative arts at that time to be equal to the fine arts and architecture. Late nineteenth century publications which illustrated the work of Arts and Crafts designers influenced the development of the Arts and Crafts movement in Europe, North America and beyond.
HK: Who was behind this movement and what were they reacting to?
CS: Those behind the movement were a young and influential and affluent group of architects, craftspeople, and designers that took inspiration largely from nature and who had a deep appreciation for the medieval arts and crafts from Britain, northern Europe, and the Middle East.
During a period when mostly fine art and sculpture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London, a group of men who were to become prominent figures of the Arts and Crafts movement founded the Art Workers Guild in London in 1884, William Morris (1834-1896) was elected as Master of the Guild in 1892. The group met to discuss their ideas and techniques with a goal of elevating the profile of what had been regarded as the ‘lesser arts.’ The term Arts & Crafts was coined after the formation of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in 1887, which displayed their work to the buying public. The result of such a movement raised the social and intellectual status of all crafts, including textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and furniture.
Image caption: Black & White archival William Morris (image 1887). | Image credit: Sanderson Design Group
HK: How prominent was William Morris in this movement and what motivated him?
CS: William Morris is widely recognised as a leading figure in the Arts & Crafts movement and his bust is a centrepiece at the Art Worker’s Guild building in London today. He started by creating simple, beautiful furnishings for the home for himself, friends, and acquaintances, often in collaboration, due to a frustration at not being able to find the designs he wanted for his own home. He established Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co in 1861, with his friends, later the firm became Morris & Co.
The fashion for wealthy, middle-class homeowners in Britain at this time was to furnish their homes with a mixture of heavy, dark, and overly ornate machine-produced furniture, with dense layers of different fabrics. Designs for wallpapers and textiles were often very naturalistic in their representations of nature and a three-dimensional effect was often achieved giving the impression of depth with the use of shading to represent shadows.
Morris had a deep dislike for mass produced furniture for the home preferring hand produced historical craft pieces inspired by nature and natural materials. His childhood experience of wandering through Epping Forest, northeast of London; viewing medieval tapestries in an Elizabethan hunting lodge; and reading romantic literature and poetry had a deep and lasting impact. Morris went on to champion the revival of the hand crafts and inspired others to follow. By creating designs for wallpapers, textiles, furniture, stained glass, and tiles, and making them available to the late 19th century market for interior decoration he changed the fashion in which homes were furnished. In 1883 Morris also devoted his time to the Social Democratic Federation advocating for restrictions on worker’s hours and better housing and became a known socialist.
Image credit: Morris & Co
Image credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke / The Fife Arms
“We know William Morris today as the creator of beautiful patterns for wallpapers and textiles, however, there was much more to him.” Catherine Sidwell, Senior Archivist, Sanderson Design Group
There is so much more to William Morris than being the creator of beautiful designs for wallpapers and textiles. While studying Classics at Oxford, Morris made lasting friendships with John Ruskin, Edward Burne-Jones, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the Pre-Raphaelite painters. With initial intentions to join the church, Morris became so inspired by his contemporaries that he tried his hand at being an artist and poet and trained for nine months as an architect in the office of George Edmund Street in Oxford. In 1877, Morris founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in response to the conservation problems of the 19th century. This Society continues to be influential today.
Through his lifetime, Morris studied a variety of crafts and became skilled at drawing, oil painting, mural decoration, stained glass, embroidery, tapestry weaving, dyeing, calligraphy, illuminations, typography, and bookmaking. In the late 1860s and early 1870s he also translated Icelandic sagas and medieval French tales.
Image credit: Morris & Co
Image credit: Morris & Co
HK: What techniques and materials did Morris apply to his work?
CS: Morris worked hard to create honest, two-dimensional, or ‘flat’ representations of natural forms, as opposed to the fashionable and expensive highly naturalistic botanical representations of flowers and plants. He used bold primary motifs with often a secondary smaller, simpler background for many of his designs. His preference was not to copy nature in its entirety but to represent nature, without creating three-dimensional depth.
Morris created designs for a wide range of textiles, including embroideries, printed cottons for furnishings and woven wool fabrics that were used as curtains, decorative tapestries, and carpets. Morris moved his business to Merton Abbey, near Wimbledon in South London, in 188. There he leased a textile printing workshop complete with a water wheel and land on both sides of the river Wandle. His iconic textiles were made within weatherboarded buildings using dye vats, printing tables, looms for carpets and tapestries and a stained-glass workshop. He employed skilled weavers and local apprentices who learned the hand crafts. John Henry Dearle (1859-1932) was a young apprentice and soon became an expert pattern designer when he took over the creative direction of Morris and Co. after William Morris’ death in 1896.
Image credit: Morris & Co
HK: Please describe some of Morris’ earlier well-known interior designs?
CS: Morris travelled throughout northern Europe and was inspired by French medieval art, architecture, and interiors. These extensive travels influenced the creation of the Red House in Kent, designed by his close friend and architect Phillip Webb. The house was decorated with a painted ceiling in the hall, wall paintings, embroideries, wall paintings, and stained glass.
Later Morris and his wife Jane had homes close to the river Thames. Their country house Kelmscott Manor, a limestone manor house in the village of Kelmscott, West Oxfordshire, was built in 1570 with a late 17th century wing. Morris’s book News from the Nowhere, published in 1890, includes descriptions of his impressions of the house and its surroundings. He described the village as ‘heaven on earth’ and unspoilt and unpretentious. The couple’s other house, a Georgian brick building dates from 1785 and this was William and Jane’s town house on the river front at Hammersmith. The interiors of both homes were decorated with wallpapers and textiles designed by William and produced by Morris & Co.
Morris’ experience of nature in the countryside inspired many of his designs representing flora and fauna that we can identify as native to the British countryside, such as the Acanthas and Marigold designs. Originally imagined as a furnishing fabric, Marigold is an 1875 William Morris design filled with charm and energy with swirling movement.
Image credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke / The Fife Arms
HK: Where have Morris’ archive prints been used in a commercial setting today?
CS: There have been many in recent years but one that stands out is The Fife Arms, a historical building that has been at the heart of Braemar, the town famous for the annual Highland Games that draws visitors from around the world. Reopening at the end of 2018, this Victorian coaching inn has been rewoven for the 21st century by its new owners, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, Co-Presidents of the international gallery Hauser & Wirth, under the banner of their hospitality company, Artfarm, which also includes The Audley Public House and Mount St. Restaurant in London’s Mayfair. The interiors by Russell Sage feature a thoughtful collection of historic objects, whimsical curios, artwork, and artefacts, as well as newly commissioned contemporary works. A strong Scottish narrative, often local to Braemar itself, runs throughout the entire hotel making it a repository of stories and anecdotes. The Fife Arms offers accommodation across 46 sumptuous bedrooms, each with unique furnishings and decorations.
Image credit: Sanderson Design Group
HK: Where can we find archived Morris & Co. prints in a new collection?
CS: The 2023 Morris & Co. collection Outdoor-Performance is a versatile range that has returned historic fabric designs, such as Acanthas and Marigold, to the place that originally inspired them – nature and the outdoors. This new collection has united the two great threads in 19th-century designer William Morris’s creative life – beauty and utility – with twenty-five enduring fabrics perfect for busy homes, gardens, patios, and poolside. A dedicated team of makers at Sanderson Design Group’s Standfast Factory, Lancaster, have incorporated innovative materials and techniques to ensure durability for both indoor and outdoor use. Including UV and water resistance, wipeable finishes, anti-microbial and colourfast properties, these treatments have prepared these fabrics for the hustle and bustle of daily life for any commercial property.
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.
Product watch: perfect parquet from Hyperion Tiles
Inspired by the parquet patterns of the Palace of Versailles, the Woodpecker Sandringham Royal Oak design panels from Hyperion Tiles are handcrafted to order…
Hyperion Tiles is embracing the new trend for timeless parquet flooring with its comprehensive collections, all of which can add significant value, along with instant visual impact to hotel design. This type of wood flooring is created by laying tiles in a series of geometric patterns for intricate design detail and the word ‘parquet’ is derived from old French, meaning a small compartment or enclosure.
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
“If you want to add interest and impact to a room, which will stand the test of time, from the foyer to a hotel room or bathroom, there’s no better way than with parquet flooring,” commented Richard Skeoch, Director, Hyperion Tiles. “This style can look just as good in a period property as it could in a contemporary setting. This flooring is strong, hard-wearing and makes a great choice for high-traffic areas, such as reception rooms.”
Image credit: Hyperion Tiles
“At Hyperion Tiles, we offer hundreds of different types of parquet flooring, in terms of material, size and colour,” continued Skeoch. “Probably the best-known parquet pattern is the single or double herringbone, but parquet can offer endless options so, ultimately, the choice is yours.”
The wide range of colours, finishes and patterns available means it’s endlessly versatile. Depending on the designs chosen, parquet looks just as good in period properties as it does in contemporary interior settings. In addition to its aesthetic value, it also adds warmth to a space, feeling fabulous underfoot. It is a strong and hard-wearing flooring solution, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.With the right care and maintenance, parquet is exceptionally durable and represents excellent value for money. Importantly, it is an environmentally friendly flooring option, as wood is a renewable, sustainable choice of material for flooring.
The Woodpecker Brecon Seashell Oak Herringbone parquet engineered wood flooring is a stylish yet practical wood-effect flooring option that’s waterproof and comes with a built-in underlay. The highly skilled team at Hyperion Tiles is available to offer expert advice, such as technical know-how and in-depth parquet flooring knowledge, to homeowners, 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.
With stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean from its rooftop bar, the 129-key Canopy by Hilton Cannes is the latest edition of the brand’s growing portfolio across Europe…
Canopy by Hilton Cannes has opened its doors to guests from around the world. With panoramic views over the Mediterranean from one of the city’s best rooftop terraces, interiors designed by acclaimed designer Ramy Fischler and a relaxing swimming pool that flows from indoor to outdoor, the hotel is set to be the new key feature in Cannes. This opening marks Hilton’s entry into the city and is the latest addition to the growing portfolio of Canopy by Hilton properties across Europe.
“Celebrating the best of the city, the opening of Canopy by Hilton Cannes is an exciting milestone for both the brand and Hilton,” commented Matt Schuyler, Chief Brand Officer, Hilton. “Embodying the spirit of the French Riviera, the property’s design, exquisite dining and bespoke amenities are a testament to the Canopy by Hilton brand. Our growth in France and across the Lifestyle category is unparalleled and we remain committed to strengthening our footprint and continuing to deliver for our guests and owners.”
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
With an unbeatable address, moments away from the port, the hotel exemplifies the city’s relaxed chic in its design, with 129 guestrooms and suites, along with a further 12 apartments, most of which offer impressive views over the old harbour, La Croisette and the Lérins Islands. In collaboration with a prestigious jury of art experts and private collectors across the world, the hotel has invited twelve talented young artists to create unique artwork for each room. Contemporary artwork is complemented by Canopy by Hilton’s sophisticated comfort, including the brand’s signature canopy bed frame and exclusive bedding created just for Canopy by Hilton.
“We are delighted to open one of the first lifestyle hotels in Cannes, with breath-taking rooftop views over the French Riviera, authentic food and drink offers and a locally-inspired experience that will help guests connect to the neighbourhood,” said Jean-François Chapel, General Manager, Canopy by Hilton Cannes. “Canopy by Hilton Cannes is a tribute to the incredible all year-round appeal of the French Riviera and I’m proud to bring the Canopy by Hilton brand to this destination”.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
The property features an indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool overlooking the sea and a fitness centre, which is accessible every day. Opening soon, the hotel will offer an indulgent spa, including five cabins, a hammam, a Japanese bath and sauna, where guests can revitalise and re-energise with a selection of face and body treatments.
On the top floor, Marea Rooftop Restaurant & Cocktail Bar has been designed with an identity inspired by the tranquil beauty of the Lérins islands, the soul of old Cannes and the ‘Grande Bleue’ Mediterranean Sea. From 6pm to midnight, seven days a week, guests are invited to share a selection of small plates, meticulously sourced from local suppliers. Concocted by Alexander Douglas Burger, originally from California and a traveller at heart, the Canopy by Hilton Cannes Head Chef has devised a menu full of surprises, detours and adventurous culinary delights.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
Café Crème Brunch Club is Cannes’ new Californian eatery on the hotel’s first floor, which embraces cuisine that brings together friends, families, colleagues and soloists. Against the backdrop of lofi and hiphop beats, it is ideal for a detox juice or a locally roasted espresso, partnering with small producers, local craftsmen and artistic communities to provide a friendly, warm service.
Offering a multitude of public spaces, Canopy Central, the hotel’s hub, brings people together in comfort and warm natural light. A space for relaxation, work or simply to enjoy a few moments of contemplation, it has been created as a one-of-a-kind space that adapts to guest’s needs while feeling like an extension of the neighbourhood. Canopy Team Members are on hand to connect guests to the best of the neighbourhood and can suggest hidden gems to explore, even providing complimentary Canopy Bikes for guests to experience the city like a local.
Editor’s pick: what’s on at London Design Festival 2023
London Design Festival is about bring the design community one of the most immersive and interactive design festivals. To help you navigate through the noise, Editor Hamish Kilburn shares his editor’s pick on what to look out for…
Look alive, London! London Design Festival 2023 (LDF 23), which takes place on September 16 – 24, turns 21 this year – a celebration that will be marked aptly by it celebrating the best UK design has to offer.
With a vibrant and thought-provoking programme of events, exhibitions and installations, LDF 23 will once again provide a vital platform for designers and creative businesses to showcase their work. This year’s edition will continue to foster growth and excellence in the sector, building on a two-decade-long legacy and commitment to promoting and supporting the UK’s design community.
Image credit: Pentagram
“The London Design Festival continues to provide an invaluable platform for the UK’s design community,” said Ben Evans, Director of LDF. “Over the past two decades, the Festival has cemented London’s reputation as a global creative capital while supporting designers at every level of their careers. This year’s programme promises fresh perspectives and boundary-pushing ideas that will inspire audiences. But just as importantly, the Festival provides opportunities for emerging talent and promotes inclusivity in the sector. We are incredibly proud of the vital role the Festival plays in helping designers and creative businesses to reach new audiences and championing design’s significance in shaping our world.”
So, let’s take a look at what’s to come…
The Districts
From North to South, East to West, the Design Districts are a key component of the LDF makeup. Each District has its own unique personality that reflects the local community and enables visitors to explore events a short walking distance from each other.
There will be 13 Design Districts in total as part of this year’s LDF, and they are Bankside Design District, Brompton Design District, Greenwich Peninsula, Islington Design District, Kings Cross Design District, Mayfair Design District, Park Royal Design District, Shoreditch Design Triangle and Southwark Design District. These will be joined by four new districts for 2023: Dalston to Stokey Design District, Battersea Design District, Chelsea Design District and Fitzrovia Design District.
Image credit: Material Matters
Design Destinations.
As part of the programme, London Design Festival hosts major trade and consumer shows, formerly known as Design Destinations. These are the commercial pillars of the Festival and are key meeting places for designers, manufacturers, buyers, specifiers, the media and design enthusiasts to discover new product releases and identify current trends.
London Design Fair
London Design Fair makes its much-anticipated return to the international design calendar on September 21 – 24. The largest commercial exhibition during London Design Festival, the Fair is the leading showcase of cutting-edge design, brands, international pavilions, and makers. The fair returns to Truman Brewery in Shoreditch and visitors will enjoy talks and interactive workshops, as well as discover exciting new designs, installations and trends.
Visitors will also enjoy world class talks and interactive workshops, discover exciting new designs and emerging trends, and experience impressive installations. International pavilions from countries including Sweden, South Korea and Ukraine showcase design talent from around the world.
Among many, features include ‘The Power of Colour’, an immersive entrance designed by 2LG Studio in partnership with Lick, and ‘Homes with a Heart’, curated by stylist, writer, and consultant Roddy Clarke in collaboration with the UK’s leading sustainable business community Blue Patch, putting sustainability front and centre. A comprehensive speaker programme features Interior Design Masters Finalist Frank Newbold’s interactive session ‘Design Dilemmas’, whilst Architonic’s theatre takeover will be hosting sessions with the likes of Pearson Lloyd, Universal Design Studio and Form Us With Love. All and more at the largest commercial exhibition during London Design Festival.
Image credit: Jane Cairns (London Design Fair)
Material Matters
After its debut launch event last year became ‘the’ fair of LDF, Material Matters will return to Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, as part of the Bankside Design District. The fair, which runs September 20 – 23, will bring together world-brands, designers, makers, and innovators to investigate and celebrate the importance of materials and their ability to shape our lives. The refreshed line-up includes Headline Sponsor, UK lighting specialist Bert Frank and the Milan-based platform Isola and much more.
Graphic identity 2023 by Pentagram
Since 2007, world-renowned creative agency Pentagram, have produced an annual graphic identity for each iteration of the Festival – responding to, and anticipating trends in design and typography.
Certain elements of the identity remain constant – the Festival’s colour palette of white on red has been proved to be one of the Festival’s most recognisable elements. This has allowed Pentagram to adapt the brief each year to produce distinctive visual identities ensuring that each year the Festival remains dynamic and interesting.
Domenic Lippa, Partner at Pentagram, has led the creative direction of the branding and visual design for the Festival since its inception.
LDF at the V&A
As is tradition, visitors to LDF will be able to explore iconic spaces within the V&A Museum, transformed by an extraordinary collection of specially commissioned installations by international contemporary designers during London Design Festival. Artists this year include Andu Masebo, Gifu Prefecture, Dima Srouji, Nirbhai (Nep) Singh Sidhu, Poulomi Basu and CJ Clarke.
Image credit: Andu Masebo
Hotel Designs talks
As part of Hotel Designs’ commitment to not only LDF but also giving oxygen to creating new and fresh conversations from within and outside the hotel design arena, Editor Hamish Kilburn will be moderating two panel discussions.
On September 18, Kilburn will moderate a panel at Ember Locke Kensington. Joining him for a discussion about creating depth in hotel design narrative will be Alex Bauman-Lyons (Head of Design at edyn), Andreas Chirstodoulou (Creative Director at House of Dre) and Pauline Dellemotte (Founder and Creative Design Director at Aterlier Ochre).
On September 19, inside Hart Shoreditch, Kilburn will moderate the panel that will explore the journey of interior design in hospitality and how it can be used as a positive force for good. He will be joined by Jessica Morrison (Associate at G.A. Design), Lina Zakzeckyte (General Manager, Hart Shoreditch), Rachael Hymas (LDF spokesperson), Will Martin (Ceramic Artist) and James Daw (East London Artist/ Illustrator).
Landmark projects
2023 marks the 300th anniversary of Sir Christopher Wren’s death. London Design Festival supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies takes the opportunity to delve into the legacy of the extraordinary architect and polymath through a modern lens. By collaborating with contemporary designers, the Festival aims to provide fresh insights into Wren and his collection of architectural masterpieces.
The two Landmark Projects which will form part of the Wren 300 celebrations will serve as a means of engaging with his architectural and scientific heritage, as well as exploring how his works remain relevant and inspiring in the present day. Through innovative responses and creative interventions, the Festival seeks to infuse these spaces with contemporary perspectives, celebrating Wren’s enduring influence and showcasing his significance in the 21st century.
At St Paul’s Cathedral, LDF in association with Artichoke will present Aura by Spanish artist Pablo Valbuena. The installation approaches what av temple means in today’s world and examines the potential of time, sound and light to create contemporary rituals.
Image credit: Pablo Valbuena
Aura is a live installation that transforms the sounds present in the cathedral into a pulsating line of light projected at an architectural scale. The piece is deeply intertwined with the context and fabric of Wren’s masterpiece. It introduces new ideas while seamlessly integrating into the building and its daily life as if it had been part of the original design. Aura listens to the sound, voices and music generated in St Paul’s and materialises them into a spectral, three-dimensional aura that enhances the ritual aspects of this space.
Meanwhile, Studio Waldemeyer will present Halo a transcendent light installation within St. Stephen Walbrook Church. The conical pendulum traces a celestial path around Henry Moore’s famed altar, evoking planetary motions and creating an ethereal Halo.
Image credit: Studio Waldemeyer
Slow colour transitions on the grand dome, inspired by natural phenomena like the aurora borealis, amplify the meditative aura. ‘Halo’ transcends religious affiliations, inviting viewers from all walks of life to immerse themselves in a unified appreciation of history, art, and spirituality. It is a captivating journey into the past and an evocative exploration of the celestial, encouraging the modern viewer to find spiritual resonance within the timeless and the ethereal.
Is this the most boujee luxury chalet in Méribel, France?
Hotel Designs has identified a new chalet about to arrive in Méribel this year, which is takes luxury chalet accommodation to new heights. Chalet Harmony is complete with seven bedrooms, an indoor swimming pool and contemporary interiors…
Due to its strict architecture regulations – all developments must be designed, from the outside, using local materials and in a uniformed alpine style – Méribel is full of hidden hospitality wonders. From a design hotel perspective, the quirky interiors inside Hotel Le Coucou Meribel, designed by Pierre Yovanovitch has topped the list since it opened in 2020. When it comes to chalets though, which for many are like mini hotels but with, perhaps, more home comforts, it’s easy to get lost when searching for ultra luxury accommodation.
Cue the arrival, therefore, of Chalet Harmony Méribel, which, from December 2023, will boast itself as the latest property to emerge in the Purple Ski portfolio, which hand-selects the finest luxury catered ski chalets across Méribel, Courchevel and Val d’Isère.
The four-storey chalet is positioned in Méribel’s central Duo du Pont area. It is said that Chalet Harmony’s French owner fell in love with Méribel’s authentic village with its excellent skiing and wanted to create a chalet that was respectful of the traditional Alpine chalet style, whilst offering all the modern comforts and features one might need – from state-of-the-art technology to the impressive wine cellar.
Image credit: Purple Ski
Comprising of an elegant master suite with its own floor and six further ensuite bedrooms including one with an additional children’s bunk area, the chalet is the ideal choice for families and groups of friends alike. Its entire first floor is devoted to post-ski relaxation and entertainment, boasting an impressive cinema room with tiered seating, perfect for the whole family to escape to after a tiring day on the slopes. Next door is the tranquil wellness area, where guests can warm up in the hot tub, ease sore limbs in the sauna or steam room, work out in the fitness room or simply relax by the large indoor swimming pool, which would not be complete with out striking vistas across Méribel village and the mountains.
Upstairs, a magnificent living area, strikingly decorated and cleverly laid out in one sociable space. At the heart of the room, where the design is in many ways centred, is an inviting log fire, close to the spectacular dining area, wine cellar, and games area with billiards table and a well-stocked minibar. The floor is flanked by sun-soaked terraces, with a large outdoor dining table.
Image credit: Purple Ski
The chalet’s contemporary alpine aesthetic combines warm, neutral tones with natural materials such as wood, stone, and wool for a modern yet characterful feel. Blending sumptuous detail with hi-tech luxuries such as TVs and Sonos sound systems throughout, no expense has been spared in this new chalet to provide discerning guests with a true home-from-home experience.
As with all chalets in the Purple Ski collection, guests of Chalet Harmony have access to a full team of staff, daily housekeeping, an in-chalet ski and boot fitting service and a private chauffeured minibus, as well as a dedicated concierge service to cater to every guest’s wish.
Interior images of Chalet Harmony are yet to be taken, so while we pack our bags early and dust off our skis as we eagerly await the arrival of ski season, renders will have to do (for now) to capture our imagination and the luxurious look and style of Méribel’s latest luxury chalet.
> Since you’re here, why not read our review of Chalet Inoko, another one of Purple Ski’s properties?
Sneak peek: unveiling the new Podere San Filippo from COMO
COMO Castello Del Nero, situated against the picturesque backdrop of the Chianti Hills, has unveiled its latest addition, Podere San Filippo…
This newly opened eighteenth-century farmhouse expands the COMO Castello Del Nero offerings with modern family apartments designed for independent exploration. Located within the expansive 740-acre estate, Podere San Filippo provides a tranquil and convenient base for guests to immerse themselves in the region’s beauty.
Image credit: COMO Hotels & Resorts
The farmhouse offers 12 contemporary apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, featuring cool-toned interiors. Select apartments include outdoor patios, ideal for al fresco dining.
Image credit: COMO Hotels & Resorts
Immersing guests in the autumnal setting and offering hands-on experience with the region’s abundant produce, COMO Castello Del Nero’s offerings include authentic cookery lessons, truffle hunting, gelato making, wine & olive oil tastings in the 12th-century cellar, the opportunity to explore the wider area on a vineyard tour, or marvel at the breath-taking surroundings from above on a hot air balloon ride. There are three dining venues, including the Michelin-starred La Torre, all of which source local produce to create nourishing and flavoursome cuisine.
Image credit: COMO Hotels & Resorts
For holistic rejuvenation, COMO Shambhala Retreat stands as the epitome of wellness. Inspired by Asian principles, the retreat offers a range of invigorating treatments, yoga, pilates sessions and state-of-the-art amenities, including a heated outdoor pool and thermal suite.
Whether basking in the scenic landscapes, savouring delectable cuisine, or unwinding at COMO Shambhala Retreat, COMO Castello Del Nero and its new addition, Podere San Filippo, guarantee an unforgettable autumn getaway.
Is the hospitality sector ready for recycled water fittings?
With the launch of its first water-recycling shower, Everstream, GROHE is revolutionising the showering experience while actively contributing to the conservation of water and energy resources. Jacob Allan Leader, Hospitality UK, LIXIL EMENA & GROHE, talks us through the process…
The GROHE Everstream represents a ground-breaking solution that addresses the significant water consumption in both domestic and commercial bathrooms, designed to create the showering experience users expect while consuming as little fresh water as possible.
Global water use has grown at more than twice the rate of the Earth’s population over the past century, making water stress a reality for an increasing number of regions. Architects, developers, and other professionals involved in creating the buildings of the future have an important and urgent role to play in helping communities use water more efficiently.
Image credit: GROHE
There is no single solution to these problems. However, technology can help by creating sustainable hygiene and sanitation solutions that conserve water in homes, business premises, and other buildings – after all, technology intended to make a positive impact can only do so if end users can get their hands on it. It’s widely recognised that sustainability is of high importance when considering hotel design, whether that’s brand-new developments with sustainable design at their core or renovations and updates to existing structures to bring them up to pace with the modern-day agenda.
Image credit: GROHE
As new innovations come to market that push the boundaries of classic design and guest expectations, education and commitment are pivotal for implementing viable change. The Everstream uses as little as a quarter of the water and a third of the energy required by traditional showers. By consuming as little as 30 litres of water compared to the average 120 litres of a conventional shower, it offers an overall water saving of up to 75 per cent and reduces energy consumption by up to 65per cent.
Through its innovative technology that recirculates and cleanses the same four litres of water via heaters, filters and UV light, the Everstream provides a viable resource saving solution to designers and specifiers, however the user’s mindset and awareness is also critical for success. Just as technology is changing what is possible with products, a parallel transformation is needed in the way people interact with water. Today’s business-as-usual approach to overconsuming increasingly scarce resources is not sustainable and urgent change is required. Every day, news headlines show us that we need to reimagine our relationship with water: to do more with less.
Changing people’s long-held patterns of behaviour is easier said than done. But the task is simpler if the bathroom fittings available offer users a choice to reduce water consumption without compromising their experience, allowing for guilt free enjoyment. Hoteliers and designers can help shift user’s mindset with continued education around the fittings, helping to raise awareness to the benefits available and encouraging the sustainable choice.
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.
The doors are open, and Hotel Designs can finally get its foot in the door of The Peninsula London, designed by Hopkins Architects, Peter Marino and a plethora of British crafts men and women…
Designed to evoke a contemporary take of quintessentially British hospitality, located in between Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London is finally open. Bringing spectacular new style and luxury to the heart of Belgravia, the newly-built hotel is designed and appointed to embody the finest British craftmanship and artistry, and is just steps away from Buckingham Palace, Knightsbridge and other iconic attractions.
The hotel, designed by Hopkins Architects to harmonise with surrounding heritage architecture, embodies a sleek, spacious aesthetic that fills with natural light. The property centres around an expansive, off-street courtyard, landscaped by celebrated designer Enzo Enea with climbing jasmine and wisteria vines, and two 120-year-old Japanese maples (the oldest trees of their kind in Europe). This cobble-paved central forecourt, rare in bustling Belgravia, allows guests to arrive in discreet style – and to avail themselves of transport in the hotel’s luxury automotive fleet, which includes Rolls-Royce Phantom IIs, hybrid Bentley Bentaygas, an electrified 1960 vintage Austin taxi, and a painstakingly restored 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom Sedanca de Ville.
Image credit: The Peninsula London
World-renowned architect and designer of interiors Peter Marino has created a calm and refined aesthetic, with light-filled spaces inspired by grand British houses and surrounding nature. The Peninsula London’s 190 spacious guest rooms and suites start at 50 square metres in size and feature bespoke furnishings, textiles, and original artworks that evoke the feel of chic private residences. All include mahogany-panelled dressing rooms, bathrooms of honey onyx stoneware, and customised fittings crafted by renowned British artisans; many have floor-to ceiling-windows with unparalleled views over Wellington Arch and historic Belgravia.
Image credit: Peninsula London
“It’s a proud moment for me and my team, to open the doors of The Peninsula London to our first guests. We are very excited to welcome local residents and international visitors alike, to experience this exceptional property and to enjoy The Peninsula’s sophisticated hospitality and service in one of the world’s most dynamic cities,” said Sonja Vodusek, Managing Director of The Peninsula London. “This beautiful hotel has been a complex and creative project, many years in the making. The Peninsula searched for the perfect location in London for over three decades, and now after much craft, care and consideration, and through the dedication of our people we hope our hotel will stand out not only in London but globally for generations to come.”
The Peninsula London’s superbly curated and quintessentially British aesthetic is the result of exclusive collaborations with some of the country’s most acclaimed artists and creators. The design elements and amenities custom-crafted by these creative partners – including fashion designer Jenny Packham, perfumier Timothy Han, and more than 40 artists from The Royal Drawing School – grace all the hotel’s public spaces, as well as its guest accommodations.
Image credit: The Peninsula London
And there is more to come… The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre, opening in November, will offer a diverse array of relaxation and well-being choices – including an extensive menu of mind-body therapies, a results-driven wellness programme, a fully equipped fitness studio, and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.
Also available from November, the hotel’s special-event venues also make an indelible impression. The grandest space, the St. George Ballroom, offers two elevators which are large enough for motorcars and can accommodate up to 450 banquet guests.
In December, four signature suites, three of which enjoy sweeping private balconies and terraces, will make for splendid venues for special-occasion gatherings. The Peninsula Suite, the hotel’s most opulent suite, includes a private screening room and fitness centre.
The first Mondrian Hotel in Greater China is poised to open
Leading Hong Kong’s renaissance, Mondrian Hong Kong is poised to redefine hospitality in the region with a singular blend of design, art, performance and imagination…
It’s no coincidence that the Q4 2023 opening of Mondrian Hong Kong is perfectly timed and in tune with the city’s revival. This new standard of hospitality is integral to a rebirth that dares the culturally-curious to pass it by. From the original Mondrian opened in the heart of Los Angeles, to properties in New York, Miami, London, Cannes, Doha and Seoul, the brand has always transformed and defined the neighbourhoods in which they are found through a commitment to creativity, art and the unexpected. The Hong Kong incarnation continues in this tradition, arriving with a promise to shake things up.
Image credit: Mondrian Hong Kong
A statement that can only be born from this moment in time, Mondrian Hong Kong will bring its surrounding culture to life through a celebration of the people and progressive thought that characterise the city – past and present. This mission creates an experience that is undeniably authentic and relevant. It’s also core to the brand, forged through collaboration with a roster of iconic dreamers and visionary designers.
Image credit: Mondrian Hong Kong
“Entering the Chinese market is an incredible milestone in our expansion and as with all Mondrian locations globally, community and culture will be essential,” commented Chadi Farhat, Brand COO for Mondrian, Ennismore. “Introducing the brand through personal stories and a variety of perspectives is a powerful way to foster a meaningful connection with the local community and engage travelers with an experience that is truly inspiring.”
Image credit: Mondrian Hong Kong
Diversity and inclusion form the fabric of Mondrian Hong Kong. The leader at its helm, Dirk Dalichau is weaving a dazzling tapestry of diverse human potential into over-the-horizon thinking and a commitment to disruption that has become his calling card.
“Inspired. By People isn’t just sentiment for us; it’s a promise and an ethos we live and breathe,” said Dalichau. “There is no doubt in my mind the more diversity the better, race, cultural, sexual, gender, religion. You are just a better team for it. So, it’s a massive philosophy for us. I find endless inspiration in people and their stories.”
Image credit: Mondrian Hong Kong
The journey begins with an impeccable location. Mondrian Hong Kong taps the beating pulse of Tsim Sha Tsui’s vitality, boasting immediate MTR access and proximity to the arts and culture scene. Its immersive, gallery-like interiors belong amid this landscape, featuring designs from the wild imagination of Karin Krautgartner. Each of its 324 rooms serve as a personal outlook, perched high above the bustling waters of Victoria Harbor.
Image credit: Mondrian Hong Kong
Stories of creative minds further abound in a Joyce Wang-designed, sophisticated nose-to-tail steakhouse by Italian culinary philosopher and maverick Dario Cecchini; one of the first bars in Asia to use the cutting-edge Tayer cocktail workstation system developed by two award-winning bartenders for the ultimate freedom in cocktail craft; art that mirrors life in the city, and a 40th floor rooftop space given over to cultural happenings, performative innovations and unexpected collaborations.
Image credit: Mondrian Hong Kong
“The vision is the hotel as progressive and imaginative community, a place to connect, have fun, be challenged, experiment and come away inspired,” continued Dalichau. “I couldn’t be more excited about the timing. Travel and business is beginning to boom again, Hong Kong is buzzing, Kowloon is transforming, the centre of gravity is shifting, the whole West Kowloon Cultural District is amazing and the nightlife is truly 24-7.”
In Hong Kong, as with all the properties in the portfolio, design is at the centre of the Mondrian experience with hotels designed by some of the world’s most famous architects and designers, including Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders. With ten properties in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Doha, Mexico City, Cannes, Seoul, Singapore and Ibiza, the brand is experiencing tremendous growth with upcoming openings in Bordeaux, Australia’s Gold Coast and more.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has accelerated the growth of its Luxury & Lifestyle estate in Europe by adding six Hotel Indigo properties to its portfolio. We take a closer look at the brand’s pipeline as it expands in key Iberia, France and Italy markets…
Kicking off the Hotel Indigo brand expansion will be Hotel Indigo Bordeaux, slated to open its doors to guests in France this Autumn, while Hotel Indigo Trieste – Palazzo Kalister, Hotel Indigo Florence and Hotel Indigo Turin in Italy, Hotel Indigo Jerez in Spain and Hotel Indigo Faro in Portugal have been signed, as IHG continues to expand its footprint across its southern European markets.
It’s the latest milestone in the rapid growth of the Hotel Indigo brand, which has 143 open hotels and a 127-strong pipeline globally and is introducing itself to must-visit destinations around the world at a rapid rate, capturing the spirit of local neighbourhoods everywhere.
Image credit: Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo Bordeaux, France is situated in the renowned bohemian district of Le Quartier des Chartrons. The hotel will feature 100 guestrooms, four meeting rooms and a rooftop restaurant that provides unforgettable panoramic views over the Garonne River. It’s located just a few steps from the tramway, with direct access to the main train station and the Cité du Vin wine and trade museum.
Hotel Indigo Trieste – Palazzo Kalister, Italy, has been signed in partnership with long-term collaborators Gruppo CHC. This conversion project will transform the historic town’s stunning 19th Century palace into a 107-room hotel, ready to welcome guests in 2025. It’s situated near to the Italian/Slovenian border in an area thriving from cruise ship tourism to its local port and the opening of a major convention centre in 2020.
Image credit: Hotel Indigo
Image credit: Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo Florence, Italy is set to begin opening in late 2023. This 160-key property is located close to key attractions in historic Florence, including the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Signed in partnership with Grape Hospitality, the hotel will boast two destination restaurants, an additional bar in the interior courtyard and gym, as well as underground parking in the heart of the city.
Hotel Indigo Turin, Italy is a 50-room hotel, slated to open later this year, again in partnership with Gruppo CHC. It’s location in the historic heart of Turin – close to the Piazza Castello, Royal Theatre and Gardens, and Palasport Olimpico arena – will be ideal for leisure guests and business travellers visiting the renowned northern Italian city.
Hotel Indigo Jerez, Spain has been signed as a conversion project in partnership with Meravo Management AS. This 78-room hotel in the centre of Jerez will open in early 2025. Comprising two historic Andalusian buildings, the stunning property will be perfectly located for guests visiting the Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera, a Moorish 11th Century fortress, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, a famed riding school with horse shows and a carriage museum and the Sherry Triangle, the heart of the region’s Sherry production.
Image credit: Hotel Indigo
Finally, number six in the pipeline, Hotel Indigo Faro, Portugal will feature a stunning rooftop swimming pool, with views across the lagoon and marina being just one of the treats awaiting guests when this 127-room hotel opens in mid-2025. Signed in partnership with Mercan Properties, the property will embrace the sights and sounds of its neighbourhood, immersing visitors from near and far into the unique story of its city, the capital of the Algarve region.
“At IHG we are growing our business rapidly across Southern Europe, and are delighted that these six outstanding Hotel Indigo properties will add to our footprint in Iberia, France and Italy – key markets for us, where we partner with some outstanding owners,” commented Eric Viale, Managing Director – Southern Europe, CIS & Georgia, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Our Hotel Indigo brand is a huge success story for IHG in Europe and around the world, and we’re continuing to expand its portfolio with wonderful properties that provide guests with memorable stays entrenched in the stories of their neighbourhoods. Hotel Indigo is set to double its portfolio over the next three to five years and continue its strong growth as one of the largest lifestyle brands in this fast-growing segment, and its ongoing expansion in Europe will play a major part in this.”
The Hotel Indigo brand has a strong focus on sustainability which is embedded in both the design and operation of its properties, including through the use of bulk amenities, the absence of single use plastics, and the utilisation of energy efficient equipment and materials. These commitments fall within IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow 10-year responsible business plan, which is aligned to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Having grown rapidly since launching in 2004, Hotel Indigo has reached 145 open hotels and a 128-strong pipeline globally, including outstanding properties in some of the world’s best destinations. Recent and upcoming openings include Exeter, Panama City Marina, Brisbane City Centre, Tokyo Shibuya, and Guadalajara Expo.
Northern Lights elevates dining experience at Radisson RED
Radisson RED Liverpool was once used as student accommodation, but has recently been transformed by KONCEPT ID into a stylish boutique hotel with bespoke lighting handcrafted by the team at Northern Lights…
Radisson RED Liverpool has been reimagined to shelter 201 guestrooms, five meeting rooms and a restaurant and bar, all while maintaining the building’s Grade II listed original features. In conjunction with the statement lighting from Northern Lights, the design celebrates the high ceilings, archways and exposed brickwork to perfection. Incorporating luxurious materials, including marble, velvet, leather and sumptuous rugs, contemporary and decadent influences are fused effortlessly to great effect.
Image credit: Radisson RED Liverpool
Working closely with designers KONCEPT ID, Northern Lights were tasked with developing an array of bespoke lighting for the Stoke restaurant and bar to capture the overall design intent whilst elevating the dining experience of the hotel’s guests. For luxury dining spaces, achieving the perfect balance of light diffusion and warmer, lower lighting conditions is critical to maintain an intimate setting where guests will linger longer.
Image credit: Radisson RED Liverpool
In the restaurant, sectional feature pendants are suspended over tables to provide a warming halo effect to diners below. Due to the sheer size the pendants were manufactured in four sections, each featuring a powder-coated matt black frame with rolled reeded glass to provide soft light diffusion. Each part was then hand-assembled and fixed to create a goliath fitting spanning the large ceiling area.
Image credit: Radisson RED Liverpool
Radisson RED Liverpool Refurbishment
To create a fully connected experience, the same style fixture sits above the bar, having been duplicated, stacked and fitted with a gantry that houses various liquor bottles. Such well-considered illumination works to create an inviting space that welcomes and draws guests in, whilst balancing functional needs of the bar area.
Nestled between the bar and the booths, a rounded seating area is cleverly illuminated by an assembly of fixed seat top lamps. The dramatic curved stems of the fixtures house six threaded acrylic globes, giving almost a ‘streetlight’ effect in their appearance whilst retaining the luxury design principles of the brief.
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.
Known for its design-led pieces, the new additions to the LAUFEN washbasin range create flexible solutions for hotel bathrooms of all sizes…
LAUFEN has long had a reputation for being a one-stop shop for stylish bathroom looks. The manufacturer is always striving to ensure it has solutions for every bathroom, whether classic or contemporary, large or small and with this in mind, it has added a number of washbasin options to its popular The New Classic, Kartell LAUFEN and Ino ranges.
“Whether it’s a bijou bedroom or a master suite, every room needs a bathroom that is a perfect partner, and which reflects the hotel’s style ethos,” commented Emma Mottram, LAUFEN Brand Marketing Manager. “And at LAUFEN, we want to be able to offer solutions to meet all requirements. As such, I’m proud to share details of extensions to The New Classic, Kartell LAUFEN and Ino ranges, which will help us provide a beautiful basin to suit all hotel bathrooms.”
Image credit: LAUFEN
As the name suggests, The New Classic takes its inspiration from classical curves but works equally well in both contemporary and traditionally styled hotel bathrooms. Already available in a choice of vanity washbasins and wider bowl versions, The New Classic range now includes a 450 x 310mm bowl, which is compact enough to be used in a double basin configuration, even in relatively small bathrooms.
Image credit: LAUFEN
The Kartell LAUFEN collection combines the flair of Italian brand Kartell with the bathroom brands’ expertise to create iconic pieces for the bathroom. To extend its offering, LAUFEN has added three new widths (450mm, 800mm and 1000mm) to the range of basins. This makes them ideal for creating a coherent look across hotel bathrooms for all room types, from compact bedrooms to master suites. They are also available in range of contemporary colours and in on-trend matt finishes, perfect for hotels with more modern schemes, including Matt Grey, Matt White, Gloss Black, Matt Black and Anthracite.
Image credit: LAUFEN
Designed by Toan Nguyen, the Ino range features basins with the thinnest of walls, giving the appearance of floating weightlessly on the wall. The secret to this effect is SaphirKeramik, a revolutionary ceramic that is as strong as steel but wafer-thin. Therefore even with small basins, you have a surprising amount of useable washing space, which is ideal when every centimetre counts. Being a ceramic, it is also durable, easy to clean and hygienic, retaining its good looks despite rigorous daily cleaning. The new Ino double basin further showcases the capabilities of SaphirKermik brilliantly, moulded in one 1400mm-wide piece. It includes an integrated counter with plenty of usable space between the bowls. This makes it a versatile and practical piece for hotel bathrooms, as there is no need to install a separate countertop. The new design also comes in a choice of Matt Black or Matt Grey.
LAUFEN 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.
As the industry prepares for The Brit List Awards 2023, Hotel Designs’ the premier event of the year, Editor Hamish Kilburn highlights this year’s partners and sponsors…
Glitz, glamour and good vibes. Yes, The Brit List Awards 2023 is just around the corner, this year taking place on November 1 at Circa Embankment.
For six years (and counting), the awards campaign has identified not just individual winners, but also, each year, it has identified the leading 75 interior designers, architects and hoteliers who deserve to be recognised as true influencers of tomorrow’s hotel design scene. The event is a chance for the industry to come together in harmony to celebrate the best in British – and international – design, architecture and hospitality.
While the event has somewhat grown over the years, the campaign would not be anything without the support of its sponsors and partner. So, taking a minute to champion our top supporters, allow me to introduce you to our sponsors and partners.
Headline Partner: Crosswater
Image credit: Crosswater
For five fabulous years, Bathroom Brands Group, under the identity of Crosswater, has been the headline act/partner. Recent news from the brand includes new finishes in the MPRO Collection, and new products (including its debut lighting collection) that will, quite literally, cover all corners of the hotel bathroom.
Showcase Partner: Schlüter Systems
Image credit: Schlüter Systems
Re-joining us as one of our Showcase Partners, Schlüter-Systems would paint the venue orange if it has its way. If you haven’t noticed already, Schlüter-Systems, with more than 10,000 products, is a market leader in essential accessories for tile and stone. Formed in 1966 by Werner Schlüter, a man who set out to provide practical solutions for bathroom tile installations.
To this day, the company remains a family-owned business with products born out of practical experiences. The headquarters resides in the town of Iserlohn, Germany, with a further eight subsidiaries aiding distribution across more than 20 countries.
Showcase Partner: Hamilton Litestat
Image caption: Perception CFX | Image credit: Hamilton Litestat
For the fifth consecutive year, Hamilton Litestat, which produces quality wiring accessories and tech solutions, will join us at The Brit List Awards as Showcase Partner.
A British manufacturer, Hamilton Litestat has created an enviable portfolio of decorative switch plate and socket designs to please the hotel interiors fashion industry, as well as smart lighting control and multi-room audio systems designed to enhance the hotel guest experience.
Showcase Partner: Utopia Projects
Image caption: The bathrooms inside Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester, designed by Space Invader (specified by Utopia Projects). | Image credit: Stock Exchange Hotel
So, what’s better than two Showcase Partners? Three Showcase Partners. That’s right, Utopia Projects have levelled-up this year to have a major presence at the awards ceremony.
When it is not launching insane competitions to win a free bathroom makeover, Utopia Projects supports the design, supply and aftercare of bathrooms and spas to hotels, public buildings and residential properties nationwide. The bathroom design experts at the brand understand the time constraints often faced on a project and searching the market place for the right products is not just time consuming, but costly. With their key industry contacts and wealth of knowledge, the team aims to make life easier for A+D professionals.
Award Partner: Atlas Concorde
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
Atlas Concorde, which has just unveiled its collaboration with HBA, Marvel Trevertine, following the opening of its Clerkenwell Showroom last year, returns to The Brit List Awards 2023 as Award Partner. The Italian brand, with a strong persona here in Britain, is a benchmark player in the entire ceramic tile industry and one of the most important and solid companies worldwide.
Award Partner: Hansgrohe
Image credit: Hansgrohe
Forever looking to the future in bathroom and wellness design, Hansgrohe is joining The Brit List Awards 2023 as an Award Partner.
Faucets, debuting this year at The Brit List Awards 2023 as an Award Partner, is a leading British independent stockist and distributor of quality bathroom brassware and sanitary products — it has been a one-stop shop for quality bathroom fittings since 1983.
Red Carpet Partner: Balsan
Image credit: Balsan
That’s right, for the first time in the campaign’s history, we are pulling out all the stops, working with our Red Carpet Partner, carpet specialist Balsan, to create an unrivalled arrival experience.
For as long as the company has been around for, Balsan has continued to stand out with its creative products and its cutting-edge industrial facilities, while benefitting from the expertise built up by the team’s long years of experience.
Entertainment Partner: BECK
Image credit: Mark Read Photography
Last year was a dress rehearsal compared to what we have lined-up for you this year regarding performances. With UK contractors BECK by our side as our Entertainment Partner (how apt), we have more than double the amount of acts who will be blowing the industry away this year at The Brit List Awards 2023.
Official Videographer: CUBE
For three years, CUBE has supported The Brit List Awards by capturing the magic on camera in a series of videos, which includes the winners’ interviews, the award ceremony highlights and a few cheeky teasers thrown in for good measure. The production company, which has worked with Hotel Designs on a number of projects this year, have recently launched its original documentary, A Broken Record, which framed a series of interiors designers discussing the future of conscious design and development.
Podcast Partner: DESIGN POD
Headphones on. DESIGN POD is a design and architecture podcast that aims to cut through the noise. The topics and personalities amplified on the podcast have been carefully chosen to give texture and context on key issues that are impacting architects and designers.
Tickets to attend The Brit List Awards 2023, on November 1 at Circa Embankment are now on sale. If you are an interior designer, architect, hotelier or developer, click here to purchase your tickets. For anyone else wishing to attend, click here to purchase your tickets.
Product watch: the Rest Assured Collection from Silentnight
Silentnight has relaunched its Rest Assured collection with three newly developed mattresses for hoteliers seeking luxurious comfort for their guests…
The Rest Assured range from Silentnight has been handcrafted with sustainability and sleep science front of mind, using natural and sustainable materials of the highest quality, durability and comfort. Each mattress is made with British-sourced Cheviot wool and includes zoned pocket springs to improve spinal alignment and posture. They are also made with single-sided construction to eliminate heavy seasonal mattress turning and using Smartshield, a skin-safe treatment designed to eradicate bed bugs and dust mites, improving hygiene and longevity.
Image credit: Silentnight
“We’ve taken a long-term view to developing our Rest Assured collection with sustainability, breathability and comfort firmly front of mind,” discussed David Lawrenson, Hospitality Sales Director at Silentnight Group. “We know we can only achieve our objectives by bringing together the lessons we’ve learnt from 125 years of manufacturing alongside the modern techniques and expertise we’ve invested in recently. We remain committed to prioritising sustainability and comfort and the relaunch of Rest Assured is testament to that.”
Tested in Silentnight’s state-of-the-art testing facility in Lancashire to exceed fire and flammability compliance and fitness for purpose testing, the collection consists of the entry-level Bancroft, mid-range Bowland and top-tier Berrington. All come with a five-year guarantee. The Bancroft’s zoned pocket springs, tufted sleep surface and layers made of Cheviot wool ensure a supportive, breathable and comfortable sleeping experience, while the Bowland features an additional layer of responsive mini springs that optimises breathability and comfort.
The premium Berrington range combines layers of premium British wool, sustainable fibres and an added layer of highly responsive nano springs, designed to provide unparalleled comfort for all types of sleepers.
Silentnight 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.
Moving into bright new territory, bathroom brand Crosswater has expanded its growing product portfolio into the realm of lighting…
The new Tranquil Lights collection sees the exciting introduction of illumination to the growing Crosswater product portfolio. Designed to pair effortlessly with the brand’s brassware solutions, the new collection allows for metallic accent linking across the whole bathroom. Available in three versatile designs – a Pillar, Pendant, and Halo fixture – the Tranquil Lights collection is designed to enhance the mood of every bathroom.
Image credit: Crosswater
The collection is available in six of Crosswater’s metallic finishes, including Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Brass, Brushed Stainless Steel and the new Brushed Bronze and Slate. The Tranquil Pillar Light provides a striking, unique light design that softly illuminates any bathroom space. Designed with adjustability in mind, each Tranquil Pillar Light allows the light direction to be adjusted by up to 45 degrees, provides 3000K warm light and comes fitted with a 40W LED bulb for an effortless install. The IP44 rated lighting solution offers a versatile lighting solution for any luxury bathroom.
The design is available with both a 90-degree wall bracket and extender rods for a ceiling installation – the multi-use design can be effortlessly combined to create multiple lighting combinations for optimal mood-enhancing benefits. In addition, the Tranquil pendant light is supplied with a fitted 3W G9 dimmable bulb, ensuring that lighting can be controlled to suit the desired atmosphere.
Crosswater 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.
Drawing inspiration from the Wasatch Mountain region, Montage Deer Valley has completed an extensive renovation of all of guestrooms, suites and dining outlets across the 16-acre resort…
The much-anticipated Montage Deer Valley project tapped the visions and creativity of two interior design firms – BraytonHughes Design Studios of San Francisco for resort accommodations and Denton House Design Studio of Salt Lake City for restaurants and lounges. Both firms drew inspiration from the year-round beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and the enduring history and modern sophistication of the destination surrounding the resort, which took root during a silver mining boom in the mid-1800s and has since been transformed into a world-class alpine oasis destination.
Image credit: Montage Deer Valley
“The beauty and history of the region are such an integral part of the experience we provide our guests, and the renovation of our accommodations and dining outlets succeeds in immersing everyone we host in our surroundings,” said Joseph Mattioli, General Manager, Montage Deer Valley. “The work of BraytonHughes and Denton House surpassed our expectations and will be a key selling point for years to come.”
Montage Deer Valley
For the renovation of Montage Deer Valley’s 154 guestrooms and suites, BraytonHughes selected textures, colours, shapes and furnishings that pay tribute to the heritage and natural beauty of the region, blending traditional and classic elements with a contemporary design. Design accents include houndstooth fabric pillows, mirrors framed by wood with leather strapping and silver rivet detailing and subtle expressions of silver throughout both the in-room colour palette and materials, to reflect the rich mining history.
Image credit: Montage Deer Valley
The design draws directly from nature, with green sun print-inspired carpet in guestrooms, custom alabaster lamps with chiseled details inspired by rock formations and hand-forged ironwork on bedside lamps that evoke a tree branch. All-new artwork similarly plays off the design firm’s nature and history-inspired narrative, including historic local photographs, a colourful abstract landscape painting and a whimsical sketch of a ski pole morphing into a tree branch. Another framed work of mining certificates printed on sheet metal hangs over existing console tables at the entry to guestrooms, its subtle iridescent finish further highlighting the rich history of the destination for guests.
Image credit: Montage Deer Valley
For its renovation of the dining outlets across the resort, Denton House also drew inspiration from nature, bringing the elements and surrounding outdoor landscapes inside at Yama Sushi, Apex and Burgers & Bourbon. At Yama Sushi, the design is inspired by the majestic peaks and flowing rivers of Japan, transporting guests to a tranquil landscape. The carpet pattern is reminiscent of water and mountains, while the dark blues, cool whites and grays, accented with warm wood tones pay homage to the earth and stones of the mountain region, and the veining on the stone countertops alludes to snow drifts blown across the mountain tops.
Image credit: Montage Deer Valley
Apex’s new design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, with textured wallcoverings and vintage images capturing the surrounding landscape, while a colour palette of cool blues, warm caramel leathers and terracotta accents creates a harmonious atmosphere. Meanwhile, Burgers & Bourbon has been transformed into a welcoming and casually elegant space featuring informal furniture, cosy fabrics, walnut-colored woods, vibrant accents, whimsical wall art and a menu that honors local artisans and farmers. Guests will also enjoy an all-new dining destination, Slopestream, a customised airstream eatery located mountainside with fireside outdoor seating and breathtaking views of Deer Valley, serving an elevated take on regional and seasonal on-the-go culinary classics and a selection of local beers and wines.
Innovation is on the agenda at the Independent Hotel Show 2023
The Independent Hotel Show is the UK’s only business event for the boutique and independent hotel sector and has become a trusted resource for hoteliers to keep up to date with the latest hospitality trends and insights, network with peers in the industry and streamline product sourcing…
The Independent Hotel Show 2023, in partnership with James Hallam, returns to Olympia London on October 16-17 and is a highlight of the year for many independent hoteliers.
“When you’re a boutique luxury hotelier, connecting with your fellow industry colleagues is crucial,” commented James Sanders, General Manager, The Swan Hotel. “Creating memorable, quality experiences in these highly-priced competitive times is a challenge. The Independent Hotel Show merges the ‘know-how’ and the ‘nuance’ of blue sky thinking with a community of like-minded people. Quality seminars, suppliers and connections make this show my number one choice.”
On the Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with HotelPartner and designed by Design Command, hoteliers at the show will have access to leading industry experts and sessions taking a close look at a number of key issues affecting the independent hotel sector.
Daniel Twigg of Clockwork Marketing will be leading a discussion on building authentic brands with The PIG Hotels’ Lotti Bruce and Clare Anna, brand Ambassador for Zedwell Hotels, while Ryan Haynes of Haynes MarComs will be joined by The Headland Hotel’s Veryan Palmer and Susanne Williams of Journey Consultancy to discuss the implications and opportunities of AI for the hotel sector.
The Hotel Business Stage will also see the launch of the #IHSPowerHour, where industry leaders and consultants including Andy Banner-Price of The 25 Boutique B&B and Chris King of Lightening Travel Recruitment will be presenting short, ten-minute sessions packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways for hotel businesses. Also on the Hotel Business Stage, Hotel Magazine Editor Jade Evans will be leading a discussion on diversity & inclusion in the hotel sector with Rita Varga of RaizUp, Serena von der Heyde of The Georgian House and Abu Bundu-Kamara, Director of Inclusion & Diversity at Expedia Group.
For hoteliers looking for opportunities to grow and invest, Emily Newman of NewDog PR will be joined by Mohith Sondhi of OakNorth Bank, KSL’s Philip Ward, Nick Davies of The Cottage In The Wood Malvern and Sarah Green of HotelFinance to discuss the practicalities, risks and opportunities of refinancing.
The Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo and designed by New Heritage Design, is a must-attend for hoteliers looking to the future of hospitality and who are eager to be inspired by the very latest trends and innovations. Day one of the show will kick off with sessions from VisitEngland’s Janet Uttley and Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality, who will be discussing the latest legislation, opportunities and initiatives relevant to the independent hotel sector.
The intersection of wellness, design and guest experience will be high on the Innovation Stage agenda, with sessions covering the psychological impact of hospitality design, ‘sensory-centric creation’ and how to eliminate the ‘first night effect’ and deliver a killer first impression.
“Hospitality is so much more than good food and drink,” added panellist Ryan Thompson, General Manager, Forty-Seven. “Great hospitality can be a treat for all of the senses while mistakes upsetting any sense can be a big turn-off for any guest without even knowing why we haven’t created that WOW moment. In a time of so many business pressures ensuring all senses are stimulated in the right way is paramount for a business to succeed, at Forty-Seven I believe we have curated any experience to rest and wake, excite and relax the senses in harmony and I’ll share a few of our secrets.”
The Innovation Stage will also play host to a series of sessions breaking down the key components of ESG (environmental, social, governance). The environment session will focus on where to begin with sustainability accreditation and advise hoteliers on the steps required to measure and track sustainability efforts.The social session will take a look at staff health and wellbeing, but this time starting at the top. A panel of industry leaders and HR professionals will discuss how business leaders can learn to manage their own wellbeing alongside that of their teams.
Finally, the governance session will discuss the importance of transparency when it comes to ESG and how to avoid unintentional ‘greenwashing’ when it comes to promoting environmental efforts.
The Social Business Space, in partnership with Mews and designed by New Heritage Design will return with new and exciting opportunities for hoteliers to network and discuss key industry trends in an informal environment. Hoteliers can take part in sessions such as ‘Breaking boundaries as GMs of the Future’ with The Master Innholders, ‘Advice and guidance on today’s industry issues, with IN4Hospitality’, ‘Why hospitality needs a global chartered professional body’ with Institute of Hospitality CEO Robert Richardson and a podcast takeover from Ryan Haynes, Director of MarComs and host of the Travel Market Life podcast.
To learn more about everything happening at this year’s event, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk.
Hotel Designs is a proud media partner of Independent Hotel Show, which takes place on October 16-17 at Olympia London.
Is the working from hotels trend (WFH) living up to the hype? The team at Artiq think so – creative people need creative spaces, so over the course of a week, members of Artiq’s team went on a workcation, checking out some of the most well-regarded working spaces in London’s hotels…
The line between work and leisure has become increasingly blurred. Although the trend has been on the rise for some time, the pandemic, which saw us making banana bread and taking work calls from the same table, brought this debate to the forefront. Adding to the mix is the conversation about work-life balance. It’s tough to disagree with the idea that finding a healthy middle ground between our job responsibilities and personal relaxation is vital for our overall wellness. However, looking at it from another angle, the idea of pitting these two as opposites seems to suggest that work is the villain, a strictly burdensome task that needs to be counterbalanced with the joy and positivity of personal life. This perspective doesn’t feel entirely right either.
Image credit: Beckett Lodge
Parallel to this debate, or perhaps because of it, is the rising trend of multi-purpose environments, particularly in high-density urban areas, where the most interesting (to us) being the merging of workspaces and hotels. It feels like the best of two worlds: flexible workspaces are in demand and hotels already have space and service infrastructure to cater to the needs of workers.
Image credit: The Standard London
Artiq knows both of these industries well. Curating art collections and experiences for global clients across the workplace and hospitality sectors, it has witnessed first-hand the increasing overlap between the two. Traditional office spaces are adapting to accommodate hospitality-inspired features, while more and more hotels are designed to encourage drop-ins from working professionals.
Inbetween meetings and masterplans, while out and about in the city, hotels are often a preferred choice to work from and there is an abundance of beautifully designed hotels, that not only cater for productive working but also boost creativity. To discover which spaces work best Artiq team members went undercover to explore and experience some of the best WFH spaces that London has to offer.
Isabelle Guyer, Curator and Alexandra Vanburen Callender, Art Research Intern
Image credit: Artiq
Image credit: Artiq
The first thing that caught our eyes when arriving at Locke at Broken Wharf was the sleek interior, with its low sofas and styled coffee tables. The space felt designed to encourage focused work, with a neutral colour palette and chill background music. A couple of people had quiet chatter, but this was a good thing for us – it contributed to the space feeling welcoming and relaxing rather than a strict workspace. We also met here to catch up before a nearby meeting, so it wouldn’t have worked if the space was too quiet, like a library.
The use of plants softened the space, giving a nice balance to the minimalist, industrial design. Similarly, the low ceilings were balanced with big windows; lots of daylight is a must for productivity. We were lucky to come here on a sunny day, so the table and chairs outside in the sun next to the river offered a great alternative for short breaks. Locke by Broken Warf is tucked away just by the river and it was surprisingly quiet for being so central in a hectic city. The only thing missing was a lie down in one the suites – Artiq curated the collection for the apartment here a few years back, and we would have loved to stay the night.
Meela Thurloway, Workplace Art Consultant
Image credit: Artiq
Image credit: Artiq
I came to The Standard to spend an afternoon working in The Library Lounge, the site of the former Camden Council Library. This space pays tribute to its former purpose yet with a contemporary edge whilst the décor throughout is extremely considered – a mid-century retro aesthetic with playful pops. As you enter through the main revolving doors, behind the reception desk is a geometric tile feature wall by artist Lubna Chowdhary and these shapes and palettes that are echoed throughout the property.
The space is laptop-friendly and being modelled on an actual library, it’s the perfect working environment. There are tables at varying heights. The work-desks are perfect for laptops, whilst the low relaxed seating is great for coffee meetings. There’s also real homely feel to the space with cosy fireplaces and greenery throughout the space and a cool casual charm.
It also had a good, undistracting playlist (not your typical hotel lobby tunes, more soulful with some contemporary jazz). The space is mood-lit, whilst this was no problem for me, some may find it a little dark. A big plus for lovely staff: from 6 pm the main library is a laptop-free zone and a polite 5.15 pm warning advised me that I could continue working around the corner.
The Library Lounge has a cool elegance to it and felt like a really creative space. It would be the perfect spot for meeting, whether with clients or artists! The décor and attention to detail throughout the space made it feels like a creative oasis away from the chaos of King’s Cross.
Fiorella Gianini, Hospitality Art Consultant
Image credit: Artiq
I started my day in Hart Shoreditch before a long day of meetings, as I had heard they have a great space for working. Artiq curated part of the art collection here a few years back, so I was excited to visit the space.
There were different areas where you could sit to work or take calls, which allowed you to pick and choose depending on your mood. The desks at the entrance felt more like serious business while the sitting area had a laid-back vibe and the café allowed you to hide at the back if looking for peace and quiet, which is where I decided to sit for a while.
It felt nice to have a change of scenery and looking at a different space felt inspiring. I’m always looking for inspiration and while sitting at the café I could spot some minimalist works of art hanged in a playful way. The café also has decorations all over the ceiling – an idea I would love to explore in one of my other projects.
Having different options to choose from was a plus and the feeling of being abroad that a hotel gives you made the experience more interesting. It felt like a mid-week break, despite just being a 20-minute walk from Artiq’s office.
Henry Dowson, Associate Curator
Image credit: Firmdale Hotels
The Charlotte Street Hotel is located in central London, next to Goodge Street Tube station, with easy access by public transport or other means. I arrived at the hotel around 10 am and found the café workspace easily, as it was next to the entrance.
The interior was an interesting mix of a French bistro with quaint British heritage design and a somewhat jazzy wallpaper surrounding the space. The rest of the hotel was also nicely decorated, with some standout pieces of art, especially an eye-catching sculpture as you walk into the hotel, of an oversized dog.
The space I worked in, Oscar Bar & Restaurant, has a great atmosphere. However, if you’re after somewhere to buckle down on your laptop for hours on end, perhaps this may not be the place for you, as the lack of easily accessible wall plugs might put a timer on your visit. Nonetheless, it was perfect for a midway coffee or a relaxed meeting.
Artiq 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.
With a range of tables and chests in a variety of finishes and materials, designers can look to Vaughan for an impressive solution to both traditional and contemporary hotel work spaces…
Furniture has been part of the Vaughan collections for many years, complementing and providing the perfect setting for its renowned lighting designs. With hotels having become an important part of the working day, it is not only fast Wi-Fi that is needed to create the perfect Work from Hotel solution, hotels also need to provide comfort between meetings, calls and events as well as a refuge at the end of the working day.
Suitable for a variety of hotel spaces and perfect for a morning coffee meeting, Vaughan’s Bridgehampton coffee table is made from brass rectangular tube and glass. With its two tiers of toughened glass this is a design that can be used in guestrooms as well as private and communal areas and for added drama, can be styled in pairs in larger spaces.
Image credit: Vaughan
The Bramdean Collection debuts in September and will feature new lighting, furniture and mirror designs as well as some new finishes on existing products. Six tables from this new collection pre-launched at the beginning of August adding to the current collection of decorative side tables designed and manufactured by Vaughan over the years.
The Droxford Table takes its inspiration from Modernist mid-century design. The piece exemplifies how each of the new table designs retain the Vaughan pared back aesthetic whilst maintaining the essence of timeless elegance and unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Two-tiers give the Droxford Table a multi-functional quality and the contrast of the round and the angled legs elevate its aesthetic.
Image credit: Vaughan
One of the new designs is the Ashfield Table which is both elegant and compact and featuring turned legs is typical of Vaughan with both decorative and practical elements. The Ashfield Table, as well as the others in the pre-launch, is designed to sit beside a chair or sofa and this one in particular is the perfect piece for a small space or corner and can in addition work as a bedside table.
Vaughan 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.
Moxy Hotels, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, has announced the opening of Moxy Sydney Airport, marking the brand’s debut into Australia to delight the young and young-at-heart…
Located in Mascot, a convenient suburb in the Inner-South of Sydney, the new 301-key hotel is 10 minutes from Sydney International Airport via the Moxy Hotels pink airport shuttle bus, which greets guests as they arrive. The hotel is easily accessible from Sydney’s bustling CBD and iconic sites, while the local neighbourhood offers an exciting mix of great shopping and delicious dining right on the hotel’s doorstep. True to the brand’s experiential voice, the hotel boldly reinvents the traditional hotel stay with vibrant guest experiences and lively, sociable service.
“We are thrilled to continue to grow our global portfolio and introduce the energetic Moxy brand to Australia with the opening of Moxy Sydney Airport,” said Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Moxy Hotels. “Sydney is a city of iconic attractions and urban excitement, making it the perfect destination for a spirited brand like Moxy. We look forward to welcoming our fun-hunters to this world-class city and experience Moxy’s young-at-heart spirit and disruptive hotel experience.”
Image credit: Marriott International
Inspired by Mascot’s industrial and art-deco heritage, Moxy Sydney Airport features stylish interiors that are brought to life by eminent Canadian interior designers MAED. COLLECTIVE, instilling new experiences around every corner. The hotel’s façade is distinguished by a striking public art mural created by local artist Elliott Routledge, renowned for his distinctive, abstract designs. Routledge has also created a sculpture that celebrates Moxy’s Play On spirit, rising from an eye-catching podium on level four.
“Mascot, with its rich transit and industrial history, has been the birthplace of various transformative moments in Sydney’s history, so it’s the perfect location to launch Moxy’s first hotel in Australia” commented Michelle Scott, General Manager, Moxy Sydney Airport. “We are raising the bar in the airport hotel scene, with an urban hotel in an airport precinct where guests will have everything they want and nothing they don’t. Connecting with travellers through our spirited service, the Moxy Crew bring to life Moxy Sydney Airport as Sydney’s gateway to play.”
Image credit: Marriott International
The lobby’s exposed ceilings, wrought iron beams and natural materials capture the open, airy feel of a converted warehouse, paying homage to Mascot’s historic factory buildings. Designed as a multi-functional work and interactive social space, the lobby is centred around the hotel bar where guests check in with a complimentary ‘Get Moxy’ signature cocktail. Within the lobby, guests can also enjoy the hotel’s Living Room, a laid-back communal space where guests can relax surrounded by a curated collection of eclectic and nostalgic pieces, including a 1970s photobooth and reclaimed vintage lounge chairs.
Image credit: Marriott International
The industrial-chic bedrooms combine functionality and flexibility with edgy detail. Cleverly designed to maximise space, the rooms feature modular furniture including Moxy’s signature Stellar Works foldable workspace desks and chairs, as well as smart features like peg walls to allow guests the flexibility to adapt the room to their needs. Tech-savvy touches include motion-activated LED lights, keyless entry, 55-inch flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi help, in addition to a retro phone where guests can listen to a themed bedtime story to doze off in style.
Image credit: Marriott International
Bold artwork from Sydney creator, Evi O, tells tales of Mascot’s history on the bedroom walls with an abstract take on the area’s historic market gardens and renowned local Australian fauna. Options range from stylish king and queen sleepers, to twins and quad bunks perfect for families and groups. Guests ready to break a sweat can visit the 24/7 gym, equipped with an iconic Moxy pink boxing bag, or rent a Moxy bike and explore the local area.
Image credit: Marriott International
Staking a place in Sydney’s iconic food and beverage community, Moxy Sydney Airport’s new drinking and dining concepts are unpretentious and laid-back yet still modern and stylish – creating a new centre for Mascot’s vibrant social scene. Bar Moxy is a haven for working and connecting during the day and transforms into a social hub at night, drawing Sydney’s top DJ talent. Partnering with local brands including Archie Rose and Young Henry, guests can choose from an extensive list of cocktails, wines and local brews. In the evenings, guests can indulge in a playful meal from the Pimp My Pita menu – a fresh and flavoursome Australian street food-inspired concept.
Image credit: Marriott International
In homage to the iconic Australian Milk Bar, the hotel’s streetside cafe, Little Baxter, offers a warm and welcoming space for those looking to linger a little longer. Taking pride in the grind, Little Baxter features signature blends and single origins from Marrickville’s Double Roasters, perfectly paired with daily baked pastries from local artisan baker, Sonoma. For guests looking for a convenient option without sacrificing flavour, Moxy Pick-Ups offers 24/7 grab-and-go snacks and drinks.
Image credit: Marriott International
The hotel features five meeting studios for private events from the ArtHouse, a not-so-typical boardroom with an enviable collection of contemporary Australian artwork curated by local art gallery, to Saint Cloche and The Record Room, inspired by Australia’s rock n roll era, with an alfresco option on Moxy Terrace.
Nobu Hotel San Sebastián has finally opened its much anticipated doors as the fifth hotel in Spain for Nobu Hospitality. Working together with Spanish hospitality group, Millenium Hospitality Real Estate SOCIMI (MHRE), Nobu is boldly adding its own flavours to the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants per square metre…
Housed in the former Vista Eder Palace, one of the last historic buildings on La Concha Bay designed by the architect Francisco Urcola, this exclusive boutique hotel offers 17 luxuriously designed guest rooms and suites, the iconic Nobu restaurant, Nobu Terrace with stunning sea views and a rooftop infinity pool exclusively for hotel guests.
Image credit: Javier Bravo
The interiors, conceptualized by Tomas Alía from Studio Caramba, seamlessly unite the Franco-Basque Belle Époque style of the building with Nobu’s signature Japanese minimalism. Using natural materials and traditional millwork, Alía creates a sense of calm and elegance from the moment the guest arrives. The entrance and lobby area are inspired by Torii gates with clean, simple lines, arriving at a stunning sculptural central staircase which leads to guest rooms and suites, where neutral tones contrast with dramatic floor-to-ceiling headboards.
Image credit: Javier Bravo
Nobu Terrace features an inside – outside space, creating a dialogue with the sea and coastline, while in Nobu restaurant, the classic, pared down Nobu aesthetic allows the dishes to be the star of the show. On the main floor of the property, guests can dine at Nobu’s world-famous namesake where Executive Chef Yannick Lohou and Head Sushi Chef Hideaki Mizushima serve Nobu signature dishes alongside specials which pay homage to celebrated local ingredients, such as txangurro crab, sea urchins, mackerel and cod cheeks. Nobu Terrace will be open for breakfast for hotel guests, and to the public throughout the day, to enjoy sweeping views over La Concha Bay, Nobu small bites and carefully crafted cocktails.
Image credit: Javier Bravo
Image credit: Javier Bravo
Located on the Paseo Miraconcha, the hotel boasts spectacular views over the La Concha Bay towards Santa Clara Island and is just a 15-minute stroll from San Sebastián’s Old Town, Parte Vieja, with its buzzy pintxo bars. The spectacular Piene del Viento coastal sculpture is a mere 10-minutes away, close to the main railway station with direct connections to Madrid and Barcelona, as well as regional trains to explore the stunning coastline of the Basque Country.
Harlequin maximises versatility with collection of wide-width sheers in stunningly delicate designs with inherent fire retardant qualities, making them a sheer joy to include in contract settings…
Expressive design doesn’t have to be overtly bold, as this new collection of stunning sheers from Harlequin demonstrates. Paired back, delicate and neutral and yet delivering a sense of drama with the luxury of layering designs for a beautifully rounded and thoughtfully design space that speaks to you.
This beautiful new compilation of 25 wide width sheers in a sublime offering of pared back, natural colour stories, comes to light in Sheers 1. Featuring original and reimagined designs, including 100 per cent linens and inherently FR qualities, this go-to collection reflects Harlequin’s signature style, from soft, tonal plains to bold, abstract patterns, in an expressive and individualistic range of sheers.
Image credit: Harlequin
The nature inspired designs are named after the calm of scattered clouds or the atmosphere that surrounds us. Floaty, ethereal and delicate, the collection features some of the brands statement wallpaper murals, translated into sheers for the first time. From Melodic’s raised fil coupé detail, to Air’s endless skies, drifting across 100 per cent linen, designs have tapped into an explorative and expressive nature and revealed a finely woven, beautifully neutral sheer weave. Himmel’s versatile stripe with subtle herringbone contrasts with the Art Deco nature of Nuvole and its delicate scalloped detail. There is beauty to be discovered in this wide width sheers and endless permutations for the way that this collection can dress the home or indeed, hospitality settings.
Image credit: Harlequin
Image credit: Harlequin
“Harlequin is well known as the home of pattern and colour, so we wanted to extend our portfolio with a new book of wide width sheers that are suitable for both contract and home settings,” commented Claire Greenfield, Lead Designer, Harlequin.”The launch includes a selection of finely woven linen qualities and a range of inherently FR designs in a wide range of colour stories. This is the first time we’ve translated any of our murals into sheers and we’re so pleased with the result – it’s given the traditional sheer a complete facelift, transporting it into something much more contemporary and exciting.”
Grounded is a sheer with a difference. FR rated, in other worldly tones including Celestial, Parchment and Black Earth, Grounded captures the calm of nature, with an elegant translucency coming through layers of chestnut leaves, from an original Harlequin artwork. This design is ideal for both contract and domestic settings.
Enigmatic taps into Harlequin’s expressive side, referencing the original three-metre mural painting and translating onto a contemporary, statemental sheer. Semi-transparent, it is beautifully free-flowing and artistically expressive, as well as being FR rated.
Image credit: Harlequin
Lucent is a classic, finely woven 100 per cent linen sheer, that sits across the entire Harlequin portfolio. In a wide range of 12 tonal colours, from neutral to soft pinks and blues, this elegant sheer is a go-to choice for any style of interior, pairing with the printed sheers for impact and texture.
Sitting within the four signature looks: Renew, Rewild, Retreat and Reflect, the sheers are evocative of the Harlequin interior personalities, offering a choice of lightweight window dressings suitable for any space.
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.
Editor checks in: finding new voices in hotel design
Hotel Designs’ Editor, Hamish Kilburn, was left speechless this month, and it wasn’t just from the judging of The Brit List Awards 2023…
Until recently, I thought there was nothing I had not lost on a flight. Headphones, sunglasses, passport, laptop – the list evolves. I should take more photos because they really do last longer. But even I was shocked when, this month, somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, I lost something a lot more precious, which certainly could not be replaced as easily as filling out a form. My actual voice abandoned me while I was en route to Washington D.C. to record a podcast episode of Travel By Design, a podcast show that I host for Marriott Bonvoy Traveller. Welcome to the start of my living nightmare.
As well as laying down voiceovers, and finally getting to meet my producer in real life, the trip included Hotel Designs getting exclusive access inside Marriott International’s Headquarters in Bethesda, to explore the group’s ‘design lab’, stay in one of the prototype rooms (review coming soon) and meet Marriott’s visionary design gurus who are creating new aesthetics and adding meaningful, material layers for each brand.
So, fuelled by enough honey and lemon tea to sink a ship, and being on ‘voice rest’ from the flight to when we hit the ‘record’ button the next day, the team somehow got through the episode, which airs, I’m told, later this month.
After we wrapped, and I could feel the sigh of relief exhale from the production team, it got me thinking about being forced to accept change. Yes, I had pretty much lost my voice, but it many ways the episode gained in volume considering I would usually be recording one of these episodes from my acoustically sound walk-in wardrobe. Instead, I was meeting, in person, the people who are ushering hotel design into a new era – allowing design to find its voice in the ever-evolving global hospitality arena. Suddenly, the narrative of my nightmare was turning into, well, a dream come true.
“I was left speechless. And this time, I reached for the champagne over the herbal tea.” – Hamish Kilburn, Editor, Hotel Designs.
Image caption: Season two of Travel By Design, a podcast by Marriott Bonvoy Traveller, coming soon. | Image credit: Instagram: @hotel_travel_editor
This apt metaphor – finding lost voices – followed me home from Washington. My whisper had turned into a croak by time we sat down with the judging panel to sift through this year’s entries for The Brit List Awards 2023 – the most entries, I hasten to add, that we have ever received in the six-year history of the awards.
In between bold hotel concepts, exceptional projects from all over the world, innovative designs and rising stars who are setting new tones and defying existing trends were voices from all corners of the industry – each one had a different and worthy message – that all deserve to be heard from whatever nook they came from.
Here’s the thing about The Brit List Awards. By the very nature of its design, it is an inclusive campaign – free to enter – created with the aim to discover authenticity, talent and celebrate true influencers. The hotel designers, architects and hoteliers are not measured by the size of their following on social media, but by the impact of their ideas and the reality of their visions. As the judging panel gathered in a private dining room at Hart Shoreditch, in many ways the perfect venue to shelter the judges’ lunch, for the second time in one month, I was left speechless. And this time, I reached for the champagne over the herbal tea.
As the tone of campaign shifts from discovery to celebratory, we are preparing to welcome the hotel design community to champion this year’s leading designers, architects and hoteliers. First, we’ve invited the hotel design community to our shortlist unveiling party this month at One Hundred Shoreditch before we turn up the amp at the awards ceremony on November 1, when we will take over London’s famous LGBTQ+ nightclub, Circa Embankment, to announce the winners in spectacular fashion. But that’s not all. On the same evening, we will unveil The Brit List 2023 publication, which will profile the top 75 leading interior designers, architects and hoteliers in Britain.
In addition to exploring new hotels to inspire the industry, Hotel Designs has also published a number of thought-proving articles. Among these is our exclusive sneak peek inside The OWO with the architect himself, our monthly look at VIP arrivals and our exclusive insight into the latest tech trends that are emerging, which we strategically published ahead of Hotel Summit and Tech in Hospitality Summit, two events that will take place parallel to each other this month but very much carry the same themes, exploring tech’s role on tomorrow’s hotel design scene.
As we prepare to focus the global hotel design conversation on London over the next few weeks as Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Peninsula Hotels open their doors in almost in perfect harmony, and we gear up to execute our role at London Design Festival where we will start conversations that are unlike any other, there’s something relevant about ‘finding new voices’ that has resonated with me. Not only are we keen to explore new narratives, as well as feeling responsible to protect the unheard voices in our community, we are also intrigued by how existing hotels that have earned ‘grand dame’ status will usher in new design schemes to, perhaps, offer a few words from the wise on what it takes to be iconic in yesterday, today and tomorrow’s hospitality landscape. I’m listening…
Editor, Hotel Designs.
Main image credit: Hotel Designs / Mel Yates Photography / Rosewood Hotels & Resorts / Jon Day / Goddard Littlefair / &BEYOND
Introducing Atto Suites – mindful simplicity in the South Tyrol
When the former bakery in Innichen was up for sale, the owners of Atto wanted to transform the building into something meaningful, to bring back to life the special memories it held…
In the fertile Pustertal valley of South Tyrol, northern Italy, Atto, a member of The Aficionados portfolio, strikes an impressive architectural pose, wrapped in flushed porphyry and concrete – its interiors in contrast are smooth with spruce wood. A timber monolith coated in tinted porous stone, Atto has a sturdy, geometric presence, yet inside the softening cocoon of wood and its light fragrance, grounds the structure in alpine traditions. A project for Bruneck-based architect Pedevilla, Atto was built on respect for the original building, layered with a simple, formalised language of a design, which is impactful, confident and bold.
Image credit: Atto
Image credit: Atto
Running through the interiors are strong regional references, such as the recurring use of the rhombus cut-out that diffuses the light, an imprint in roof panels, benches and on the walls, which is a visual reminder of alpine heritage and vernacular presented in a modern format. Elsewhere absence is conspicuous, as Atto confidently highlights the less-is-more aesthetic. The interiors are an almost continuous journey of wood, smooth terrazzo flooring, polished plaster bathrooms and carved-out loggias for views that are big enough to stand alone. The tinted exterior also references the locale, with its colour matching with the rocks found in the Sesto river and one of the area’s most prominent sights – the 12th-century collegiate church of San Candido.
Image credit: Atto
Sticking to the rule book of thoughtful, sustainable design, the property weaves together the components of modern eco-living from the locally sourced untreated spruce and pine, the wood gas plant that produces electricity and heat from sustainable wood chips, to its own farm which rears Angus Black cattle and a host of colourful vegetables. The good life in essence, not so different from old, but somehow fresh, innovative and hopeful.
Image credit: Atto / Montamont
With three different room types spread over three floors, the suites at Atto continue the theme of authentic minimalism, each space smoothly cocooned in local spruce room, clean lines and views to the Haunold mountain. Pared-back to the essentials, the rooms feel warm and inviting, yet crisply modern, a blank canvas for guest to project. Thoughtfully orientated on two sides, the suites allow for a loggia to frame the steely grey of mountain views.
Image credit: Atto / Montamont
The suites and superior suites can sleep up to four and have and two bathrooms plus dining space and kitchen. Crowning Atto is the Penthouse Suite which takes up the top floor. With two bedrooms, a rooftop terrace and jacuzzi bathtub, the views really open up sensationally from this vantage point.
Image credit: Atto / Montamont
Respecting the foodie rule book traditions of the South Tyrolean region – often described as the meeting point between Mediterranean finesse and alpine fare, Atto dining means feasting on the local, seasonal and authentic. Farm-to-table has become a rather overused word, but at Atto it rings true – their own farm provides the substance for their carefully crafted menus. Breakfast is another showcase of the region – enjoy cold meats, cheeses from the alpine dairies, eggs from free-to-roam chickens, local bee-keepers honey, fresh fruit and freshly baked bread that goes so well with their homemade raspberry jam.
Image credit: Atto
Atto Suites is a sympathethic combination of modern architecture, skillfully mixed with original, South Tyrolean cosiness. The sense of detail, the scent of local woods and the craftsmanship interpreted in a contemporary way make the living spaces an experience for all the senses. Falling within the portfolio of with the Leitlhof, these two Innichen businesses are closely connected, giving guests access to the facilities of both.
In conversation with: Michael Mulhall, Director of Sales, Dernier & Hamlyn
Michael Mulhall is Director of Sales at bespoke lighting specialist Dernier & Hamlyn where he leads on strategic direction and business development, while overseeing the company’s growing engineering, design and manufacturing facilities ensuring that they work together to meet clients’ exacting requirements…
Dernier & Hamlyn is one of the few companies that designs and manufactures its fittings in the UK. Its factory in London is home to a team of specialist designers and artisans who produce pendants, chandeliers and other lighting individually made to meet designers’ specific requirements for luxury residences and hotels, superyachts and restaurants. With a rich history in the industry stretching back to 1888, the company is proud of its heritage and the unique experience and expertise the team has built up over the years, but the focus remains firmly on the future, with new techniques and materials being used alongside the traditional to produce beautiful custom-made lighting to meet designers’ requirements on time and on budget.
Hotel Designs sat down with Michael Mulhall to find out what is going on behind the scenes and on the workbenches in the Dernier & Hamlyn factory.
Image credit: Dernier & Hamlyn
Hotel Designs: What does Dernier & Hamlyn do?
Michael Mulhall: We design, make, refurbish, restore and install bespoke lighting for luxury homes, hotels, restaurants, superyachts and heritage buildings.
HD: What has changed for the company post pandemic?
MM: In terms of what we do day to day very little. We were working almost throughout because you can’t manufacture physical products by hand remotely. We do have more meetings with designers, suppliers and others remotely now, which certainly cuts down travel time. But there really is nothing like seeing the beautifully designed products our team turn into reality take shape from on screen images and printed engineering drawings to installation in their intended destinations using a whole host of traditional and very modern techniques and technologies.
HD: What’s in your factory currently?
MM: As ever it’s an eclectic mix. We have some chandeliers our team made around 40 years ago that are having their wiring updated and some broken elements repaired before they go back to a beautiful, listed building. Our studio team are working on some renders of lighting for reproduction art deco pendants and wall lights for a new hotel. And there is an awful lot of soldering and welding going on for a restaurant’s task lighting for their bedrooms and meeting rooms.
Image credit: Dernier & Hamlyn
HD: What keeps you awake at night?
MM: Not too much I’m glad to say. We have a business that’s almost unique in the UK and certainly none with our 135-year history and breadth of clients. We have a highly skilled, very experienced team that knows our business inside out, as well as some new people who have brought new and different experience and perspectives which is great too.
HD: What are you focussing on from a business perspective?
MM: We are quite a way down the route of venturing into complementary areas of lighting that is bringing challenges but also different opportunities which is very exciting. And, like many others, we are striving to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This makes moral and business sense, but also the more we can help our clients with their aspirations in this area the better. For example, where it makes economic and aesthetic sense, we encourage them to repurpose existing lighting rather than throw it away and manufacture from new. There has been a big shift on reusing materials and products differently. So that where it used to be seen as something you would only do if you absolutely had to, increasingly it’s designers preferred choice. If you can take existing bespoke lighting fittings and update them with, for example, new elements, different materials, alternative lamping options or hanging them in a more contemporary way you contribute to the design narrative by referencing a place’s past while acknowledging its future stories and it’s true circular economy stuff.
Image credit: Dernier & Hamlyn
QUICK-FIRE ROUND
HD: What is the best lighting project you have worked on and why?
MM:Nobu London Portman Square was one of the first hotel’s I worked on when I joined Dernier & Hamlyn and it was a fantastic project to be involved in. It was complicated, but as ever, our team stepped up to the mark and helped David Collins Studio achieve the ambience they wanted with more than 100 bespoke light fittings that are in various public areas of the hotel.
HD: What is your favourite part of the bespoke lighting process?
MM: I love it when designers come to us with an idea in their heads and we take them through from committing it to paper then to a digital format and into our factory and finally seeing it in its final destination where it was meant to be.
HD: What is your ideal client like?
MM: Clear on their vision, responsive to our ideas even if they don’t agree with them all, curious to push boundaries in the process but not beyond the realms of reality and happy to be part of the process rather than just a spectator. Oh and pay their invoices on time of course!
HD: Dernier & Hamlyn has always been based in and around London but you aren’t why’s that? MM: I love visiting London but I love my family and friends more and I also love going on country walks and perhaps finishing in a village pub for a bit of lunch and a drink. I’m a country boy at heart!
Dernier & Hamlyn 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.
In its collection The Babylon, Arte takes us on a journey back in time to imaginative tableaux set in the lush landscape of ancient Babylon with a series of designs that appeal to the imagination…
The world’s first big city, Babylon, formed part of Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilisation and the inspiration for the collection from Arte of the same name. This is the birthplace of arable and livestock farming, astronomy, mathematics and writing, to name just a few. Cuneiform script was created by people carving and drawing in clay tablets and rock walls, and it is this technique of sculpting in clay that serves as inspiration for the Babylon collection. You could easily call the designs works of art, featuring large clay tablets that are shaped by hand with extreme precision and then translated into incredibly detailed creations that resemble plasterwork.
Image credit: Arte
The combination of different light panels in tile form creates both a geometric and an earthy pattern in the Terracotta design. Thanks to the pronounced relief of the engravings, it is reminiscent of decorative earthenware or ripples in sand.
Image credit: Arte
Image credit: Arte
The tile-shaped design of Mejdoul has a great deal of relief, due to the technique used and the voluminous material. The pattern is inspired by date palms, a common plant in the Middle East. The Adobe wallcovering plays with various kinds of relief, both in height and depth. The irregular squares and triangles create a playful, geometric and intriguing effect. The design refers to unbaked clay tablets (adobe) that are dried in the sun.
Image credit: Arte
Between Rivers is the signature design of this collection. This mythical scene is set in the lush nature of Babylonia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the region where arable and livestock farming originated. The imaginative tableau shows elephants, gazelles, date palms and the remains of ancient temples.
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.
Antao by Villeroy & Boch – bathroom furniture inspired by nature
Together with the design duo at KASCHKASCH, Villeroy & Boch have encapsulated the natural world in its new Antao bathroom collection. With shapes and colours inspired by nature, the collection is defined by its gentle, asymmetrical curves…
The Antao furniture collection from Villeroy & Boch offers a stylish material mix of high-quality natural materials, textured fronts and a harmonious selection of colours. As well as high-quality painted surfaces in mellow, natural trend colours, the collection also includes real wood furniture in a variety of tones including Honey Oak and Warm Walnut as well as an elegant natural stone panel in real Botticino marble.
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
Designers Florian Kallus and Sebastian Schneider of Design Studio KASCHKASCH, found the theme for a natural design early one morning in a forest. The air was fresh, the light was soft and everything glistened in dewdrops. “We were fascinated by the dewdrops on the ferns and moss,” recalls Kallus, “organic, yet organised; asymmetric but balanced.”
The result of this inspiration is a deliberately muted collection with earthy colours, natural materials such as real wood and natural stone and velvety matt surfaces. The eye-catching, design-led Antao furniture coordinates perfectly with the ceramic elements in the collection, including beautiful dewdrop washbasins and free-standing baths, all keeping in touch with nature.
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
The harmonious design of the furniture offering includes rounded corners and edges and are available in various drawer configurations and surface-variants to suit every need. Long gone are bulky bathroom furniture which invite clutter – the push-to-open mechanism included in the Antao collection avoids the need for handles and the optional LED drawer lighting provides a clear view of the storage, even at night.
The extensive furniture range consists of different sizes of vanity units and consoles as well as a selection of complementary furniture such as a sideboard, tall cabinet and medium cabinet. All offer a great storage solution for any bathroom.
Image credit: Villeroy & Boch
To complement the vanity units, Villeroy & Boch also offer mirrors within the Antao range. With all the radiance of a real dewdrop, the mirrors round off the collection to perfection. From warm white to cold white, the Antao mirrors offer adjustable and dimmable light to help set the mood.
The new Antao collection also includes washbasins, baths and taps, which are all inspired by nature.
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.
Situated in the tallest building in Croatia, AC Hotels by Marriott has announced its brand debut in Croatia with the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Split…
AC Hotels Split is housed on the high floors of the 135-metre-high Westgate Tower with spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and Split’s unique cityscape. Designed by renowned architect Otto Barić and Croatia-based interior designer firm Atellior Studio, the hotel takes shape with clean modern lines and aesthetically proportioned spaces.
Image credit: Marriott International
The soothing and warm colour palette, together with the adoption of natural materials like oak, patinated brass and linen effect wallpaper allows spaces to blend from one to another, blurring the line between inside and out. Curious travellers can peek through a glass door to view part of a 1700-year-old Roman aqueduct running throughout the property location. Flexible and open communal spaces are designed to provide maximum comfort and function, making them perfect for business meetings and socialising. The hotel’s AC Lounge features locally sourced art by prominent Croatian artist Vatroslav Kuliš, a collection of books, as well as architecture and fashion albums, to evoke the feeling of a well-curated gallery.
Image credit: Marriott International
The contemporary, minimalistic design of the 214 guestrooms allows travelers to use the space in whatever way they see fit, offering plenty of room to store luggage or pull up a chair and work efficiently. All rooms offer panoramic views of the city below.
Image credit: Marriott International
In keeping with Croatia’s coastal culinary scene, AC Hotel by Marriott Split serves delightful flavours of Mediterranean cuisine in Laureto Restaurant with Croatian Chef Goran Šikić at the helm. Cumano Bar offers a range of creative cocktails and timeless classics with a modern twist, including the signature AC Gin & Tonic. Other facilities include 178 SPA featuring an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, a 325 square-metre meeting space comfortably accommodating up to 240 people, and a gym with state-of-the-art Matrix equipment and unobstructed views of the Adriatic Sea.
Image credit: Marriott International
“The opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Split marks an exciting chapter for the local hospitality industry as Marriott International brings the AC brand to Croatia,” said Ljubica Bauk, General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Split. “We hope to contribute significantly to the region’s economic growth by attracting business and leisure travelers alike as well as fostering corporate partnerships. We look forward to welcoming guests to the AC Hotel Split and showcasing the distinctive offerings of our new hotel.”
Image credit: Marriott International
Croatia’s allure lies in its breathtaking natural landscapes, crystal-clear turquoise waters and charming coastal towns. As Croatia’s second-largest city renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, Split serves as a gateway to the picturesque Dalmatian islands, offering easy access to breathtaking destinations like Hvar, Brac and Vis. With its prime location in the city centre, AC Hotel by Marriott Split offers easy access to popular attractions, including the iconic Diocletian’s Palace, the vibrant Riva promenade and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Inspired by architecture, elevated by texture, Vivido from Clarke & Clarke charts the sophistication of simple, abstract design through its mesmerising designs across wallpapers and fabrics including tactile weaves, embroideries and prints…
Luxurious and layered designs, lines have been blurred and ultimately softened by Clarke & Clarke to produce the Vivido Collection that is tonal, contemporary and in a palette that spans from deep inky hues to soft, muted colours. Layering techniques add depth to architecturally inspired designs, which are calmed by a relaxed, tonal palette, punctuated with metallic highlights in some designs as part of this inspiring collection.
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
A beautiful artwork of watercolour brushstrokes layer and blend to create Figura’s organic appearance. Free flowing and abstract, this textural design is printed on a lovely linen blend cloth and a wallpaper which is matt to the touch with a gentle textural feel achieved by subtle, stipple impressions.
A lovely combination of painterly and contemporary design, Quadrata has a soft watercolour wash background that’s printed with an opaque, blocky grid motif in the wallpaper. On fabric a raised, velvet detail contrasts against a woven, gently textured ground. Contrasting brush strokes create an architecturally inspired layered geometric fabric.
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
Pittura is a gorgeous combination of matt and iridescent yarns woven to create this luxuriously textural fabric with a lovely fluid drape, while Dipinto is a glamorous printed velvet overlayed with distressed, tonal metallic highlights in the fabric. Shimmering, it has exceptional depth and movement. In the wallpaper a combination of metallic and matt starbursts overlay to create a glamorous look. Printed on a contrasting chalky ground, grit detail gives the starbursts a textural effect for exceptional depth and movement.
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
Lagna is a distressed stripe wallpaper that’s gently stippled for added texture. Layers of expressive paint and inky brushstrokes combine to create this design’s arty appearance. The fabric in this design has an elegant, floaty drape in a woven jacquard, painted with inky brushstrokes and finished with delicate metallic highlights.
Sagoma is a tightly constructed chevron design in fabric only, with metallic yarns running throughout its tonal flame stitch, which is intricately embroidered on to soft velvet to create an oversized stripe effect. And finally, a luxurious addition to any home, Effetto is an irregular, large scale statement stripe with understated herringbone detailing in both fabric and wallpaper.
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
Grassetto, Dritto, Impatto and Alberi are four designs in the collection created exclusively as wallpapers. Alberi makes a strong statement as a jungle paradise of tropical leaves and colourful floral pops burst forth in this oil paint design, creating a textural, expressive wallpaper panel in two striking colourways.
Grassetto’s interlocking zig zags layer across a flat background stripe in this striking textural chevron wallpaper. Four colourways reflect the contemporary edge of this geometric design. Dritto is a mesmerising, horizontal stripe wallpaper that replicates the fabric of the same name. A deep emboss gives each individual stripe a ridged boucle feel, resulting in a beautiful tactile design full of tonal colour. Giving the illusion of stacked 3D blocks, Impatto is a geometric wallpaper that combines tonal print marks with cross hatch detail and gloss highlights. Largescale circular outlines overlay the design, adding an extra element of depth.
The Vivido collection reflects the power of abstract design when naturalistic elements are harnessed to create luxe designs through texture and depth of colour.
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.
VIP arrivals: hottest hotels opening in September 2023
Editor Hamish Kilburn digs deep to identify what will be the hottest hotels opening in September 2023. This month’s round-up of hotel openings includes arrivals in Munich, Bhutan, Macau, London, Japan and Sri Lanka…
The hottest hotel openings in September 2023 – Hotel Designs‘ VIP arrivals, as we crown them – have come in from all angles. Each hotel that the editorial team have identified – whether it’s well-known luxury hotel brand making its debut in Munich, a new riverside retreat in Bhutan, a luxury hotel in London that has been teasing us for eight years or a fashion-led, disruptive brand making an obnoxious scene in Macau – is a game-changing hotel development.
So, make sure you are seated as we update you on just some of the new hotels we and the rest of the world will be talking about and celebrating in September and beyond.
&BEYOND Punakha River Lodge
Image credit: &BEYOND
Tucked deep in the Punakha Valley, and situated on the banks of the Mo Chu River in Bhutan, &BEYOND’s Punakha River Lodge is a spectacular lodge, offering six intimate luxury tents, a one-bedroom suite (the River House) and a two-bedroom suite (the Family Suite). The opening of the Punakha River Lodge marks &BEYOND’s first lodge in the magnificent kingdom of Bhutan.
Intricately built, the lodge has been created in the traditional Bhutanese architectural style and is in ‘perfect harmony’ with the surrounding terrain – the site is enveloped by vast expanses of verdant paddy fields and dense clusters of forested hills.
One Sloane, London
Image credit: One Sloane
Nestled at 1 Sloane Gardens, One Sloane is a ‘home away from home’ – it exudes an air of timeless elegance where Chelsea charm meets Parisian chic. Comprising 30 bedrooms and suites, the hotel will house a top floor restaurant, lobby and a downstairs bar.
Originally crafted in 1889 by architect Edwin Thomas Hall, One Sloane comes following an extensive six-year building project, a collaboration between the world-renowned hotelier Costes, revered designer Francois-Joseph Graf and the 300-year-old Cadogan Estate. The historic façade has been retained whilst the interior was completely remodelled, and an additional sixth floor with its own cupola added. Graf and his select circle of trusted craftsmen have transformed the hotel, bringing an elegant Victorian mansion into the 21st century.
As one of Japan’s most famous scenic spots, the Yoshikien area where the hotel is located is surrounded by World Heritage Sites, such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and Todaiji Temple – it has been protected by efforts to maintain the area’s lush greenery and serene environment. The name of the hotel derives from the ‘purple trunk and green leaves (Shikan Suiyou)’, which are scenic vistas that have been cherished in Nara since ancient times.
W Macau – Studio City
Image credit: Marriott International
Macau’s vibrant city of entertainment and rich history is, for many reasons, the perfect destination for the upcoming W Macau – Studio City. The mixed-use development, comprising of indoor and outdoor water parks, cineplex, and a modern MICE space, is set to become a landmark in the city.
The 557-key hotel, meanwhile, will include 128 contemporary suites and two dynamic dining venues – one with international cuisine with an Asian twist, and another featuring the finest Chinese and Portuguese dishes. In addition, the WOOBAR is expected to become a destination bar in its own right.
Hilton Yala Resort, Sri Lanka
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
Considerately built around an active elephant corridor, guests at Hilton Yala Resort will experience the real definition of luxury; the one-off experience of being up-close to wildlife encounters safely from a collection of design-led rooms, suites and villas.
This latest resort from Hilton will be home to a collection of restaurants, including contemporary Sri Lankan and Asian-inspired Dhira, grilled meat and seafood-focused Sandali and versatile bar and coffee lounge Vanya.
Rosewood Munich
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Munich, the first German property for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, is slated to open at the end of September, bringing with it a combination of magnificent architecture, state-of-the-art design that evokes a unique sense of place and unparalleled hospitality experiences at every turn. The opening will mark the group’s seventh property in Europe and the 32nd in the portfolio, worldwide.
Munich-based architectural firm, Hilmer Sattler and London-based interior architectural design studio Tara Bernerd & Partners have worked in close collaboration to bring the spirit of Rosewood into the Bavarian metropolis. The property will feature an array of luxurious guestrooms, suites and spacious houses, each adorned with bespoke furnishings and will offer breathtaking views of the city skyline or into the courtyards.
The Peninsula London
Image credit: Peninsula London
And finally, the wait is over. Eight years after first hearing whispers of Peninsula Hotels making its debut in London, the monumental project, which some would argue casts a shadow over its neighbours, is complete. The doors to the 190-key luxury hotel are about to swing open for the first time.
The newly-built hotel, designed and appointed to embody the finest British craftsmanship, is situated at one of the city’s grandest junctures – where Hyde Park Corner meets Wellington Arch. With architecture conceived by Hopkins Architects to gracefully harmonise with the heritage buildings of Belgravia, the property shelters a sleek, spacious aesthetic that floods its exquisite interiors with natural light.
The design scheme is the inspired work of designer Peter Marino, who, in addition to ongoing architectural commissions for Chanel, has more than a few landmark hotel interiors in his portfolio. And yet we can’t help but feel that this latest jewel will feel like a milestone hit following its complex and captivating design narrative that has kept us on the edge of our seats for almost a decade.
VIP Arrivals is a dedicated editorial series brought to you by Hotel Designs, which drops monthly, to explore the hottest hotels opening around the globe. Please contact the editorial desk if there is a hotel that you think should be on our radar for future features.
Straight-line geometry is having a moment in bathroom design, a trend embodied by the latest additions to the designer RAK-Petit collection of washbasins from RAK Ceramics, now available in square…
With the size of the average British bathroom measuring around a modest four square metres, RAK-Petit, a designer collection from RAK Ceramics, solves the problem of creating luxury results in compact spaces. Created in collaboration with award-winning Italian designer Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Petit is a comprehensive collection of sanitaryware and brassware, designed specifically with small bathrooms in mind, from en-suites to small family bathrooms.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
Designer Scutellà is an industrial designer, focused on and sensitive towards the entire range of design and artistic currents of the past century, he designs products that are technical and artistic at the same time. Taking both the ‘Form Follows Function’ and the ‘Function Follows Form’ approach to his work, the minimal shapes and modest dimensions of the RAK-Petit washbasins are perfect for small spaces that are also big on style.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
The collection includes deep-based washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units in the domestic bathrooms, as well as freestanding washbasins that are statement pieces. The freestanding ceramic washbasins in striking Alpine White measure an elegant 360mm wide x 900mm tall.
The wall-hung washbasins in the collection are equally as stylish, again with round or square basin shapes combined with a ceramic ledge, providing an easy to wipe clean surface for soaps and toothbrushes. Measurements for the wall-hung basins are 765mm x 360mm.
The collection has been extended in 2023 to include even more choice. Straight-line geometry is having a moment in bathroom design, a trend embodied by the latest additions to the collection, now available in square, creating a sense of orderliness and simplicity with their straight lines.
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.
Rosewood Munich prepares to open its doors in the heart of Bavaria
Rosewood Munich, the first German property for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, is slated to open end of September, bringing with it a combination of magnificent architecture, state-of-the-art design and unparalleled experiences. It will mark the seventh property in Europe for the group and the 32nd in the collection, worldwide…
Housed in two landmark, historical buildings which were formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria and the grand aristocratic residence Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, Rosewood Munich is ideally situated in Kardinal-Faulhaber-Straße. Its location offers guests premier access to several of the city’s most iconic sights, such as the famous Marienplatz and the elegant shops of Maximilianstraße and Theatinerstraße. Within its walls, through exquisite, detail-oriented design and a sophisticated approach to personalized service, the hotel will welcome guests to indulge in a world of refined luxury.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
The property will feature an array of luxurious guestrooms, suites and spacious houses, each adorned with bespoke furnishings and offering breath-taking views of the city skyline or into the courtyards. Gastronomic experiences will include an inviting lobby lounge, a distinct full-service brasserie and a vibrant bar. For ultimate relaxation, Rosewood Munich will house a full-service Asaya spa with six treatments rooms, as well as an indoor pool and fitness area.
Munich-based architectural firm, Hilmer Sattler and London interior architectural design studio, Tara Bernerd & Partners have worked in close collaboration to bring the spirit of Rosewood into the Bavarian metropolis. Their overarching objective was to bring the historic past of the legacy buildings into the modern world of today. To this end, the hotel is a contemporary interpretation of Baroque architecture and the sophisticated design blends seamlessly with the historical elements of the building to convey an expressly modern yet timeless Bavarian style.
“Rosewood Munich is our first project in Germany with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and is a key moment for us,” commented Bernerd, Founder of Tara Bernerd & Partners. “We have sought to bring a refined residential style with a contemporary take on Baroque architecture. This elevated sense of sophistication will provide a place for locals and distinguished travellers to come together in this vibrant and eclectic city.”
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
The historic entrance hall of the hotel, which features impressive, vaulted ceilings and frescos, is original to the former bank building and has been carefully preserved. Purposeful lighting draws attention to the archival elements, with highlights including an ornate ceiling fresco. Juxtaposed with newly constructed doors and windows, the entrance exudes a stately yet contemporary feel. The central courtyard, which is a typical feature in Munich’s old town, has also been carefully restored, letting the building breathe while at the same time adding a completely new experience to the space.
At Asaya Spa, Rosewood Munich’s integrative wellness destination, guests will enjoy unique moments of relaxation. Extending over two floors and covering an area of 1,300 square metres, the facilities will boast a vitality indoor pool, two saunas, one steam room, six treatment rooms, a wellness suite for private spa experiences and a round-the-clock fitness centre equipped by Technogym. Spa memberships and offers will be available for local residents as well as visiting guests not staying at the hotel.
Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
An epicurean journey will unfold at the hotel’s Alpine-inspired brasserie, CUVILLIÉS, where tradition merges with modernity. Open seven days a week, the restaurant will welcome patrons for a relaxing breakfast, a casual lunch, or a decadent dinner. Classic Alpine dishes, rooted in the cultural heritage of the region and the neighbouring states of Austria and Italy, will bring something truly unique and exciting to Munich’s culinary scene. All offerings will highlight seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers.
Bar Montez will offer a refined selection of handcrafted signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and premium spirits. The cocktail menu will feature both tried-and-true classics as well as innovative original concoctions, all emphasizing fresh ingredients. As an additional highlight, the bar will offer a varied music programme with a roster of unique artists and performers.
In addition, the hotel will encompass six event spaces, including a spacious ballroom and a smaller historic ballroom, as well as four flexible meeting and breakout rooms. Both ballrooms will offer outdoor space. With over 600 square metres of indoor meeting space, Rosewood Munich can cater to all sizes and types of gatherings, from corporate meetings to intimate dinners, lifestyle events or social celebrations. All spaces boast complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and on-site audio visual and production services.
Crosswater adds new finishes to its MPRO collection
Brushed Bronze and Slate are the latest finishes joining the iconic MPRO brassware collection from Crosswater…
With colour at the heart of the range, the premium MPRO collection from Crosswater offers unique and luxurious brassware for every bathroom style and scheme. A result of expert design and beautifully meticulous craftsmanship, the collection uses only the finest components and materials to deliver unmatched flow performance, safety and water efficiency.
Image credit: Crosswater
Image credit: Crosswater
Joining the existing finishes, the stunning new Brushed Bronze and Slate collections are inspired by shades found organically in the natural world. These rich, earthy tones promote feelings of warmth, tranquillity and restoration in both modern and traditional bathroom schemes. Brushed Bronze provides a warm, rich hue, reminiscent of a Saharan sunset. Designed to pair effortlessly with a wide range of bathroom styles, the unique tone is guaranteed to instantly add a luxurious feel to any space.
Image credit: Crosswater
A cooler shade, Slate offers a high contrast yet more subdued finish to Matt Black. The versatile colour features a subtle brushed effect, providing on-trend texture and contrast to both high-gloss and matt finish bathroom products. The MPRO collection puts innovation at the forefront of brassware design. Stylish and versatile, the designs seamlessly fuse function with precision to deliver a complete range of brassware that enhances the basin, bath and shower, providing cutting edge solutions that meet the demands of today’s contemporary bathrooms.
Associated with rarity and elusiveness, metallised finishes are guaranteed to provide understated luxury to any space. With the subtle injection of colour, warmth and grandeur, the two new finishes offer muted, nature-inspired tones that harmonise with many materials and on-trend textures in bathroom design, such as stone basins and wooden furniture.
Crosswater 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.
La Fiermontina Ocean is the third chapter in the La Fiermontina Collection story – a tale that feels like one of those beautiful coffee table tomes whose pages you want to keep on revisiting. Pauline Brettell checks in to discover that the hotel is as much about design as it is about content, with a family history linking those pages that take you from Italy, France and now to the northern shores of Morocco…
The La Fiermontina Family Collection has been practicing the art of quiet luxury since its inception. Under the hands-on guidance of brother and sister Antonia and Giacomo Fiermonte, along with the design team of Charles-Philippe Mommeja and Christophe Vialleton from Laboratoire Design, Rabat, each property immerses itself in its location and invites its guests to do the same.
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
With the location in many ways being the hero of this property, La Fiermontina Ocean has settled seamlessly into the northern Moroccan landscape. While the renaissance of Tangier might be grabbing the headlines, those in-the-know are discovering the quieter luxury beyond the city limits.
Located approximately an hour from Tangier, and a mere stones throw away from the fishing Port of Larache, this eco-retreat is centered in a protected natural park, surrounded by sand dunes, olive groves and the ultimate luxury of space and solitude. The property shelters 11 Pool Suites, two Pool Villas and four Traditional Stone Houses in the rural village of Dchier, which has been incorporated into the fabric of the hotel on several levels. In addition to the accommodation, La Fiermonte Ocean offers a beautifully designed hammam, private beach club and a restaurant championing its Italian roots alongside its Moroccan location.
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
Shifting comfortably between tagines and tiramisu – and both where delicious, I might add – La Fiermontina Ocean is a built reflection of its owners roots. The Italian heritage is clear in the details, while the Moroccan roots shine through in a manner that avoids all clichés. The design brief was based on a desire to show Morocco today, a contemporary view set against the backdrop of family history that combines three cultures: Moroccan, Italian and French. With the Moroccan-based design team having already worked on the other Fiermontina properties in Lecce and Paris, those links were easy to weave into the story.
“We have chosen not to exploit the usual Moroccan codes and to present Moroccan art in an isolated way, to enhance it more,” commented Mommeja and Vialleton, Laboratoire Design.
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
But lets start at the beginning – the location. As you drive over a bumpy, dusty road flanked by cork trees and pass by a small roadside stall selling sunshine yellow melons, there is a moment when you wonder if you have taken a wrong turning. However, as you arrive at the gates and are greeted by the view across the fields and dunes to where the ocean meets the sky, everything falls into place. And it is always about the view, no matter where you are on the property.
The hotel accommodation is made up of a series of small stone villas, each facing the horizon and are settled into the landscape in such a way that each occupies its own space and feels like a private haven. It literally feels like its just you, that view, all accompanied by the quintessentially summer sound of the cicadas.
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
“We have designed the location of the villas according to the configuration of the land,” explained Laboratoire Design, “with a concern for the preservation of privacy and distance between each villa.”
Throughout the property, the architecture clearly references the local environment and materials. In the village and hamman this is more obvious, but it is a clear thread that runs throughout all the elements. The apparent simplicity of the design has been anchored by attention to detail. The standout element in each villa is how it has been integrated into its location and boundaries are not only blurred, but in some cases can be completely removed at a switch of a button or a turn on a well designed hinge.
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
The juxtapostion of contemporary Italian design and traditional Moroccan elements runs through the project – the statement detail being the collection of mid-century European lighting that catches the eye on every occasion, often underscored by the bold tribal designs that are typical of Moroccan carpets from the Atlas Mountains. These strong graphic statements of the traditional woven textiles underpin some of the more playful elements of contemporary design.
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
You cannot discuss La Fiermontina Ocean without including the ethos at the core of the property – a sustainable tourism that both respects the region it is based in and is determined to enrich it, both economically and culturally. There is a strong sense of community as your wind your way through the various corners of the resort, which runs a lot deeper than your usual farm-to-table offering. The local community have been part of the process, from the preservation of the dunes, to offering viable alternatives to people in the surrounding villages, which are typically lacking in resources and at risk of being abandoned due to migration to urban settlements.
“La Fiermontina has put the Human Being at the centre of its project,” explained Antonia Fiermonte, who is also President of Fondation Orient-Occident. “Through our involvement in the community’s development, we have made it possible for the local villagers to remain in the land of their ancestors and lead a dignified existence.”
The collaboration between La Fiermontina Ocean and Fondation Orient-Occident has resulted in a holistic approach that is all about fostering a tourism economy firmly grounded in social solidarity.
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
This relationship is most visible in the village side of the property where the hammam and spa is located, alongside a cluster of more traditional cottage accommodation that overlook cultivated fields rather than the sweeping vistas of the Atlantic and where donkeys are king of the road.
Immersive and experiential tourism is nothing new to the Fiermontina brand, as it has been high on the agenda since its inception, from food experiences in Lecce, to art galleries in Paris and now includes the village of Dchier in its portfolio, where I was able to enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast in the courtyard of a village house with bread freshly brought to the table hot out of the clay oven.
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
It does feel like time, quite literally, slows down at La Fiermontina – possibly the ultimate luxury a hotel can offer its guest. The undeniable, yet understated, luxury allows you to detach and listen to incredible silence of nature that the privacy of the design allows. This resort really is all about digging into a new luxury that is being defined in the hospitality arena – the indulgence of time and of space, the appreciation of considered design, coupled with expectations of sustainability and all with community at the heart of it, ensuring that luxury isn’t simply about indulgence, but is also about connection.
“We believe that Morocco has always had the magnetic power to inspire magic,” stated Giacomo and Antonia Fiermonte. “At La Fiermontina Ocean we want to tell of this magic, of a place which transforms those who touch the Dune of the Sahel with their fingers.”
Image credit: La Fiermontina Ocean
My day ended with a quiet, sustainably driven electric buggy taking me (slowly) through the reserve to the edge of the ocean. Having clambered down the last dune, we arrived at the beach club, which, like everything at La Fiermontina, is inspired by local vernacular architecture and is easily integrated into the sand and the sea.
Put the fluffy white towel and a personal hamper aside, the luxury of a wild beach with simply sand and seagulls as far as they eye could see, took me back to childhood holidays on a windswept beach on the southern edge of the same continent. Finding myself in a moment of solitude on the northern edge was an emotionally charged, deeply personal moment in time for me – and isn’t that what real luxury is all about?
How Geberit changed wellness in hotel design through research
Editor Hamish Kilburn joined the team at Geberit UK for the day, inside its headquarters in Warwick, to learn about the brand’s research, development and check out a few products while there…
In 2015, following the acquisition of ceramics company Sanitec, bathroom and sanitary brand Geberit doubled in size overnight. The Swiss bathroom company, with 26 production sites that are scattered mainly throughout Europe, embarked on a new mission. This involved competing alongside other bathroom manufacturers to offer more complete wellness solutions in both the residential and hospitality arenas – behind and in-front of the wall.
Inside Geberit’s UK headquarters, it’s impossible to miss the company’s history. That’s because there’s a full wall in the showroom area that has been transformed into an over-sized timeline showing many other milestones in the company’s history.
Five significant moments that stood out were:
1874 – Caspar Melchior Gebert started a plumbing business in Rapperswil, Switzerland.
1964 – Geberit launch its first concealed cistern.
1977- Launch of Geberit installation systems and shower toilets in Europe.
1997 – Geberit Silent-DB20, the world’s first welded acoustic drainage system is launched.
2016 – Geberit ranked in the top 100 most innovative companies by Forbes.
In terms of products, it is refreshing to see Geberit expanding its offering to include innovative and intuitive bathroom furniture as well high-quality WCs and ceramics – there is a product and / or solution for every corner of the market and sector, demonstrating how Geberit truly embodies their Design Meets Function ethos. For the hotel industry, hero designs include the Geberit AquaClean Mera Comfort Shower Toilet – offering freshness and cleanliness for everyone and an increasingly popular Swiss invention to add a sense of luxury to any hotel guest room. The Geberit Duofix Frame with concealed cistern allows hotel designers to reduce water consumption through low litre flushing without compromising on design or performance.
Image credit: Geberit
Beyond the conventional, people visiting the showroom can explore (and even test) the company’s ‘Shower Toilets’, of which there are three different products to choose from, all varying in price and of course, functionality. And if you ever worry about the robustness of a stylish ‘wall hung’ toilet, they are supported by a frame that can sustain the weight of four baby elephants (400 kgs).
Products aside, what strikes me most about Geberit’s style in this congested market is its dedication to research and development, which goes beyond lab testing. Every year, the company launches its Hotel Guest Report, which serves as a healthy injection of qualitative research around a particular topic. This year, the spotlight was on ‘stimulating wellness’, which involved the likes of Jane Pendlebury, CEO, HOSPA, Wren Loucks, CEO, BeKin and Alon Baranowitz of Baranowitz + Kronenberg to explore the role of sensory design in wellness.
Image credit: Geberit
Not only is the company investing in learning and insights from industry experts in terms of challenges, constraints and opportunities when it comes to noise reduction in hotel design, but it is also actively testing new concepts in their Building Technology and Acoustics Laboratory based at their Headquarters in Switzerland. During my visit to Warwick, I had the pleasure of speaking to a man who is arguably most in the know regarding the need for better acoustics in the UK. Martin Murray works as National Specification Sales Manager and was there to guide me through the topic. “Currently, despite there being legal requirements in Europe, the UK construction industry is, to an extent, designing blind when it comes to acoustics and noise reduction,” he said. “Can you believe that there are only guidelines and not government-led regulations to abide to.”
You might respond to this by asking why this matters. One of the many answers is ‘wellbeing’. As well as research showing that noise pollution contributes to stress and high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even hair loss, Geberit’s extensive Acoustics whitepaper from 2021 revealed that prolonged exposure to noise can also create negative feelings, such as irritation, dissatisfaction and nuisance, as well as a feeling of having one’s privacy invaded. Noisy work and home settings have been proven to annoy people, with evidence of depression and anxiety resulting from noise annoyance (NCBI, 2015).
Image credit: Geberit
At the heart of Geberit’s research around noise is its very own Acoustic testing centre in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland – a four-storey building where virtually any construction situation can be acoustically recorded using state-of-the-art measurement technology. This truly global leading facility enables best-in-class experts to research products, technologies and also the impact that various installation techniques have on sound emissions, ensuring more effective solutions for all.
Murray goes on to tell me that the optimum sound produced by hotel rooms should be no higher than 25 dB(A). From this continual research, Geberit refines its products to adhere to what should be global industry standards. Its Geberit Silent-db20, for example, is made with acoustic dampening ribs – and the HDPE (plastic pipe) is augmented with a mineral filler, which in effect makes the walls more dense so that the sound is dampened.
Image credit: Geberit
The other heavily contested misconception in today’s bathroom scene is around water saving. While the intention has been to save water and, in the process, do better for the environment, the reality of less water in a drainage system can be messy. Through thorough research, Geberit has learned that many developers have become awash with complaints of pipes blocking due to not enough water volume being passed through the waste system. It is easy to demonstrate that lower water volumes should also result in smaller pipes, but this reality is much harder to manifest.
A solution to this wide-spread issue is to change the components themselves so that they manage better with the lower volumes that modern day demands – and in the case of Geberit Silent db20 – does so quietly. With Geberit’s lab facilities, which is available for visits by designers, architects, and contractors alike, it is Geberit’s resolution to show the industry tests of various configurations and even settings in order to create the best-performing system for the building the bathroom is in.
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.
In conversation with: Morten Lund Petersen on sustainable furniture design
Having been in the audience in the Fritz Hansen showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week, where Morten Lund Petersen, the brand’s sustainability manager, took on the task of giving us a deeper insight into questions and concerns around the process of specification and sustainability, writer Pauline Brettell sat down with him to take the conversation further…
The story of Fritz Hansen is characterised by remarkable craftsmanship, bringing to life beautiful and functional designs. These design credentials are now amplified with the brands’ impressive track record for sustainability, which, with a clarity of purpose, is being implemented on every level of production. Part of this process is making information more accessible to designers through a deliverable Carbon Footprint product impact calculation.
As Sustainability Manager at Fritz Hansen, Lund Peterson is passionate about working with both suppliers and technical experts to innovate sustainable product solutions, ensuring that by collaborating with designers, partners and suppliers who share the brand values, we can all move towards making a positive and sustainable change.
Image credit: Frtiz Hansen
Pauline Brettell: Can an industry like hotel design, that is profit-focused and is increasing its development rate, ever claim to be truly sustainable?
Morten Lund Petersen: I surely hope so, it is not easy but there are a lot of things you can do. Renovate instead of building new, repair instead of buying new, buy refurbished furniture instead of new, reduce food waste, cover your electricity use by a PPA. Keeping the interiors for longer, maintaining and re-editing. Don’t forget the social side of the equation — pay fair salaries and help the community around you.
PB: How has the understanding of longevity within conversations around sustainability changed the furniture specification process?
MLP: It is a balance between longevity, design for disassembly, clean and healthy materials and a clean production/supply chain process. At Fritz Hansen we mainly focus on the longevity and aesthetics of the product because life extension programs like reuse, repair, refurbish and remanufacturing is much better for the environment than recycling. And in respect of history, we must look back to how Danish design was initiated, learn from this and shape the future.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
PB: Interior design is still fundamentally driven by trends and consumer demands. How can design avoid the pitfalls of short-term aesthetic gratification?
MLP: Learning from the past, being relevant in contemporary interiors (ways of living and meeting) and shape the future. Flexibility and design which can be maintained are key aspects for a longer lasting interior. Adding services like restyle and upgrade can extend the life of products, while considering changing trends and consumer demands. These models have again a much lower negative environmental footprint compared to buying new.
PB: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge being faced by a company like Fritz Hansen on the road to sustainability?
MLP: Education of the younger generations is key, with an eye on collecting and curating interiors over time, with a focus on creating unique long-lasting designs. Also important is shifting the road from a linear world to circularity. It is about finding the right circular business models and making them profitable. There needs to be an incentive for companies to go circular, because in a circular world, unlike a linear model, companies are interested in keeping product alive as long as possible.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
PB: The No2 collaboration with nendo is an interesting story in terms of its circularity – made entirely from household waste. Would you say this is one of your most sustainable products?
MLP: Yes and no, recycling is better than incineration and landfill. But there are lots of things we need to do first, as mentioned earlier, repair, refurbish etc. Our NO2 has for example, in an LCA, a carbon footprint of 36 kg CO2e, compared to Series 7 chair of 23 kg. CO2e. Experimenting, daring new things and learning from them is very important for the green transition that is needed – from that perspective the NO2 has been a great learning curve for us. But I would argue that our AJ stacking chairs are our most sustainable product.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
PB: Would you or have you stopped production of an item based on a lack of sustainability credentials?
MLP: Yes, a great example of that is the white painted teak Skagerak collection that was discontinued due to a lack of sustainability credentials and despite dealer argument otherwise. In the future these decisions will I believe, be more common.
PB: With vintage trends comes circularity. Designs peak and trough but mid-century modern into which several of the Fritz Hansen classics fall is seeing a strong resurgence. Is this making life easier for you to meet your goals?
MLP: Yes definitely. The aesthetic durability of many classics from Danish design can teach us how to approach design, not following trends, but understanding communities and ways of living and meeting.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
PB: Fritz Hansen is clearly looking at the ‘big picture’ when it comes to calculating the carbon footprint of a commercial project – making it quite a detailed and inevitably complicated process. Are there any guidelines in place for single items off the shop floor?
MLP: That will follow, but we need to make sure that the authorities support this, so that consumers can compare different products based on the same calculation methods. Our calculations are based on EUs PEF method that includes everything from harvesting the trees to end of life. The comparison needs to be fair for both consumers and competitors.
PB: A lot of your designs are classics. While the design stays the same, has production and material changed?
MLP: Yes, we are constantly improving our ways of working and have many improvements coming, while keeping the beautiful design intact.
Image credit: Fritz Hansen
PB: Slow fashion, slow living… is this lifestyle choice and trend playing out in furniture design and production – and importantly, consumption?
MLP: This is one of the key changes in behaviour, we need to slow down consumption by buying less but more quality and replacing buying with repair and reuse. We must also rethink how we build interiors and the aesthetic durability of many designs in the Fritz Hansen collection play a role in this curation.
PB: Finally, what is your personal favourite that hits all the sustainable targets?
MLP: PK25, very simple, very beautiful, very high quality, very easy to repair and in the end recycle. Can be made with a 100 per cent recycled material, we are not there yet, but soon.
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.
Bab Al Shams – reimagined as a A Rare Finds resort
With a design by LW Design, Nakheel and Kerzner International launched its first property, Bab Al Shams, A Luxury Desert Resort & Spa, under its new brand, ‘Rare Finds’…
LW Design was commissioned to reinvent Bab Al Shams, a landmark destination, into a contemporary and glamorous desert resort and significantly, the first property in the Rare Finds portfolio . The brief was to create a refined yet extravagant leisure and entertainment venue to attract local and international travellers with a cost and time-conscious approach. The eclectic and contemporary Arabic theme creatively maintains much of its original heritage, allowing a re-launch with ultimate style and offering cultured desert experiences under the new brand.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
The overall fabric of the design is a seamless blend of the confluence between contemporary Arabic elements and sustainable heritage. Early during the concept phase, the design team paid special attention and made efforts to preserve and re-purpose key furniture pieces, iconic artwork and accessories into the new design, adding to the resort’s overall sustainable value and heritage.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
As visitors enter ‘the gateway to the sun’ through oversized doors, the grand driveway, landscaped by Square M, has lush palms and water features and well-preserved decade-old foliage that instantly transports guests into a forgotten world. The restrained palette of materials marries the barasti-style canopies, adobe walls and columns with the existing vernacular-inspired architecture. The new porte cochere provides a threshold with dappled shade providing an engaging guest arrival experience.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
A curious journey uncovers corners of mystery and intrigue, eventually leading to the main lobby bar. A grand traveller’s chest inspired the design of the back bar. The eye-catching piece of furniture is the perfect balance of heritage and glamour. Vividly lit, a collection of the finest bottles, intricate herb drawers and hand-cut crystal glasses add a playful layer to the design. The ornate counter, detailed with metal studs, walnut wood and mocha cream marble, is designed as an apothecary table. Mixologists interact with guests while they create unique infusions inspired by much-loved Arabic tea and coffee traditions.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
LW Design retained the skylight in the lobby bar as one of the key features of the original design. Daylight softly filters through the intricately patterned architectural elements casting shadows and creating a magical atmosphere blending nostalgia with romance. Once the sun sets, supple decorative lighting creates an intimate ambience. The lighting designer Studio Lumen carefully considered soft hues throughout the resort to ensure a subtle and restrained approach to the lighting design.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
The design team also retained the novel concrete flooring integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. The indoor flooring has been re-finished with durable micro-concrete. The solid teak doors were stripped and stained to a more authentic natural timber tone, balancing the soft bastakiya colour palette synonymous with Bab Al Shams. Challenged by the original small windows and doors, the rooms have limited daylight, so a lighter colour palette and mirrors reflect light where possible. Studio Lumen paid extra attention to the lighting within the guestrooms to ensure a brighter and more spacious guestroom experience.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
A large shower, beautifully clad in marble mosaic, translates into a modern interpretation of Arabic patterns adding an authentic backdrop to the washroom. A stunning hand-carved vanity inset with mother-of-pearl inlay elevates the design to true luxury. A unique valet stand displaying the amenities adds a sense of extravagance to the limited space, with hand-picked items displayed on different tiers.
The five signature suites are a true ode to Arabian glamour. A rich colour palette of burgundy and teal immediately lifts the design. The living area is a luxurious depiction of a bygone decadent time with beautiful handcrafted furniture pieces detailed with rope and tassels. Sliding metal-studded doors reveal the bedroom, a floor-to-ceiling cabinet-style mini bar with an internal pop of colour, a walk-in wardrobe, a double vanity and a free-standing bathtub.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Al Hadeerah, the iconic Arabic heritage restaurant, also underwent a complete refurbishment, creating a dining experience full of Arabic glamour and theatre. Anwa, the rooftop restaurant, has been fully refurbished with an Asian concept. Fashioned around modern-day Asian cuisine, the small indoor space has woks and cold counters on display while the exterior is still in keeping with the original architecture of Bab Al Shams. A new central bar has been erected at the centre of the terrace to create a focal point around the seating under the barasti roofs with modern Asian FF&E. The outdoors maintains its original charm of subtle coves and seating, affording the best desert sunset views.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Art consultants, Capsule Arts, worked in parallel with LW Design to create a unified curated art collection to elevate the original hotel’s existing items whilst bringing new pieces to complement the contemporary design. The team re-purposed the existing collection and stylishly presented them to juxtapose seamlessly with the new additions sourced from local artists and artisans who offered a refined, feminine and unique perspective to the resort.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
An exceptional original artwork is hanging behind the reception desk in the hotel lobby. The stunning textile art by Iranian artist Mahsa Baraghani was inspired by Bedouin jewellery and headdresses worn by Emirati women. The artist carefully selected a beautiful representation of traditional Emirati culture to enhance the story of the lost princess, which is woven throughout the project. Its careful placement ensures that it is one of the first pieces guests see upon arrival to Bab Al Shams, setting the tone for the rest of the resort’s art collection. In the same area, another textile artwork by Loretta Bilinskaite-Monie is a minimalist contemporary interpretation of an embroidered Bisht, a traditional cloak worn in the UAE.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Visitors will find works by Emirati photographer Mohammed Ahli presenting striking views of the Arabian desert throughout the resort, together with contemporary plasterwork on linen canvases inspired by the hotel’s architecture by Melissa Charlier. Each piece of art, from handcrafted items and framed objects to textile artworks and contemporary photography, was carefully selected to contribute to the hotel’s overall aesthetic.
“This approach is a prime example of how hotels can refurbish sustainably and stylishly,” commented Rachael Brown, Co-founder and Creative Director of Capsule Arts. “By re-purposing existing items and elevating them with expert curation, the hotel retained its authentic charm and legacy while embracing contemporary design elements.”
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
A stark contrast from the exterior, which maintains its original bastakiya appeal, the interior boasts a kaleidoscope of colour, texture and pattern defining the glamour of modern Arabia. Each space has a carefully curated selection of vibrant fabrics and accent finishes that balance with the fresh and neutral palette of the architecture. Sustainably re-used and upcycled existing FF&E, art and accessories are used throughout Bab Al Shams, providing a consistent theme throughout the resort.
Case study: Atlas Concorde sets the tone at San Antonio Resort
With the aim of creating a harmonious fusion between man and nature to amplify the beauty of the light reflected off the Ionian Sea and the pure white local architecture, porcelain floor and wall tiles were selected from the Atlas Concorde Boost World collection at this Greek island resort…
Overlooking the Ionian Sea in the heart of the Greek island of Corfu, the San Antonio Resort is the perfect blend of elegance and wellbeing. The way it relates to the landscape represents a lifestyle where everything contributes to creating beauty, in a perfect balance between nature and architecture. The choice of materials is decisive when pursuing this harmony, and Atlas Concorde surfaces are the key to establishing an interaction between the design and the surrounding environment, with the aim of making the boundary between natural and artificial less and less perceptible.
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
Atlas Concorde collections respond to this need by creating a sensory exchange of light and color with the landscape, while at the same time managing to make their own powerful stylistic statement. For the San Antonio Resort in Corfu, the troweled concrete-effect porcelain tiles proved to be the perfect choice for both the outdoor areas and the spaces adjacent to the bar, guaranteeing both beauty and superior technical performance. The ceramic surfaces of the Boost Collection, the first member of the Boost World family – the set of collections inspired by the endless looks of the concrete effect – are presented here in a muted coloring that has helped create a refined, original setting, in harmony with the Greek landscape.
Image credit: Atlas Concorde
In fact, the concrete-effect flooring was able to establish a balanced dialogue with the surrounding materials and colours, creating a total look with a striking visual impact, not to mention a surface that is both safe and easy to clean and maintain. The Grip finish, also used for outdoor areas adjacent to the pool, complements the tiles’ beauty with excellent performance as they reduce the risk of slips and falls, proving essential for a high-traffic area that is often wet. Atlas Concorde’s slip-resistant ceramic surfaces are also resistant to frost, stains, dirt, and bacteria, making them easy to clean and maintain.
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.
Bowie House prepares to open, combining country & luxury
Bowie House, part of Auberge Resorts Collection, is a new, luxury, urban retreat embodying the unique character of Fort Worth, merging the classic Western personality of Texas with a decidedly modern feel…
Preparing to open its doors in December, Bowie House captures the approachable sophistication, cultural vibrancy and equestrian spirit of Fort Worth on Camp Bowie Boulevard in one of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods. Anchoring a 30-block promenade of museums and restaurants just moments from the legendary Will Rogers Memorial Centre, the hotel sits at the heart of Fort Worth and celebrates past, present and future with owner Jo Ellard’s signature, art-savvy style.
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
Architectural and interiors firm BOKA Powell has achieved a masterful union of time-honoured and contemporary design, combining brick and cast stone harking back to the days of cowboys with gravity-defying glass features, a verdant pool terrace and convivial gathering spaces. A luxurious spin on Texan cuisine in three dining and drinking venues, a nature-inspired spa and adventures with a Texan soul offer kindred spirits the chance to revel in and appreciate every facet of this flourishing metropolis.
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
“It’s with great excitement that we’ll soon welcome guests to Bowie House and bring our unique style of approachable luxury to this already vibrant city,” said Gaylord Lamy, General Manager, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection. “Fort Worth is a culturally rich gem with some of the best parks, gardens, museums, restaurants and entertainment in Texas and we are excited to help open up this city to global travellers while providing a new and exciting home base for our beloved community. ”
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
Encapsulating the generous welcome of a classic Texas home, each of the resort’s 88 Studios, 12 Lofts and six Suites are imbued with the warm spirit of the West. Several boast open-air balconies and all claim beautiful views over the Cultural District or lush courtyard gardens. Inviting amenities such as hat racks, boot benches, customisable boot shines and bath rituals create a true sense of place and make guests feel at home, while original artworks adorn the walls.
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
The spacious Lofts feature distinct lounge areas and naturally accented bathrooms with striking green marble vanities and soaking tubs. The expansive Suites offer abundant space with dedicated sleeping, living and dining spaces. The magnificent three-room Goodnight Suite with its dining room for eight and bird’s eye views of the Cultural District is the property’s signature suite.
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
A new epicurean institution in Fort Worth that is set to be one of Texas’ most exciting new dining destinations, Bowie House offers a taste of modern Texan cuisine across its dining venues and through unique culinary experiences – from backyard cookouts to multisensory food and spirit tastings.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bricks and Horses is the hotel’s signature restaurant – a contemporary chophouse specializing in dry-aged local beef – that will soon be the social hub of Fort Worth. The restaurant opens onto The Garden, the hotel’s nature-ensconced urban courtyard, featuring large and small social spaces to enjoy shareable bites and lively entertainment. Drawing on the rich history of Fort Worth ranching and the cornucopia of produce available locally, menus driven by the season’s bounty inspire connection.
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
Artful cocktails, a vast range of whiskeys and all-day bites can be enjoyed at The Bar at Bowie House, where friends will come to linger and share stories from the day. The hotel’s tree-lined pool terrace is home to Whinny’s with its refreshing menu of bright bites, salads, ice cream sandwiches and frozen drinks perfect for warm-weather grazing. The Billet Room is the hotel’s game room, a social club as elegant as it is convivial, and The Mulberry Room is the library, a venue for discovery, sipping bourbon as you read or engaging in deep conversation over drinks and snacks.
Image credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
A haven for self-care and rejuvenation, Ash is the hotel’s serene spa, offering a luxurious and cutting-edge wellness experience that has never existed in the destination. Inspired by the outdoors and all things wild and free, this new wellness destination offers sanctuary and transformation in a space exuding all the comfort and steadiness of the barns so ubiquitous across Texas. Enjoying private access to the pool deck, it encompasses five treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, a fitness centre, nail studio, boutique and relaxation lounge.
A modern retreat and gathering space, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection is designed to connect family, friends and colleagues through experiences that embrace both the cultural sophistication of Fort Worth today and its wealth of Western traditions. The perfect destination to convene a crowd – whether an intimate gathering for a milestone celebration, a corporate retreat or a grand affair for up to 400 guests – the hotel boasts over 10,000 square feet of extraordinary indoor and outdoor space over seven distinct venues. No matter the occasion, a special Texan soul infuses every corner of this singular destination, ensuring every event exudes bespoke individuality and signature Western flair.
Before we digest tech trends that are developing on the hospitality and hotel design scene, we first have to understand the behaviour of today’s guests.
The digital guest journey for a hotel guest starts before a guest has even booked their stay at a hotel and continues right through to providing feedback after checking out. During each guest journey, the visitor will have touchpoints with a vast number of different technologies, and these systems are constantly evolving with new features and solutions emerging in the market, catering for the demands of existing consumers as well as for a younger generation of travellers coming through.
Cutting through the noise and gimmicks, the changes we see are specific to the type of technology. In a general sense, though, the evolutions and inventions are often aimed at the removal of guest ‘pain points’ to enhance the guest experience. This could be allowing guests to check in or out at any point within a 24-hour window, rather than pre-determined check in and out times; or enhancing the guest check-in experience, to allow guests to choose their exact room and check-in prior to arrival, as well as gain access to the room or hotel lift upon arrival via the guest’s mobile device.
Image credit: Blend Technology Consultants
Image credit: Blend Technology Consultants
Image credit: Blend Technology Consultants
The deployment of multilingual digital concierge apps for guests and staff, that bring together most of these touch points into one platform, is becoming more commonplace, with many of our clients deploying these, or considering the deployment.
The features of such an app can be extensive but will depend largely on integration with the hotel’s technology systems at the property, leveraging their capability and ultimately aiming to give guests choice, personalising their stay, and allowing staff to deliver an enhanced service. This might include guestrooms being set up in advance with guests’ known preferences for certain systems, such as room temperature or lighting (circadian enabled or brightness levels adjusted). Other features include key information on the hotel or local amenities/attractions, concierge requests, food and drink ordering and payment all from the guest’s device or in room tablet.
“No comment on technology in hospitality would be complete without mentioning Artificial Intelligence (AI).” – Oli Morgan, Director, Blend Technology Consultants.
The app can also provide control of the guestroom systems allowing the more tech savvy user to access more personalised control of the room systems than the traditional room control plates or TV remote control can provide. Whether voice control becomes the norm is debatable, given the obvious privacy concerns, but there are solutions that provide this option if operators so wish.
Image credit: Unsplash
The desire from travellers to experience something ‘unique’ is also leading to changes in the design of suites within hotels. We are seeing more clients explore having multipurpose suites where their use can change during the day from say, entertaining with friends to relaxing / sleeping at night. Similarly, operators are deploying more themed suites that might be focussed on different demands from guests such as large digital artwork throughout the suite or high-end gaming systems. In all scenarios, the technology must be well thought through and support the user experience.
No comment on technology in hospitality would be complete without mentioning Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is being used in a variety of ways in hospitality promising more efficient operations and a better personalised experience for guests. Systems that are already using AI include chat bots, CCTV analytics, data analytics and forecasting, predictive maintenance etc. The future will bring further use of AI including enhanced personalisation and more use of augmented reality technologies to provide immersive and interactive experiences for guests.
Pitfalls to avoid when specifying new technology in new-build or refurbishment projects
Whilst it’s not particularly exciting from a tech perspective, it is key to have a clear demarcation on scope and role/responsibilities from the start, so the project can commence on a sound footing. The number of technical systems that go into the operation of a hotel is vast. It is therefore key to have a clear understanding on what the responsibility is of the project team against what will be delivered by the operator and when. Whilst this might sound obvious, it is surprising the number of projects where this clarity is not achieved until well into the project, which can bring surprises in terms of costs and delays for the developer.
Image credit: Unsplash
Most of Blend’s hotel projects tend to be either new build or refurbishment projects and thus will have a programme that runs from two to five years or more. This kind of timeframe can bring obvious challenges to designer of the technology that needs to be procured and installed into such buildings. Time needs to be spent early in the project agreeing a procurement strategy. This needs to consider the benefits of procuring such systems in the main construction tender, or procuring them later, as a client direct package managed by the technology consultant.
One example of this would be delaying the procurement of the IPTV/guest entertainment system until much later in the programme to ensure the hotel has the latest available solution, commensurate with the brand and property. We also suggest there is a technology obsolescence/innovation review prior to the contractors actually ordering the hardware for installation. This allows us to assess the hardware that may be coming to the end of its life or new products that should be considered in their place.
One for the project manager’s reading this; there is often insufficient time allowed in design programmes for design team coordination. Too often the design team’s deadlines are all on the same date, meaning coordination is challenging. The architect or interior designer’s fixed plans need to be issued some weeks before these deadlines to allow the other consultants to carry out coordination activities.
Finally, I’d recommend being wary of introducing technology that hasn’t been developed for the hotel sector specifically, and an obvious example is guestroom entertainment systems. The products chosen for guestrooms needs to have certain hospitality features, whether this be volume limiting, or cache data clearing after checkout, careful consideration needs to be given when looking to introduce new technology that may have been developed without the specific hospitality sector requirements in mind. This is also a good reason to have fully functional mock up room during the design phase of the project, so the technology can actually be tested rather than just a visual sign off on aesthetics. In addition, the mock up room needs to be built at an early stage in the project so the changes that are needed can be captured in the design for the hotel. Too often the mock up room is built too late in the process, and it comes as a surprise that changes result from it.
Image credit: Unsplash
Tech’s role in hospitality and design
Technology has a variety of roles in hospitality and design. The obvious ones we have already touched on such as enhancing the guest experience, removing “pain points” or improving operational efficiencies. Other ways where technology is supporting key trends in hospitality and the design of such spaces includes sustainability, health & fitness, multi purpose public areas and guest safety.
For today’s traveller sustainability is an important consideration. Technology can support a hotel’s efficiencies across all operations. With accurate occupancy sensing that can detect when a guest has left the room or distinguish between whether the person in the room is housekeeping or a guest, the room systems can be set back to minimise energy usage. We are even exploring ways of gamifying this such that guests are rewarded for minimising their energy consumption during their stay.
Public areas in hotels have changed significantly. Gone are the stuffy reception areas with numerous check-in desks. Now these spaces are catering for a variety of needs and visitors that change during the day and the technology needs to support this. At a basic level this could be providing great Wi-Fi and with it the ability for the operator to track and understand how people use the space at different times of the day or providing a different ambience during the day through lighting control & high-quality background music systems.
We are also seeing technology being needed to help create ‘white box’ areas or F&B spaces that can be transformed for pop up concessions or events to encourage local residents to use the hotel. This might be through the integration of tie line infrastructure or go as far as large-scale LED walls or using the space as a blank canvas, to use projection mapping technologies to “dress” the space to suit the use case during that period.
Technology can be a driver for change in hotels and travel but also needs to respond to the often rapid changes in trends and demands from travellers. What is constant is the need for technology to underpin the guest experience and thus the success of a hotel.
Oli Morgan will be speaking at Tech in Hospitality Summit, which takes place on September 18 – 19 at Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre London Heathrow (taking place parallel to Hotel Summit). If you are a supplier (tech or otherwise) to the hospitality industry looking to meet top hotel professionals, contact Olivia Jackson (Hotel Summit) and Lisa Rose (Tech in Hospitality Summit). If you are a hotelier and would like to attend either Summit for free, please contact Josh Kingsmill (Hotel Summit) Hayley Purrell (Tech in Hospitality Summit).
Architextural uncovers the power of architectural films in hotels
The architectural film collection from Architextural offers an array of possibilities for creating stunning visual impact within hotel interiors. With a vast selection of designs, patterns, textures and finishes available, these films can be used to mimic luxurious materials like wood, stone, or metal, while remaining budget friendly…
In the realm of hotel and hospitality design, the quest to create memorable and captivating experiences for guests is an ongoing pursuit. To achieve this, architects and interior designers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions, such as architectural films. The collection from Architextural provides a versatile and cost-effective way to transform spaces, elevate aesthetics and enhance the overall guest experience. By applying architectural films to walls, ceilings, columns and furniture, hotels can achieve the desired ambience and elevate the overall aesthetic appeal of their spaces.
Image credit: Architextural
Renovation or redesign projects often face the challenge of working with existing architectural elements. Architectural films offer a cost-effective alternative to extensive renovations by allowing hotels to revitalise surfaces that are outdated or worn. Applying films to surfaces like walls, doors and other fittings can give them a fresh, contemporary appearance without the need for costly replacements, reducing downtime and minimising disruption to hotel operations.
Maintaining privacy while maximising space efficiency is crucial in hotel environments. Architectural films can serve as effective privacy solutions by obscuring views or providing visual barriers. Frosted or opaque films can be applied to glass partitions, shower enclosures, or windows, ensuring guests’ privacy without compromising natural light transmission. These films can also be used creatively to divide spaces, transforming open areas into more intimate zones or multifunctional spaces.
Image credit: Architextural
With sustainability becoming increasingly important in the hotel industry, architectural films support eco-friendly practices by promoting resource conservation. Instead of discarding or demolishing existing structures, hotels can refurbish and enhance them using films, reducing the need for frequent replacements and the associated consumption of new materials.
Architectural films are a powerful tool in the hotel and hospitality design sector, enabling designers to create visually stunning spaces, ensure privacy and revitalise existing structures – all while considering environmental sustainability. With their versatility, cost-effectiveness and ease of installation, the products provide hotels with a wide range of design possibilities, allowing them to offer unique and memorable experiences for their guests. By embracing the potential of architectural films, hotels can define their spaces and leave a lasting impression on visitors, ultimately contributing to a more successful and prosperous hospitality business.
Architextural 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.
Exclusive – a first look at the oceanfront speakeasy by Tara Bernerd
Tara Bernerd, the British doyenne of luxury hotel and yacht design, has revealed her vision for her first-ever speakeasy and Hotel Designs is first across the threshold to explore Bernerd’s bold, patterned design for this unprecedented space in Miami Beach…
Celebrated for her ability to create new icons in every new market she enters, from Hong Kong and Osaka to New York and Los Angeles, Bernard has thrown her design inspiration behind one of the most luxurious new residential property on the South Florida Atlantic coastline. The Perigon is a luxe OMA-designed Miami Beach oceanfront condominium tower, which will soon break ground.
Image credit: Binyan Studios
“We are designing more than a condominium at The Perigon, it is a private, highly serviced five star resort exclusively for the owners,” said Camilo Miguel, Jr., CEO of Mast Capital. “The Perigon is offering Miami Beach’s first-ever resident-only Michelin-starred chef dining concept, where residents can enjoy their privacy or mix and mingle with their neighbours. Additionally, our partnership with such a notable chef as Shaun Hergatt further solidifies the commitment to the quality of luxury, The Perigon will offer to its residents.”
Image credit: Tara Bernerd
The speakeasy, FiftyThree, which is located within the condominium and reserved for residents only, is a part of an exclusive culinary program created by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hergatt for The Perigon. Bernerd has designed the venue to be the perfect night time retreat, with intimate interiors, a dark, sultry colour palette and rich bronze fixtures that complete the moody look.
Image credit: Tara Bernerd / Boundary
Bernerd has experimented with bold colours and patterns in dark browns and greens to amplify the ambiance of the location. The cocktails will also embody the more playful aesthetic, while focusing on fresh ingredients and creative curations. The private concept is slated to open with the building in 2026.
Image credit: Tara Bernerd / Boundary
In contrast to the darker palette of the speakeasy, Nota at The Perigon will be chef Hergatt’s first-ever Mediterranean concept, with interiors again designed by Bernerd. Nota has been designed to blend into the larger residential concept at The Perigon. In this space, inspired by the city’s natural environment and sailing culture, Bernerd has sought to create bright, sophisticated interiors that encapsulate the privilege of living on the water.The design will incorporate rich materials from intricate stones to linens. The furniture will integrate a unique combination of organic materials with subtle hues that cohesively blend to the environment of coastal living on the sands of Miami Beach. The oceanfront restaurant will accommodate up to 70 guests, with service extending to the pool deck.
Sleepeezee is proud to be attending the upcoming AIS Beds Winter Showcase, with a range of exclusive products and innovative designs for this members-only event…
The AIS Beds Winter Showcase is a two-day event, running from August 30 to the 31st, 2023. The event aims to bring together a range of exclusively developed products, offers and discounts, providing a unique opportunity for members to place orders and catch up.
Sleepeezee has been handcrafting mattresses in Britain since 1924, using a combination of luxury materials, innovative designs and traditional techniques, all in pursuit of the perfect night’s sleep and look forward to showcasing these designs and products to fellow AIS members next week.
Image credit: Sleepeezee
“On behalf of the team at AIS, we are delighted to have Sleepeezee attending the show later this month,” commented Rebecca Maloy, Beds, Cabinet & Semi Fitted Bedroom Cabinet Selector at AIS. “It is so exciting to have such a great brand on board and we can’t wait for them to join us. We look forward to seeing their showcase of the exclusive AIS products as well as their core ranges.”
Rising to the event, Sleepeezee will be showcasing a record number of 18 models. These will consist of their AIS exclusive products including the Ecological and Memory Luxe, which were launched in April this year. Alongside this, the two core collections, the Ortho Bespoke and Campaign for Wool, will also be in the spotlight.
Sleepeezee 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.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has announced its expansion into Egypt and the African continent with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis…
Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis has opened its elegant doors, bringing with it, its trademark welcoming atmosphere, unforgettable experiences and seamless, personalised service to the Egyptian capital. Perfectly located in the ancient city of Heliopolis, the hotel is close to Egypt’s main presidential palace, with the Khan El Khalili Bazaar and the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum all easily accessible. Complete with beautiful botanical gardens, the property provides a tranquil oasis for guests to unwind away from the bustling streets of the city.
“Egypt welcomed 11.7 million tourists in 2022, up 46 per cent on the previous year and with Cairo often being the starting point for travellers’ journey to discover Egypt, we are delighted to bring the world-renowned luxury of Waldorf Astoria to this sought-after destination,” said Simon Vincent, Executive Vice President and President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis will appeal to discerning guests seeking world-class luxury, offering enriching experiences and unparalleled service within easy reach of Cairo’s vibrant cultural and heritage sites.”
Image credit: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Drawing on influences from the city’s history and culture, the hotel boasts ancient Egyptian references reinterpreted in a modern way to invoke a deep sense of place. Designed by the London-based Adrian Barboza Design, the interiors are inspired by the Art Deco era and also include references to Pharaonic arts, with a calming colour palette of rich greens and blues, warm wood tones and natural materials.
On arrival, guests enter a soaring glass-walled atrium lobby curved into the shape of the eye of the Pharaonic god, Ra. Taking centre stage is the iconic Waldorf Astoria clock – a signature feature of Waldorf Astoria hotels across the globe – which displays the time within two rings of flowing water, inspired by the River Nile and Pharaonic architecture
Image credit: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
The sense of calmness and serenity continues in the guest bedrooms. Believed to provide strength and power, the white and blue lotus are often found within ancient Egyptian decorations and have been subtly incorporated into the design and artwork of the beautifully appointed rooms and suites. From the hand painted ceramics, plush velvet fabrics and marble mosaic tiles to the locally inspired artwork and intricately detailed rugs, each design element has been meticulously curated to reflect the cultural history of Egypt whilst providing a comfortable and luxurious haven for guests.
In line with the Waldorf Astoria legacy of food and beverage excellence, Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis presents a variety of exceptional dining options for guests to enjoy, whether it is for pre-dinner cocktails, a relaxed dinner or poolside refreshments. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Brasserie Ayda serves an eclectic ‘Mediterranean-without-Borders’ menu, with stylish interiors designed to resemble a Mediterranean garden, the open kitchen, vibrant bar and pretty terrace offer a buzzing energy from breakfast right through to dinner and into the night.
Channelling a bygone era, Bar Raa is named after the ancient Egyptian sun god and offers an intimate, elegant atmosphere. Eclectic jazz music and live performances set the tone, along with some of Cairo’s most creative cocktails and premium beverages, inviting guests to linger long into the night. Those looking to soak up the sun and lounge by the pool can enjoy lighter fare and refreshing treats at Le Jardin Pool Bar. With a secret garden ambience, guests choose from Mediterranean fusion dishes alongside refreshing cocktails.
Opening later this year, the Waldorf Astoria Spa will provide a luxuriously curated experience for guests looking to relax and enjoy wellness treatments. The interior design of the spa is inspired by nature and features four state-of-the-art treatment suites, each providing a full guest bathroom and private relaxation zone, and one multipurpose treatment room. Guests can enjoy a comprehensive menu of treatments from face to body, including a traditional Hammam scrub experience.
Main image credit: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Onboard Explora Journeys’ first ‘floating luxury hotel’
Editor Hamish Kilburn was onboard Explora 1 as it made its first journey with passengers from Portsmouth to Copenhagen. Here are his thoughts on the whole luxury ‘suites at sea’ concept…
Somewhere in the North Sea, lost within a wilderness of vast, deep water that stretches out as far as the eye can see, Explora 1 carves through the waves and breaks new ground in maritime history. The new luxury brand, which sails as the first ship in the Explora Journeys portfolio, is MSC Group’s latest answer to the future of luxury at sea. It is also, arguably, the closest one could get to a luxury hotel on water.
In order to mark the milestone, Explora Journeys welcomed its first guests onboard to experience its ‘ocean state of mind’ – and I was privileged to join travel industry experts on a two-day trip from Portsmouth, England to Copenhagen, Denmark. In just 48 hours, I was determined to understand how cruise ships can become, or at least feel more like, luxury hotels. And it seems, with the hotel-style concept of Explora Journeys being deeply rooted in creating one-off experiences – on as well as off the ship – it really does understand design’s role in the future of hospitality.
Image credit: Explora Journeys
Explora by name, explore by nature. The brand has been conceived to celebrate the movement of travel. Using the ocean as its predominant influence, and its only constant ‘sense on place’, the brand pledges to connect its guests to themselves, other people and breath-taking locations around the world.
Designed to cater – if not exceed – modern traveller demands, Explora 1 is the first of a whole fleet of ships that will emerge, built by Fincantieri in Italy. The brand has announced that it will launch five new ships between now and 2028.
What’s onboard?
The 248-metre vessel that is Explora 1, weighing in at 69, 900 tons, features 461 suites (all of which face outwards onto a balcony), 18 bars and restaurants (all designed to look and feel different), a spa and three outdoor pools, as well as a casino, art gallery and a gym. The ship, as well as the five others that have been proposed, were and will be.
Image credit: Explora Journeys
Environmentally, which is rightly where the focus on the cruise travel industry currently docks, the ship is an architectural feat and sets an example for other brands to follow, with various innovative solutions onboard. Some that stand out as being exceptionally conscious include the ship being Rina Dolphin certified for reduced underwater noise, while featuring smart heating ventilation and air-conditioning systems. It also sails with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which is a fancy way of saying it has an high quality active emissions control technology system that reduces tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) down to near-zero levels.
The arrival experience
With Explora 1 billed as ‘the next generation of luxury’ since construction began in 2021, arriving on the ship is, in all honestly, a surprisingly underwhelming experience – but that is also its charm. With the new definition of ‘luxury’ emerging and the demographic of luxury travellers ever-evolving, there is a loud demand for hospitality spaces to feel more understated; considered design schemes that feel blended together and paired with the occasional pop of personality.
Image credit: Explora Journeys
Once onboard, the first ‘statement area’ guests will experience is the lobby bar, which stands in the middle of the various boutiques. While understated, the bar radiates a luxury aesthetic that is complete with studded low-level sofas, textured surfaces and playful lighting.
Throughout the ship, the design feels soft. By the lifts, for example, the floor features a simple, circular pattern that effortlessly reflects the same aesthetic language as the lighting above.
The F&B spaces
Where Explora 1 excels – in both design and hospitality – is in its F&B offering. Among the 18 various options for guests to choose from, design highlights for me included Sakura, which shelters an Asian design scheme relevant to the culinary experience that it offers. The interiors, dominated by reds and pinks, are symbolic to its name that translates to cherry blossom, a symbol of regeneration and optimism in Japanese culture. The theme, echoed both on the plate and on the walls (and ceiling), becomes that much more powerful with the backdrop of the ocean.
Image credit: Explora Journeys
Other F&B highlights include the French-inspired Fil Rouge, Marble & Co. Grill, which serves up a redefined European steakhouse experience and Med Yacht Club, which celebrates the flavours of the Mediterranean.
Suites at sea
Taking ‘suite life’ to a new level, Explora Journeys designed what is comfortably being described as hotel rooms at sea thanks to their distint luxury feel. To achieve this, the brand worked with the likes of design firms NenMar and De Jorio Luxury and Yachts. The clever collaboration between the two firms has resulted in a design scheme that feels warmly relaxing – expect soft boundaries created with artefacts – yet they are also seamlessly practical with quality goods and brand partnerships.
Image credit: Explora Journeys
Not only is the bed sumptuously comfortable – I melted into mine each night – but the in-between nooks of the suite, such as the walk-in wardrobe and vanity area, have been carefully considered to work with guests’ needs. Here, guests will discover, what they will not take for granted, a Dyson drawer, as well as plenty of wardrobe space.
Image credit: Explora Journeys
The colour scheme of cream and white feels elevated, and the clever integrated lighting system paired with carefully placed spotlights gives the whole suite a flattering glow any time of day (and night) – from a design perspective, it is as close as I think any ship could get to being a hotel suite on the water.
Given the practical considerations and regulations that need to be implemented and adhered to when designing an interior scheme on a ship, creating a cruise ship that has multiple volumes throughout is a near-on impossible task. As I prepare to disembark on my mini adventure – while walking through the ship one last time – I can appreciate the design approach that is deliberately layered using emotion in design to give each space its own meaning as well as identity. With this, I leave Explora 1 rejuvenised and refreshed having experienced a travel experience unlike any other.
Located in the heart of the city’s lively Kaartinkaupunki area, alternative accommodation specialist Bob W has secured an iconic hotel property — the former Hotel Rivoli Jardin building — as it announces its expansion in Helsinki…
Adding to the brand’s existing three properties in the Nordic capital, the former Hotel Rivoli Jardin is a characterful property well-known within Helsinki’s cityscape. Providing accommodation to stay in style for days, weeks or months, the property will feature 55 rooms and suites with kitchenettes, a social kitchen and co-working space as well as a communal sauna, paying homage to Helsinki’s apartment building sauna culture. Combining the quality standards of a hotel with the authenticity of short-term rental accommodation, Bob W aims to retain the building’s unique design elements while infusing modern touches, seamlessly blending past and present.
Image credit: Bob W
Bob W takes pride in offering prime properties in neighbourhoods handpicked for their authenticity which provide the opportunity for guests to live like a local. Nestled in the inner yard at Kasarmikatu 40, Helsinki, its latest addition is no exception. Guests can enjoy a vibrant district filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques, all while being within walking distance of Helsinki’s main attractions. Guests will also have unrivalled access to true Helsinki gems via the brand’s marketplace technology platform which connects guests with local amenities to enhance their stay, including breakfast options and gym facilities.
To ensure the iconic building retains its authentic charm, the company has partnered with award-winning local interior design agency Koko3 Helsinki.
“Our design will be based on the identity of Kaartinkaupunki district,” said Mari Relander from Koko3. “The interior will be about comfy functionality wrapped in Helsinki colours, hand-picked Finnish vintage pieces and art-inspired details that we have custom designed for this property. Simply, a sustainable gem, with art at heart!”
Image credit: Bob W
This distinctive property was acquired by real estate private equity partner Slättö and is now being leased to Bob W as its chosen operator.
“There is significant value creation potential in hospitality real estate in the current market,” discussed Erik Möller, Head of Hotels from Slättö. “We are seeing an increase in co-living trends, with people travelling for work and pleasure, over both shorter and longer periods. Slättö aims to grow in this segment and we are thrilled to collaborate with Bob W in this endeavour with its focus on quality and design, technology and sustainability.”
“We are excited to join forces with Slättö in transforming this iconic Helsinki property,” added Emilia Malmi, Bob W CEO Northern Europe.”By intertwining its historical charm with a genuine local design narrative and an unwavering commitment to quality, we’ll seamlessly integrate our cutting-edge technology and sustainable operations to elevate the experience for today’s discerning guests and contribute a fresh perspective to Helsinki’s accommodation landscape.”
Slättö’s investment in the Helsinki property is to be refurbished into a Bob W location certified under the environmental scheme LEED. The property is expected to open to the public in 2024.
The addition of Bob W Kaarti to the portfolio will see the innovative brand operating 32 properties across 20 cities in nine European countries, expanding the reach of its pioneering approach to 21st-century hospitality.
Family-run, independent tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles shares some top-tips on how to create a tiled cloakroom with the wow factor…
Small but mighty, the cloakroom is an area which can often be overlooked. However, despite its size, taking on board these tips from Hyperion Tiles, it is a space that can add value to a property and leave a lasting impression on guests.
“Homeowners don’t spend much time in the cloakroom so this space can give the designer the chance to experiment with bold colours, patters and textures,” said Richard Skeoch, Director, Hyperion Tiles, “and if guests are going to see it, you can certainly justify making this an enjoyable space to visit.”
Image credit: Hyperion Tile
Image credit: Hyperion Tile
With this in mind, Skeoch listed his top tips on how to create a super-stylish cloakroom: Tiles make a fantastic choice as they are easy to clean and can be ultra-durable. If you’re keen to make the space feel bigger, choose light, neutral tile shades, which will reflect light. Experiment with a wall mural or create a feature area behind a basin or as a backdrop for a WC.
Consider mosaic tiles, because these can be easier to fit into awkward spaces, such as around pipes. Pick a statement mirror, perhaps with illuminated or magnifying options, and use it help maximise the light. Get your artificial lighting right and work through your needs – do you require task, ambient, accent or decorative or perhaps a combination? Add suitable cloakroom accessories – shelves, bins, towels, towel rails and plants.
Image credit: Hyperion Tile
Hyperion Tiles deliver an exceptional portfolio of products for floors, walls and ceilings, which will last for years to come. In addition, the brand also has a range of designer bathroom products, from shelving and mirrors to towel rails and toilet roll holders – all to complete the design story in your cloakroom.
The highly skilled team is available to offer expert advice, such as technical know-how and in-depth product knowledge, to homeowners, designers, specifiers and architects. You can peruse and buy comprehensive collections of more than 15,000 types of tiles, flooring and wall panels and bathroom accessories for residential and commercial projects online or simply visit the Ascot showroom.
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.
Enticingly flamboyant, Broadwick Soho prepares to fling open its doors
Broadwick Soho, created by a group of friends, is getting ready to open in the heart of London’s Soho, channelling all the grit, glamour and wild energy of London’s most storied neighbourhood into an opulent contemporary 57 room retreat…
As seductive and characterful as its historic location, Broadwick Soho is an independent luxury hotel in the heart of London’s West End that’s set to open its doors later this year. With an offer of impeccable service and quality, under the watchful eye of General Manager, David Monson and conceived by a group of friends, this glorious hotel perches on the corner of Broadwick Street and Berwick Street in a truly unbeatable and iconic location.
Soho, with its 90 intricate and colourful streets packed into one square mile, has been the heartbeat of the city for centuries and is a brand name in itself. It has character, soul and history. Broadwick Soho stands tall in the heart of the neighbourhood and draws inspiration from the community, essence and spirit of its surroundings.
Image credit: Broadwick Soho
With the architectural elements brought into play by Ica Studio, the hotel’s townhouse aesthetic was created by interior designer Martin Brudnizki, who artfully infuses a range of inspirations, from Jazz Age opulence to travels around Italy, with a dash of English eccentricity and a sprinkling of Disco fabulousness. The design is a feast for the senses that blends glamour and comfort in equal measure.
The eclectic range of restaurants and bars within the hotel offer something unique for every time of day and for every occasion. Dear Jackie, the flagship lower-ground restaurant, serves classic Italian gastronomy with a modern twist – and a decadent atmosphere. At Bar Jackie, Broadwick Soho’s vibrant street-level café, both hotel guests and passers-by can enjoy a barista-made coffee or evening aperitivo. The resident-only lounge, The Nook, offers a relaxing escape just moments from Soho’s hustle, with a fireplace and vinyl player for guests to enjoy. Heading up, the rooftop dining bar and terrace, Flute, has been pegged as the ‘crown jewel’ of the hotel for good reason, offering show stopping décor and incredible views over the rooftops of London. Sitting just above, is an eighth-floor private dining room; a truly unique space with floor to ceiling windows, showstopping art and a cosy fireplace. The Dining Room is set to entertain the most glamorous of London’s dinners and parties.
Image credit: Broadwick Soho
The group of friends who have conceived Broadwick Soho are committed to providing impeccable service and creating memorable experiences for every guest. The property’s owner, Noel Hayden, spent his childhood years living at his family’s hotel, Mon Ami, on the UK’s south coast in Bournemouth. Owned and managed by his mother Jackie and his father Noel Snr, a magician and true showman, Mon Ami saw many successful and memorable years, before closing its doors in 1988. Today, 35 years later, Broadwick Soho is a love letter from Noel to his family and is the culmination of a long-held personal dream to open his own luxury hotel in Central London.
Joining Noel in bringing Broadwick Soho to life are his friends Jo Ringestad, Joshua Gardner, Andrea Gelardin and Jamie Poulton. Managing Director Ringestad and Executive Director Gardner bring their expertise in hospitality to ensure that every aspect of the hotel is executed flawlessly. Creative Director Gelardin infuses the property with a vibrant and captivating lifestyle appeal and Poulton, Non-Executive Director (and co-owner of iconic Soho restaurant Randall & Aubin), provides valuable Soho knowledge and insight.
Image credit: Broadwick Soho
Each of Broadwick Soho’s 57 exquisitely appointed guestrooms and suites is a serene and restful sanctuary. All feature bespoke furniture and individually selected artworks, with high-quality finishes throughout. Rich geometric patterns and vibrant prints are complemented by a soft and soothing colour scheme and the artful layering of different materials, textures and styles. Custom-designed beds, sumptuous bedlinens and bespoke amenities add an extra dash of opulence to each room.
Comfortable and full of charm, the rooms are equipped with all the modern technology that today’s traveller expects, including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art in-room entertainment. Large windows allow natural light to flood in, while heritage-inspired herringbone floors and tassel-trimmed furniture conjure a welcoming, home-from-home feel. The bathrooms are playful yet sophisticated with chic marble wash-tops, walk-in rain-showers and sustainable luxury amenities by Ortigia. Some suites also feature free-standing bathtubs for guests to unwind above the busy streets of Soho below.
Image credit: Broadwick Soho
Hidden on the lower-ground floor, Dear Jackie is a destination for Italian opulence, refined dining, and nighttime glamour. Seductive Murano lighting, red silk walls and plush booths give a sense of discreet intimacy and an atmosphere that is part Dolce Vita elegance, part Disco glamour. Open for dinner, the menu reflects modern Italian gastronomy – featuring exceptional pasta dishes and reimagined Italian classics, as well as an extensive list of exquisite wines.
The little sister of Dear Jackie, Bar Jackie is Broadwick Soho’s all-day street level Italian bar and terrace, paying tribute to the legendary and flamboyant Jackies of our past, present and future. Everybody has their Jackie — a personal icon that embodies fun, fabulousness and joy. The vibrantly decorated bar serves coffee and bomboloni, aperitivo classics such as Pinsa Romana, arancini and antipasti, as well as negronis, vermouths and homemade gelato and granita.
Image credit: Broadwick Soho
In the 19th century, Broadwick Street was home to a noted flute-maker, who inspired the name of the rooftop dining bar that crowns the hotel. Flute’s landscaped wraparound outdoor terrace offers spectacular views over the Soho streets and skyline. Inside, the décor combines cocooned comfort with maximalist glamour – animal-print upholstery, cork walls and mirrored ceilings united by an extravagant palm-frond carpet. From the onyx-topped central bar, Flute’s bartenders serve up an ever-changing list of innovative cocktails complemented by lunch and dinner menus featuring food designed to be enjoyed with friends.
Broadwick Soho’s residents-only ground floor lounge offers hotel guests an exclusive, convivial space in which to enjoy a cocktail or coffee, read a novel by the fireplace, or spin some vinyl from the eclectic collection that includes records from our Berwick Street store neighbours. Lavish and chic, The Nook is decorated with intricate Italian fabrics and vintage finds – including a 1970s Murano chandelier and a curated collection of vintage books.
Finally, the eighth-floor private dining room offers an elegant backdrop for some of London’s most exceptional celebrations. The Dining Room is an inviting light-filled space with floor-to-ceiling windows, show-stopping art and a cosy fireplace. Seating up to 24 on one table, guests can be wined and dined with magnificent views of the city, reaching the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.
5 extraordinary hotel concepts currently on the boards
Writer Pauline Brettell cuts through the noise to uncover the hotel concepts that are currently on the boards that will make the biggest impact when they are made into reality…
When it comes to hotel concepts in 2023 that are currently on the boards, creativity, collaboration and community would appear to be the keywords taking the hospitality industry striding over the hills and into the future. The interesting thing about all of those c-words is how open to interpretation they are. While for some it is about retracing roots and exploring historical points of reference, for others it is about embracing all the technology our generation has acquired and directing it with – hopefully – a greater mindfulness and sense of responsibility.
In the process of trying to sift through the style to get to the substance, we discovered a few concepts that both caught our eye and gave us pause for thought. From 3D printing to biophilic bolt-holes, as boundaries shift and expectations rise, the only limit to hotel designs and concepts would appear to be the imagination. So, as hotels are built, resorts reimagined and interiors designed and redesigned on a daily basis, what are the concepts that have traction and are making an impact on our collective design directory?
A futuristic hotel in an ancient desert
Image credit: Bar Orian
With a strap like that, this project grabs attention from the drawing board, as it sets out its design inspiration that is scheduled to be set in bricks and mortar by 2025.
Located in the Judaen Desert, the design by Bar Orian Architects, in collaboration with Lambs & Lions Studio, is all about maximising the unique and relatively inhospitable Dead Sea terrain, the lowest place on earth. Having been drawn in by the futuristic aesthetic, reading through the concept, what is more interesting is how the building will be drawing on ancient local design principles. It is about immersing the design in its location and learning from it, exploring architectural principles based on protection from the desert weather conditions. For this purpose, the hotel is designed in the shape of a desert khan – a building with square proportions and a large courtyard in the centre. In this concept, the design is about collaborating with, not fighting against, the elements and it is in fact these environmental challenges which gives the property its USP.
El Cosmico, Marfa
Image credit: BIG
Referring back to the point made earlier about embracing technology, while at the same time celebrating the fact that the same technology does not have to take us down a chrome pillared path to Gotham city, is the El Cosmico campground hotel in Marfa, Texas. Set to be relocated and expanded to encompass 62 acres, El Cosmico will feature domed, arched, vaulted and parabolic forms.
The reimagination of the camping site is the result of a partnership with Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Icon, the leader in advanced construction techniques using large-scale 3D printing. Breaking ground in 2024, El Cosmico will continue to celebrate the convergence of creative culture and the minimalist natural environment of the Marfa landscape. The words quiet luxury are being thrown around a lot at the moment – this project seems to encapsulate the essence of the trend, as it is both groundbreaking and understated at the same time.
The ONE Hotel Design
Image credit: Ajman University
Student projects often show us what to expect in the future from the next generation of hotel designers and the Interior Design students of Ajman University do not disappoint with reference as varied as The Queens Gambit and Memphis Design – who didn’t flirt with the colourful asymmetry and terrazzo of Sottsass and company as a design student? Personally this concept, The ONE Hotel, caught my attention with the following explanation: “The project consists of two historical buildings transformed into a hotel, which promotes traditional design, sustainability, hospitality and social community,” explained designers Abeer Aziz and Heba Dweik.
This project looks carefully at some of the key issues facing the industry and finds design solutions that work and it would be wonderful to see it off the board and on location.
Ancestral Handmade Hotels
Image credit: Ancestral Handmade Hotels
Ancestral Handmade Hotels is a new regenerative wellness hotel concept, which aims to revive and celebrate ancestral wisdom and tribal traditions at every step – from building methods to wellness programming. Rather than the umbrella brand taking the concept to a location, the concept is shaped from the bottom up starting with the location and its own history of wellness and healing and design traditions, with a particular emphasis on textiles in this process. The idea is to harness the language of nature while reviving local building traditions. With claims to create restorative and calm experiences on a biological cellular level, this is biophilic design on steroids!
With wellness clearly being one of the most important trends shaping the hospitality industry this decade, are concepts like Ancestral Handmade Hotels truly designing something new, or are we all being seduced by the biodegradable handwoven hemp of the emperors new clothes?
The Line
Image credit: Neom
No conceptual conversation is complete without mentioning the castle in the sand – The Line. Developed by Neom, The Line’s mirrored-wall city will cost a reported $500 Billion to design, and it will create 380,000 jobs. While on the outside The Line will reflect dessert landscape, inside the urban city is expected to contain residential, hospitality and leisure spaces as well as vertical gardens and educational buildings. Each building will be stacked and layered in an arranged that the visionaries behind its concept are calling ‘Zero Gravity Urbanism’.
As discussed previously on Hotel Designs, the design and architecture community continue to question the development’s social impact on Saudi Arabia and its people, while also being intrigued and dare we say inspired, by the forward-thinking approach from Neom. Whether you love it, loathe it, or are simply watching it unfold from a distance, this is a project that is undoubtedly going to make its mark on our planet.
With interiors by LW Design, Vida Dubai Marina is a lifestyle destination in the enviable location adjacent to the Yacht Club, with unparalleled views of the Dubai Marina. Home to the new Vida Hotels and Resorts by Emaar, we stepped inside to take a look…
The intuitive urban hub offers convenience, comfort and sensory stimulation to the next generation of entrepreneurial minds to stay, play and connect. The intuitive style, blended with technology and personalised service, ensures a business-savvy environment. LW Design was responsible for all the interiors, while Killa Design were the architects on the project.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
The open-plan lobby has various pockets of carefully placed seating stretching from the drop-off to the edge of the marina, creating an inspiring yet cosy atmosphere for guests. Influenced by the soft hues of winter sunsets across the iconic Dubai skyline, the blush pink breeze blocks against planked-timber walls create the perfect backdrop for contemporary yacht club appeal.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Bold pieces of FF&E layered with textures, and organic shapes take subtle inspiration from the contemporary organic lines of luxury yachts. Floor-to-ceiling shelving creates eye-catching moments with carefully curated hand-cut tiles, artwork and inspired accessories. The coffee bar wraps around the lobby lounge, which leads guests onto the open terrace overlooking the marina skyline, perfect for morning coffee, afternoon cocktails or evening nightcaps.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
The industrial-inspired staircase to the right of the lobby leads guests down to Origins, the hotel’s only restaurant. Situated at the base of the building, the narrow width and high ceilings are reminiscent of a luxury vessel, creating an exciting space for easy operational flow and exceptional guest experiences. Floor-to-ceiling windows with bi-folding doors open directly onto the Marina promenade, transforming the restaurant into a beachside eatery with magnificent views. The six metre timber-clad hoods with chiselled and tiled walls ensure an eye-catching backdrop for all passers-by.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
The sixth floor is home to a unique business lounge and a generous guest lounge designed to be an open-plan living room with a kitchen counter that guests self-serve from. Different meeting rooms that open onto terraced gardens give plenty of flexibility to any group of guests. The design is playful with a combination of textures that continue from the lobby with a more restrained take on the FF&E accented with bold patterns and colours.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
Situated at the podium level between the residential and hotel buildings, the space is home to a cosy pool bar with stunning views of the Dubai Marina. Eclectic pieces of furniture in a mixed setting of bar and lounge heights make this a perfect venue for evening cocktails while watching the sun go down. Cactus ceramics surround seating groups.
Image credit: Natelee Cocks
The guestrooms provide a quiet haven away from the busy city skyline. The neutral palette is enhanced with timber planks and graphic elements are added through design details like lighting. An openable bathroom mirrors the clean lines of the bedroom, while having access to to the natural light filtered though from the bedroom, creating an intimate and cosy space.
In collaboration with global experts, Geberit has published its latest Trend Guide, curated with hotel designers and architects in mind who want to elevate their bathroom designs. Sophie Weston, Marketing Manager at Geberit, delves into the key interior styles and explores how they can be recreated in hotel bathrooms…
The Geberit Trend Guide offers hotel designers and architects valuable insight, advice and inspiration, bringing together real-world surveys, studies and research to deliver four key trends matched with products, styling tips and colour suggestions, all driven by market insights. Here we have identified four core trends and paired that with more information on how to recreate them in your hotel projects.
Image credit: Geberit
The opening look, Botanical Retreat, speaks to the rise in maximalism, biophilic colour choices and new rituals. It’s all about plant-filled environments, lush greens and rich florals to create an environment perfect for relaxation. The ideal inspiration for creating an at-home spa, readers will find a wealth of inspirational imagery, accessory suggestions and Geberit styled bathrooms which bring the look to life.
Styling tips for this trend include an abundance of leafy houseplants, like Calathea’s Boston Fern, Spider Plant, Ivy and Cheeseplants. Include a tray or set up on the vanity with scented candles, bath salts, flower petals and botanical greens. Warm metallic accents are important, think brushed brass and gold for accessories like mirrors, cosmetic trays, toilet roll holders and towel racks.
Image credit: Geberit
Nordic Cleanse is driven by the self-care movement, Ice Man Wim Hof and the healing benefits of frosty greens and icy blues. This look is therapeutic and restorative, using subtle tonal combinations to create a calm and understated mood. The idea is to boost calm feelings and lower stress, making this look the perfect hotel bathroom environment for guests to relax and unwind in. Geberit’s black matt finishes fit right at home within this style, the ideal contrast to cool hues of Nordic cleanse.
Styling tips for this trend include the use of rounded and curved forms. Details like layered textures, such as towels over tiles. Again, plants are key to bring the benefits of green spaces indoors, such as trailing ivy and eucalyptus.
Image credit: Geberit
Reconnect is a reaction to slow living, harnessing natural materials such as clay and terracotta to inspire a warm Moroccan style bathroom. Breezy and summery, Reconnect offers hotel designers and architects ideas and inspiration for an earthy retreat. The trend has a traditional artisan feel, with carefully crafted ornaments and eco alternatives being centre to accessorising the look. With environmental concerns front of mind, consumers are seeking to buy less, so good quality sustainable products which provide longevity are important here. Think beautiful amber glass or travertine refill bottles, woven jute, ratten or sisal for storage bags and baskets.
The styling tips for this trend include bold bunches of dried flowers, leaves and grasses to represent the dry summer heat. Pampas grass is a key accessory for this trend. Limewash effects, micro cement or chalk paint provide a tactile backdrop for styling.
Image credit: Geberit
Finally we have Urban Sanctuary, a look which embraces the brutalist movement, mid-century modern style and urbanisation. Bathrooms in this style are functional, minimalistic and celebrate the use of industrial materials, powder coated steel and concrete composites. The colour palette is inspired by the urban environment, a blend of cool matt greys is combined with a deep and soft mint green, bringing a fresh contemporary feel to the bathroom. Grids and lines are important for surface patterns here, which can come through in accessories, towels or tiling. Durability and performance are at the heart of this look, with innovative, staple Geberit products littered throughout.
Styling tips for this trend include the use of practical and functional accessories. Architecturally inspired fixtures and fittings such as thin metal framework that is slick, refined, and sculptural in form. Materials that can stand the test of time are important, such as concrete, speckled stone or terrazzo for a more contemporary look.
The Trend Guide features some of the new product upgrades including the redesigned Sigma70 flush plates, the extended Option illuminated mirror collection and Geberit Monolith Plus. So, elevate your designs with Geberit’s Trend Guide and inspire your guests with bathrooms that are as stylish as they are functional.
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.
Opening late August, Hilton Yala Resort is a new resort located on the edge of Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park with a design that is set to maximise the experience with nature, with minimal impact on the environment…
Considerately built around an active elephant corridor, guests at Hilton Yala Resort will experience up-close wildlife encounters with some of the country’s most iconic residents, safely from a collection of design-led rooms, suites and villas. Personal Safari Rangers lead enchanting tours of the surrounding reserve, both on foot and by Jeep, where elephants, leopards, buffalo, sloth bears and crocodiles live amongst the lush vegetation.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
This latest resort offering by Hilton, is home to a collection of restaurants, including contemporary Sri Lankan and Asian-inspired Dhira, grilled meat and seafood-focused Sandali and versatile bar and coffee lounge Vanya. Overseen by head chef Jerome Tissera, guests can look forward to Lanthaaruma, the resort’s bespoke dining experience, where fully customised menus along with a personalised dinner menu and wine pairing options make for an unforgettable adventure.
Image credit: Hilton Hotels
Built with nature as the primary focus, the striking resort – which also features a state-of-the-art, jungle-facing spa – has been designed to ensure minimal environmental impact and minimal vegetation loss, with tree preservation prioritised throughout the design process and bio areas set up to provide a haven for local wildlife.
Organised by Surface Design Show, the Awards highlight the work of industry’s leading architects and designers, judged by professionals in the same design sectors. The Surface Design Awards aim to celebrate and promote excellence in material innovation from across the UK and around the globe…
Back and better than ever for the 12th year, the Surface Design Awards are now open for entries.The Awards receive global recognition, attracting 130 entries from 12 different countries, displaying the most impressive use of materials in, and on, architectural and interior projects from around the world.
Image credit: Glenn Maguire
The 2024 Awards are to be judged by an expert panel, co-chaired by Charlotte McCarthy, Head of Interiors at Heatherwick Studio and Nimi Attanayake, Director & co-founder of NimTim Architects. The judging panel is made up of architects and interior designers, all of whom have made a name for themselves in the industry. Some of the panellists alongside Charlotte and Nimi include Carly Sweeney, the Director of Universal Design Studio, Chris Laing, an Architectural Designer, Activist, Consultant, Founder of Signstrokes and Deaf Architecture Front and Gurmeet Sian, Architect and Founder of Office Sian.
Image credit: Matt Bell
Working together, the judges will determine the 2024 Award winners in eight categories: Commercial Building, Housing, Landscape + Public Realm, Light + Surface, Public Building, Temporary Structure, Architectural Photography and new for 2024, Product of the Year Award.
Last year, 43 projects from 10 different counties were selected as finalists for the 2023 Awards, varying from an office in Haryana Sate in India, to a temporary installation in a pedestrian park in Jiaxing in China as well as projects in the UK.
The judges were impressed by the high quality of entries and made an unprecedented decision to crown two entries as the Supreme Winners. Monc by Nina + Co with Smile Plastic, London, UK and Glade of Light by BCA Landscape, Manchester, UK were both enthroned as the Surface Design Awards Supreme Winner 2023.
Image credit: Nina + Co
To welcome and encourage entries from both small and large practises or projects from around the world, the Surface Design Awards are free to enter. All shortlisted and winning entries will benefit from recognition on multiple platforms – through judging panel exposure, social media, the Surface Design Show website as well as the physical show itself taking place in February, where a huge community of thousands of architects and designers will gather.
The closing date for Surface Design Award entries is Friday 29th September 2023. Judging will take place mid-November 2023 and finalists will be notified by late-November. The eventual winners will be announced on the final day of the Surface Design Show at London’s Business Design Centre on Thursday 8th February 2024.
Duravit turns on the taps – and out pours innovation
Duravit has expanded its product portfolio with three new tap collections in attractive designs and sophisticated metallic surfaces – to allow for greater interior design opportunities…
All three new tap lines from Duravit – Wave, Circle, and Manhattan – offer a wider range with alternative combination options with its various ceramic series. In addition, the new designs provide added value to architects and developers, with sustainable features such as FreshStart, MinusFlow and EasyClean. Duravit Best Match, a proprietary configurator developed by Duravit, helps users select the best combination of tap and ceramic for each bathroom.
Image credit: Duravit
The washbasin taps are available in sizes S and M, with the energy and water-saving features MinusFlow (flow limited to 40per cent = 3.5 l/min) and FreshStart, which means cold water flows at the start and hot water is only added when the user deliberately moves the handle to the left. This limits the energy-intensive production of hot water to situations where it is needed. The thermostat taps have HeatLock scald protection and all the washbasin taps feature an EasyClean aerator, where dirt and limescale can be simply rubbed off the silicone nozzle with a finger.
Image credit: Duravit
There are three different spout heights for the washbasin mixers (S, M, and Highriser) offering different variants such as concealed mixer, threeholetap and a pillar tap, to cater for different needs at the washbasin. Wave, Circle and Manhattan also provides a tap solution for any installation scenario in other areas of the bathroom – bidet, shower and bathtub. For the shower area and bathtub, users can choose between single-lever mixers and thermostat taps as well as surface-mounted and flush-mounted solutions. The Wave and Circle ranges feature a rim-mounted tap fitting and the shower systems with showerhead and height-adjustable hand shower are practical full solutions, for retrofitting.
The Duravit BlueBox, is a universal installation system for a range of tap designs (lever mixers or thermostats) and is used for concealed installation. This allows the design decision to be taken even after the basic set has been installed.
Image credit: Duravit
Image credit: Duravit
Wave is a contemporary and youthful design style. The slim, cylindrical base undergoes a soft, flowing transition into the gently rounded spout, creating an exciting contrast with its precise edges. The dynamic upward-facing handle guarantees a simple and precise operation. Available in Chrome, Matt Black and three additional scratch-resistant and durable PVD surfaces – Brushed Stainless Steel, Brushed Bronze, Polished Gold – Wave offers an attractive option for individual bathroom design.
Duravit offers the Starck T accessories as well as matching accessories from the whole portfolio as the perfect enhancement: showerheads, outlet fittings, furniture handles, actuator plates, and siphons are perfectly coordinated with the tap finishes and ensures a harmonious and stylish ambience in the room. For the first time, Duravit can offer an entire colour-coordinated bathroom fit-out with no compromises.
Image credit: Duravit
Circle represents a restrained and minimalistic approach to design that is an ideal match to modern bathroom ranges. The body, outlet, and handle are defined by the fundamental shape of the circle to form a harmonious whole. Details such as the reduction of the gap between the body and the handle to a minimum or the integrated aerator underpin the overall pared-down aesthetic. A practical side effect is that the rounded surfaces enable the water to flow away easily, making them particularly easy to clean in everyday use. The Circle range of taps is available in Chrome and creates a harmonious overall picture when combined with accessories of the D-Code series.
Image credit: Duravit
The cube is the defining design element of the Manhattan range. The distinctive design language is characterized by precise lines and edges. These are emphasised by subtle reflections of light to create a high-quality aesthetic. Whilst spacious surfaces and precise transitions underpin the striking elegance that creates clean and contemporary interior designs. Available in Chrome and Matt Black, a wide range of design options is possible. The Karree accessories series is a suitable accompaniment to the design language.
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.
New products from Crosswater cover all corners of the bathroom
From sustainable shower trays to compact cloakroom units – Crosswater has launched a range of products that provide solutions for bathrooms across the spectrum…
Innovative design and enhanced technology meets form and function with the new Creo and Vito 25mm sustainable shower trays from Crosswater. Whether the goal is to make a design statement or create a minimalist silhouette where the shower blends seamlessly into the wider bathroom, these will elevate any shower space. Crafted from 100 per cent recyclable Dolomite engineered stone and hand finished to perfection, Creo and Vito are expertly designed with comfort and efficiency in mind.
Smooth and warm to the touch, the engineered stone is soothing underfoot and creates a sleek, seamless feel. Designed with high-flow central or linear drainage systems for faster drainage and almost invisible gullies and edges, shallow pools of water are a thing of the past. And with no hard, uncomfortable ridges to step on, the designs allow continuous flow from the rest of the bathroom floor.
Image caption: Creo | Image credit: Crosswater
Image caption: Vito | Image credit: Crosswater
Using natural materials embraces relaxation and wellness principles that instill a sense of natural tranquility. Brilliantly resilient and hard-wearing with exceptional impact resistance, engineered stone retains water thermal temperature for longer, creating a warm and luxurious showering experience.
Manufactured in a zero-emission factory that uses 100 per cent solar energy, using engineered stone considerably reduces the energy required to make each tray and excess materials are simply repurposed. The trays are finished with a permanent Nanocoat gel, ensuring the surfaces are non-porous, anti-bacterial and easy to clean. Creo is available in rectangular and offset quadrant options and Vito is available in square and rectangular options.
Image credit: Crosswater
Crosswater’s first furniture unit specifically designed for cloakrooms is here! Inspired by current material and home decoration trends, Alo provides a bathroom storage solution to tie in with the rest of the home. The striking selection of finishes, including unique Rattan options, make this the perfect choice. Go bold with Soft Clay, keep it classic with White, or bring the outside in with Rattan. With a compact width of 400mm, these wall-hung vanity units are not only visually pleasing, but also great for providing the illusion that there is much more space available in smaller bathrooms.
The Alo unit’s feature an anti-bacterial, water-resistant finish, along with a pull to open, soft close hinged door and adjustable internal shelf to allow for personalised storage.These pre-assembled units are available in twelve distinct finishes including ‘Rattan and Black’ and ‘Rattan and White’, authentic oaks, and block colour options, along with three choices of handles to complement each unit’s style. Each unit also comes with an inset basin and single tap hole, that can either be left or right-handed depending on preference. This basin is available in either white or black ceramic.
Crosswater 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.
Sneak peek: inside One Sloane, the new luxury address in Chelsea
One Sloane will be officially opening its doors in September 2023 — this exceptional address is located just off Chelsea’s Sloane Square and is a collaboration between hotelier Costes, designer Francois-Joseph Graf and the 300 year old Cadogan Estate…
Nestled at 1 Sloane Gardens, the hotel sits within easy reach of the characterful King’s Road, luxury of Sloane Street and the galleries and art filled boutiques of Chelsea. A ‘home away from home’, it exudes an air of timeless elegance where Chelsea charm meets Parisian chic. Sheltering 30 bedrooms and suites, One Sloane will house a top floor restaurant, lobby and a downstairs bar.
Originally crafted in 1889 by architect Edwin Thomas Hall, the hotel comes following an extensive six-year building project. The historic façade has been retained whilst the interior was completely remodelled and an additional sixth floor with its own cupola added. Designer Graf and his select circle of trusted craftsmen have transformed the hotel, bringing an elegant Victorian mansion into the 21st century.
Image credit: One Sloane
Upon entering One Sloane, atmospheric lighting draws the eye to intricate ceiling cornices, wood wall panelling, stained-glass windows and playful trompe l’oeil. Neo-Greek friezes adorn the vestibule decorated with mosaics and vases. Chandeliers suspend from a painted stormy skied ceiling, emblematic of over 700 lights throughout the hotel, a mixture of original Benson lamps or faithful recreations. Beauty is abundant in the form of Greek vases, antique chairs, curtains, rugs, mosaic tiling, while cabinets decorate the lobby, home to a curated library.
Image credit: One Sloane
Arts and Crafts detailing is inspired by Chelsea’s long association with this artistic movement, including William Morris wallpaper and mirrors on the stair walls, whilst the corridors contain hand-painted calligraphy leading towards the bedrooms and suites. In the rooms, an Anglo-Asian aesthetic is achieved through cream English panelling on the walls and ceilings, contrasting and complementing the Japonisme styled desks. Original pieces of antique furniture have been restored, sometimes replicated, with a nod to Godwin and Mackintosh.
“It is a joy to see so much of Chelsea’s exquisite architecture and rich artistic heritage reflected and celebrated throughout One Sloane – creating a truly beautiful and unique hotel which will appeal to both discerning visitors and locals alike,” commented Hugh Seaborn, Chief Executive, Cadogan. “We have been working closely as a team for six years to realise M. Costes and Graf’s exquisite vision for their first London property and it is inspiring to see the artisanship involved at every stage. We believe One Sloane will effortlessly and immediately feel part of the neighbourhood, while bringing a fresh new energy to Chelsea.”
Image credit: One Sloane
Stained-glass windows offer a characteristically British level of intimacy, but walk-in wardrobes cheekily named the ‘Mistress Door’, ‘Love’ and ‘Music’ switch controls and black and white photography celebrating love and personalities connected to the area take a more playful tone. Dozens of artisans and craftspeople collaborated to bring François-Joseph Graf’s vision to life, including the creation of no fewer than 21 carpet designs, 19 curtain designs and 50 custom made fabrics, which, next to exquisite objets d’art, ensure that each room assumes its own style. “The guiding principle is always the same: to respect the original features and enhance them so they can be brought into the 21st century,” said Graf.
Image credit: One Sloane
Housed on the new top floor, One Sloane’s spectacular light filled restaurant was inspired by the ‘Peacock Room’ created in 1876 by local artist Whistler (the original was later relocated to the Smithsonian Gallery). Panoramic views open across the city skyline, while the restaurant’s elegant cupola offers an octagonal space with views across Chelsea. Natural light floods through the stained-glass windows and antique mirrors and wooden shelves displaying Chinese vases add an air of grandeur. Epicureans can enjoy a menu that blends the best of traditional Parisian dishes, offering simply perfect French food at the hour of one’s choosing, thanks to the restaurant’s all-day dining.
The most ‘Parisian’ space at the hotel, the downstairs lounge has a private entrance on Holbein Place. A ‘speakeasy’ style space, guests can indulge in cocktails and fine wines to the sounds of One Sloane’s resident DJ. Brown-reds, soft lighting and candlelight create a moody yet enticing atmosphere, destined to be the hub of Chelsea and beyond.
François-Joseph Graf envisions One Sloane as a quintessential English guest house, radiating the elegance synonymous with British society and a private home feel. The address for those in the know, it is where glamour and charm combine to create a classically Parisian ambience, with signature scents and sounds to match. Marking a moment of regeneration in Chelsea, One Sloane will infuse the neighbourhood with a new energy, standing as a testament to tailor-made luxury.
One Sloane will be managed by a joint venture comprising Costes Etudes Projets and Hamilton Pyramid Europe.
JW Marriott Dallas Arts District opens, marking the brand’s debuts in thriving arts district…
JW Marriott Dallas Arts District has opened, marking the brand’s highly anticipated debut at the epicentre of the robust cultural arts scene in Dallas, Texas.
Located within walkable blocks from the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Museum of Asian Art, Meyerson Symphony Center, Moody Performance Hall, and the Winspear Opera House, the first JW Marriott hotel in Dallas is sophisticated, yet welcoming with a design scheme that immerses guests in a showcase of artistic influences and experiences while providing the brand’s signature style of mindful luxury and hospitality.
The hotel’s design showcases countless artistic representations of themes that played a part in the growth and success of Dallas. A city that began as a trading post in 1841 and grew into a modern-day cosmopolitan center of commerce and the arts, presents a rich history of vision, creativity, fortitude and resilience. More than 20 original artworks in various mediums were commissioned for the hotel public areas and represent the nuances of the North Texas region.
Renowned hospitality design giants HKS Inc. and Looney Associates collaborated on the architecture and interior design of the sleek 267-key hotel, three restaurants, two lobby spaces, and more than 1,850 square metres of flexible meeting space. A grand mid-air pool and deck with cabanas offers stunning views of downtown Dallas as well as the hotel’s Arts District neighbours, many of which are museums and performance venues with historic architecture.
The F&B scene inside the hotel is complete with Margarets, a three-meal ranch-to-table restaurant, JW Market and Vincent’s Sky Lounge, all located on the hotel’s 11th floor. On the same level, the sky lobby is a double volume museum-esque space with a floating staircase and glass railing with displays of monumental original artworks including a brass and metal installation created by Dallas-based artist Chris Judy. It is reminiscent of sheet music, delicate harp strings, and the chandeliers in the Winspear Opera House.
James Latham continues support for Rycotewood Colleage
James Latham is on a mission to empower student creativity by supplying HIMACS and Valchromat for 2023 Rycotewood College competition on colour and curve – and it’s not for the first time…
For the second-year running, James Latham is supporting Rycotewood College in its student competition focused on colour and curve in furniture design.
Since first importing hardwoods into the UK in 1757, James Latham has been a longtime champion of the British furniture industry. So, when Rycotewood College (Rycotewood), Oxfordshire, one of the country’s top institutions for furniture-making vocational training, approached them to support its student competition for the second year running they were delighted to accept.
Building on the success of 2022, this year also challenged the students to focus on the captivating dual concepts of colour and curve within the overarching theme of storage.
To assist the students, James Latham donated a quantity of HIMACS and Valchromat, providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and initiative when working with these non-traditional materials to meet a challenging creative brief.
Following a 10-week entry period, in which 12 Rycotewood Degree students participated, judging took place ahead of the College’s end-of-year celebratory show, on Monday 18th June, where the winning and commended entries were announced.
This year’s competition proved to be a showstopper, with a collection of remarkable pieces that perfectly showcased the students’ ability to adapt, experiment, and transcend traditional furniture design.
Joe Fortune, who won the HIMACS category, created a visually striking and artistically ingenious shelving unit for indoor plants. Pushing the material to its limits, the smooth, delicate twists within the piece, seamlessly joined, demonstrate the thermoformable nature of the solid surface and its ability to retain its original rigidity post-heating. He went further, using CNC to cut out a series of holes within the curved pieces to evoke the cellular structure of a leaf.
The judges were particularly impressed with the range of different skills displayed. From the seamless curvature, invisible joints, and extensive cut-outs they felt it demonstrated technical mastery without compromising structural integrity; a remarkable example of how HIMACS can surpass initial expectations, creating visually stunning and functional features.
Commenting on working with HIMACS, Fortune said: “HIMACS’s ability to be heated and twisted without visual or structural compromise proved the perfect material to achieve what was, from the outset, a very ambitious design. The results speak for themselves. Personally, I was pleased with the seamless joins I was able to achieve, creating an appealing visual continuity within the finished piece.”
Meanwhile, Benjamin Scott was the competition’s other winner, using Valchromat to breathtaking effect in a sophisticated storage cabinet. A stunning fusion of yellow and grey Valchromat with oak, the modern day parquetry on the cabinet has more than 1,000 precisely arranged, extensively sanded, and polished Valchromat pieces, forming elegant herringbone-patterned panels, showcasing Ben’s incredible attention to detail.
Image credit: Ben Scott cabinet
The judges felt the piece truly exemplified the creative potential of Valchromat, representing a massive leap forward compared to its use in the previous year’s competition. Importantly, they felt it encapsulated Rycotewood’s growing proficiency in working with the material.
The designer explained: “Valchromat’s superior sanding and finishing capabilities are remarkable. It outshines alternative materials, effortlessly achieving a flawless surface. Additionally, it retains sharp edges when shaped by hand, offering a more refined look.”
Emma Harris was also commended for her chic drinks cabinet, which combined black HIMACS and solid oak for a cool, contemporary piece of furniture. Attractive, yet eminently practical, the addition of a mirrored interior adds an extra touch of luxury.
The judges praised its refinement and harmonious combination of textures and colours to achieve a cohesive composition. They also felt it demonstrated Harris’ keen understanding of HIMACS’ versatility, and its ability to complement and enhance other materials.
Image credit: Emma Harris
Commenting on the success of the competition, Josh Hudson, Furniture Lead at Rycotewood, said: “We’re thrilled to witness the tremendous growth of the students in their ability to work with new materials, as demonstrated through the ambitious and captivating pieces submitted for this year’s keenly-anticipated and hotly-contested competition. Partnering with James Latham has been fantastic and our ongoing collaboration allows the students to push their creative boundaries and showcase their talent to the full.”
Aside from the winning and commended projects, all other submissions showcased the massive potential of the materials donated.
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.
Duravit explains how it will be carbon-neutral by 2045
In this far-reaching sustainability report, Duravit’s stated objective is to drive forward its ambitious climate mission to achieve a global climate-neutral operating basis by 2045…
Duravit AG’s brand, sustainability strategy and long-term objectives can be found in its new sustainability report for 2020-22, much of which is geared toward the strict requirements of the internationally recognised Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
The brand image, with its fresh focus and the statement ‘Upgrade your everyday’, is accompanied by four key core values. With the ‘responsibility’ category covering the self-imposed obligation to attain the highest possible levels of sustainability across all commercial activities.
Image credit: Duravit
In this far-reaching sustainability report, Duravit’s stated objective is to drive forward its ambitious climate mission to achieve a global climate-neutral operating basis by 2045. Climate-neutral manufacturing operations pose a huge challenge for an energy-intensive company such as Duravit – especially given that it seeks to achieve an even balance between profitability and its ambitious targets without relying on carbon offsetting.
The ‘climate mission’ component of Duravit’s overarching sustainability strategy is based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focuses on the four key areas of water, climate, resources and people. On its journey toward full climate-neutrality, the brand has already set numerous wheels in motion and has reached its first milestones. For example, construction is underway on the Canadian production facility, where the world’s first ever ceramic furnace powered with 100 per cent green energy will commence operations in 2025.
Image credit: Duravit
A technical highlight that showcases Duravit’s innovative capacity is the sustainable mineral material DuroCast Nature, which has a reduced weight, is especially sparing in its use of resources and is also recyclable. Duravit published comprehensive information about the lifecycle climate impacts of the products from the DuroCast (Plus and UltraResist) product group in the newly created Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) approved by the Institut Bauen und Umwelt (IBU) available for download here.
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.
Hot off the press – introducing the AW23 Collections from Clarke & Clarke
For AW23, Clarke & Clarke launches on September 1st four new collections, expressing new styles through luxurious mixes of fabrics and layered textures, for contemporary and versatile interiors…
These four collections, have been divided into Vivido, Urban, Whitworth and Northwood. For design that encapsulates the simplicity and striking form of abstract shapes, Vivido is a collection of fabrics and wallpapers that takes its cue from architecture and is softened by a considered, muted palette.
New to the fabric house, sartorial stripes bring a timelessness to interiors in a velvet that is fit for purpose in contract and domestic applications. Tailored stripes in a selection of widths take this linear look to the next level.
For a take on a modern geometric, Urban is inspired by Cubism, with its abstract take on shape, but delivers an artistic, cohesive collection of fabric designs in a rich palette.
Northwood completes the AW23 collection. Studio G’s collection of 100 per cent cotton fabrics bring an eternally English feel to the portfolio, with a colour palette inspired by the seasons and a beautiful blend of prints that take their inspiration from nature, whether in the luscious forest landscapes or the delicate florals of a meadow.
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
Inspired by the trend for simple, abstract shapes, Vivido is a luxurious collection of nine wallcoverings and a mix of seven fabrics, including tactile weaves, embroideries and prints. Layering techniques add depth to architecturally inspired designs, which are softened by a relaxed, tonal palette. Contemporary colourways such as Midnight and Spice add a touch of contrast to this easy-to-use range, which is punctuated by subtle metallic highlights.
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
Taking its cue from the abstract aesthetics of Cubism, Urban transforms landscapes and objects into geometric artforms. Incorporating a range of statement designs on soft, cut velvet and one tactile weave, this expressive collection of stripes, circles and chevrons spans a rich colour palette in six fabric designs.
“For AW23 we have created a versatile range of collections that tailor to any market, from luxurious bold velvets, rustic textured linens and crisp cottons, there is something for everyone,” said Jessica Butler, Senior Designer Clarke & Clarke. “Creating these designs has been a journey, with inspiration from our Manchester studio, its amazing architecture, artistic movements and the rolling hills of the North all playing a part. Experimenting with tonal colour palettes and natural elements has brought our in-house artwork to life. It’s always our aim to combine new and exciting colours with timeless designs that will suit any interior and this launch really encapsulates that vision.”
Image credit: Clarke & Clarke
For the first time, the studio presents a timeless range of dual purpose tailored velvet stripes. Comprising four smart designs in a range of widths and bestselling colourways, Whitworth’s versatile aesthetic is suitable for both contract and domestic settings.
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.
Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote opens in a reimagined architectural landmark
Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote is the second hotel in Spain for luxury brand Paradisus by Meliá. Originally designed by the renowned Spanish architect Fernando Higueras, the building is a true architectural treasure, having been listed as an Artistic and Cultural Heritage site in Lanzarote…
Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote is the second hotel in Europe from the luxury resort brand Paradisus by Meliá, which is reinventing the traditional ‘all inclusive’ concept, innovating and transforming it through new experiences linked to the destination’s nature and exploring everything it has to offer. Under the slogan, ‘Embrace Your Nature’, Meliá Hotels International offers an authentic cultural immersion into each of the places where its hotels are located.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels
With unique lunar landscapes, volcanoes, unspoiled beaches, picturesque villages and an exceptional climate, the island of Lanzarote, a Biosphere Reserve, is the perfect destination for travellers who love nature and who want to immerse themselves in the essence of this fascinating island. Nestled in a dreamy enclave, surrounded by the beautiful beaches of Costa Teguise and charming villages steeped in culture, is the brand new Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote. The reimagined property features 282 rooms and villas, a 1,800 square metre swimming pool, beautiful tropical gardens designed by César Manrique and seven dining options.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels
Image credit: Meliá Hotels
Originally designed by Fernando Higueras and César Manrique, the building combines rationalist architecture by Higueras, with murals, pool and garden design by the Canarian artist and painter. Over 40 years ago, the architect took over the principal building with the idea that the concrete, formwork and geometry of the folds and their monumental emphasis, blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature and environment. In turn, Manrique took charge of the hotel’s swimming pool, with a surface of 1,800 square metres, of the spectacular tropical gardens, home to more than 300 vegetable species and of the frescos and sculptures that bring colour and warmth to the building and its interiors.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels
In 1979, the hotel was awarded the International Prize for Architecture. Today, following a complete renovation and redecoration of the spaces, Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote is a luxury five-star, adults-only hotel, with direct beach access, spa, gym, meeting rooms, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, rooms with private pools, villas and seven different dining options.
“Guests can escape to the most secluded corners, savour authentic cuisine, meet local artists and discover the culture of the villages and their people,” explained Susanna Mander, Global Director of Brand Marketing at Paradisus by Meliá.
Under the slogan, ‘Embrace New Adventures’, the brand has created unique Destination Inclusive experiences that range from guided tours to popular tourist sites, like the Jameos del Agua or the Cactus Garden, to artistic excursions brimming with creativity, like the emblematic El Grifo winery with its vines intertwined in the volcanic ash that is so characteristic of the island.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels
Haute cuisine is another of the attractive features of this hotel where international, Mediterranean and, of course, the signature Canarian cuisine is combined to reinterpret the classics on the traditional stoves of La Graciosa restaurant. To understand some of the elements cooked in this space, you need to travel to the renowned restaurant La Acuarela in Mogan, which has been under Germán Ortega’s leadership for many years. Awarded a Michelin star and two ‘soles’ from the Repsol Guide, its cuisine is one of the most renowned and revered on the island. With a diverse career trajectory behind him, Ortega has designed La Graciosa’s menu, including a tasting menu of three dishes that will be changed seasonally.
Image credit: Meliá Hotels
Combining luxury with local culture and nature is key to the Paradisus by Meliá brand ethos, which is providing guests with a truly unique experience. An innovative hotel concept where the guest’s entire stay is immersed in the local culture and traditions, from cooking workshops to excursions to the most hidden or iconic places of the Fortunate Isles or Islas Afortunadas.
The hotel is one of the assets that form part of the alternative investment vehicle Victoria Hotels & Resorts, a collaboration between Meliá Hotels International, Bankinter Investment and GMA.
Product watch: Introducing the DESSO & Ex Nature collection from Tarkett
Taking inspiration from the inherent beauty of the natural world, Tarkett and leading Dutch interior architect, Odette Ex have launched the DESSO & Ex Nature collection of wall-to-wall broadloom carpet and custom-made area rugs…
The collaboration between Odette Ex and Tarkett dates back to 2015 when they launched their first successful collection together. Renowned for her visionary approach that puts human wellbeing at the heart of the design process, the pairing is a true meeting of the minds.
“We wanted to design a collection that helps people feel grounded, but that would still surprise and delight,” commented the designer.”As humans we have an innate connection to nature, so we took cues from living matters and materials to bring people on a restorative journey with us. By bringing in bolder and playful contemporary themes into the design process too, we have injected a sense of fun along the way. I can’t wait to see how fellow designers use this collection to help bring interior spaces to life.”
Image credit: Tarkett
With organic textures and tones, DESSO & Ex Nature induces a feeling of calm that brings warmth, tactility and acoustic comfort to any setting. It reflects the emergence of multi-functional spaces for work, hospitality and leisure, with creative solutions that satisfy a more holistic set of conscious and subconscious needs. Combining wall-to-wall broadloom carpet and custom-made area rugs, the collection’s sensory appeal lies in its captivating, nature-inspired aesthetic. A beautifully authentic weathered effect is achieved with a natural palette of six mood boosting colours – Earth, Sand, Moss, Cosmos, Charcoal and Violet.
Image credit: Tarkett
Each colourway is available in a stratified pattern inspired by the vibrant structures of materials like stone, stucco and travertine. The hues work beautifully together to create an overall look and feel, while giving different rooms and areas within the space a distinct characteristic.
The collection’s more stylised patterns also provide balance and bring a more geometric playfulness to interiors, with boulder shape formations that stay true to the portfolio’s grounding philosophy.
Tarkett 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.
Case study: TREND Mosaics goes green in a statement kitchen
Settling on bottle greens and golds for an overall vision of the bar and social space, the the final interpretation was left to TREND to work its mosaic magic…
Bringing a dark 15th century kitchen up to date and making it part of a modern home demanded some bold decisions. This was the challenge facing TREND Mosaics when reimagining a social space for clients making the move into a country estate in Nottinghamshire. Faced with a featureless 75 square foot sub-basement room, it needed to be transformed into a fun, opulent and creative entertainment space. It was decided to bring the room to life by injecting strong colour accents and bold, statement design features.
Image credit: TREND Mosaic
TREND’s Emerald Mix was chosen for its vibrant green shades and gold accents, adding real depth and interest to the feature bar. Made up from a combination Vitreo (opaque), Brillante (sparkling), Shining (iridescent), Feel (textured) and Aureo (24-carat gold) tesserae, the design creates a subtle background of varying shades and textures that capture and play with the light from every angle. Mosaics also allow the surface to curve around the contours of the bar with ease.
Image credit: TREND Mosaic
The design is also repeated around the mirror frames, extending the effect around the room. Supported by a rich leaf-pattern wallpaper, swirl-design seating fabric and gold bolster cushions, the overall effect creates a verdant interior landscape that balances relaxation with a latent energy. Comprised of up to 78 per cent post-consumer recycled glass, the tesserae take the ‘green’ theme beyond mere colour into the use of responsibly produced eco-friendly materials. For TREND, Emerald Mix was a natural choice for the project and one that achieved the desired effect perfectly.
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.
In celebration of the historic hotel’s 100th anniversary, Rockwell Group completes an inspired redesign of Boca Raton, uncovering historic details and adding modern luxury…
Leading New York-based architecture and design studio, Rockwell Group, has completed the interiors for the guestrooms and many of the premiere amenity and dining venues at The Boca Raton in Florida, which was originally founded in 1926 as the Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn. Set on over 200 waterfront acres, The Boca Raton is one of the premiere resort destinations and private clubs in the United States and one of the largest hotels in South Florida.
Rockwell Group designed and undertook a comprehensive multi-stage renovation of the Tower’s guestrooms and suites and a plethora of public spaces, such as Palm Court lobby lounge, four restaurants for Major Food Group and the Harborside Pool Club.
Image credit: Rockwell Group
Throughout The Boca Raton, Rockwell Group redesigned spaces to add cohesion and a sense of luxury to the property, while celebrating Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. In many cases, the design details embrace and uncover original architect Addison Mizner’s Mediterranean Revival ideals to tie back to the property’s origins, in time for the celebration of the hotel’s upcoming 100th anniversary.
Image credit: Rockwell Group
Image credit: Rockwell Group
The re-design stripped away remnants of previous renovations of property’s storied Palm Court to re-centre it as the heart of the property, embracing the hotel’s original Mediterranean Revival-style architecture to create a welcoming lobby lounge. Functioning as a bar and main social space, Palm Court features a storefront with glazed arches framed in black steel—a contemporary interpretation of the arches found throughout the property—that enhance views out to the lake and encourage connection between the indoors and outside.
Image credit: Rockwell Group
One of four signature restaurants created in partnership with Major Food Group, the minimal, contemporary Japanese Bocce Club embraces the simplicity and beauty of Japanese design through a neutral material palette with indigo blue accents. The corner entrance is screened with traditional noren panels and pale wood-wrapped columns that begin to suggest the tonality of the interior. The modern, clean-lined dining room glows under a blue ceiling with clusters of paper lanterns in varying sizes and lengths. Defined by a dimensional wood block feature wall, the combined liquor and sushi bar is a carved monolithic curved sculpture with a smooth plaster finish. Outside a covered dining patio overlooks Japanese rock garden-inspired bocce courts.
Image credit: Rockwell Group
The Flamingo Grill is a classic Floridian restaurant and members-only club with a tropical feel. The dining room spills out onto a covered terrace with a bright and airy atmosphere, custom patterned floor tiles, and views of the golf club. In the interior dining room, which was inspired by local flora and fauna, Rockwell Group enhanced the existing vaulted ceiling by adding white painted wood louvers along the perimeter. The outdoor club is shaded by large trees and has its own bar—an intimate oasis for members, with ping-pong and pool tables for an afternoon of fun.
Image credit: Rockwell Group
Image credit: Rockwell Group
The fine dining restaurant Principessa Ristorane transports guests to lakeside dining on the shores of a northern Italian villa, bringing forth elegance, grandeur and modern touches. For this historic room Rockwell Group brought in rich jewel tones and celebrated the timber beams in the ceiling. Warm wood wainscoting lines the dining room, which has a restored original terrazzo floor. Dramatic crystal light fixtures accentuate the historic beam ceiling and add a warm glow, while sconces and mirrors reflect water views. An outdoor dining terrace and bar, adjacent to the Palm Court patio, offers uninterrupted views of Lake Boca.
Image credit: Rockwell Group
Harborside Pool Club’s design invites guests through a grand arched entrance adorned with glowing lanterns into the reception area with greenery and exposed wood beam ceilings. The club leads to the main family pool, ringed with lounge chairs and cabanas, followed by the adult pool featuring a sophisticated, darker palette with emerald green touches and private cabanas. Completing the pool club is an open-air bar, a restaurant and a roof deck, all of which evoke the historic architecture of the resort towers with a lounge area and shaded seating.
Image credit: Rockwell Group
Built in 1969, the 27-story Tower is the tallest building in Boca Raton and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and South Florida coastline. Rockwell Group reimagined the Tower from the ground up, including its lobbies and guestrooms, with a contemporary coastal feel. The bright and spacious rooms and suites have a casual luxury, with linen fabrics and bleached wood accents that emphasise the spectacular 360-degree views. Sand-like travertine tiles, ribbed glass and warm textured wood in the bathrooms respond to the waterfront setting. Florida-inspired artwork throughout the guestrooms celebrate the hotel’s location and add pops of colour to create a residential feel.
Harlequin launches new collection with Sophie Robinson
Harlequin x Sophie Robinson is the boldest collaboration yet from the fabric and wallpaper brand, with a collection colour palette that packs a serious punch…
Never have two creatives been so vibrantly aligned. Harlequin’s house of colour meets Sophie Robinson, designer, broadcaster and renowned queen of colour, in a masterclass of joyful colour and pattern mixing. The result is a daringly colourful collection of fabrics and wallpapers that takes its inspiration from Robinson’s own countryside garden.
Fusing natural references with archive designs and layering bold expressive colour on colour, this collection, including fabrics, weaves and wallpapers, journeys through nostalgic memories of alfresco dining, lazy summer days under the sun, picnicking, and embracing the beauty and glorious colour of nature.
Image credit: Harlequin
Abstract and archival designs collide in a symphony of colour. Uplifting and joyful, each design across fabric and wallpaper has been created to stir the senses and invigorate creativity in all. Every detailed design represents an exploration of the designers garden and the memories conjured from meandering across carpeted meadows, looking upwards towards basking tree canopies and lazily sipping on summertime tipples from the prettiest paper straws.
The collection harnesses the creativity of combining old and new, nature and art, colour and well, more colour. What has emerged is a maximalist moodboard, imbued with regenerative layers of pattern and print. Robinson’s eye for layering and being bold with colour and pattern harmonises with Harlequin’s renowned passion for bringing design confidence through the power of colour.
Ten wallpapers, eight prints and seven weaves make for maximalist dreamscapes in interiors, with the collection’s colours taking their names from gems and precious stones such as Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst and Rose Quartz.
Image credit: Harlequin
Image credit: Harlequin
“Sophie’s experience and authority of using colour in interior design dovetails perfectly with our passion for pattern and colour,” discussed Claire Greenfield, Lead Designer at Harlequin. “We’ve filled archive documents and contemporary artworks with bright, bold highlights, and brought her ideas to life in a way that empowers homeowners to create colour confident interiors that match their personality.”
While each design feels unique and expressive with its own print story, Wonderland Floral encapsulates the sentiment of the entire collection, with its joyous open florals in popping jewel tones. The exotic nature of the print makes for a stop and stare moment. The whimsy of the archival design, recoloured in Sophie’s signature bold colour palette, brings new meaning to the wildness of nature.
Image credit: Harlequin
“This collection is about nature running wild,” said Robinson.”It has been magnified in its psychedelic colours. Infused with enchantment, these are fantasy florals in fabric and wallpaper. Wonderland is a vivacious hero of this sentiment.”
Dappled Leaf is a statement design inspired by the enveloping nature of trees. This canopy of bowing branches is a bold focal point while remaining deeply connected to nature. “Dappled Leaf is the most gloriously versatile print, moving seamlessly from wallpaper to drapes and upholstery,” added Robinson. “It has such a lovely depth and sense of movement in the design.”
Image credit: Harlequin
Image credit: Harlequin
Something this collection delights in is a playfulness. Memories of embracing nature and the nostalgia that is stirred up in summer moments, comes to the fore in designs such as Sherbet Stripe and Jewelled Beetle. Bold, contrasting and delightfully playful, Sherbet Stripe is a candy cane of the designer’s favourite colours while Jewelled Beetle creates contrast and intrigue, beautifully juxtaposing the florals, stripes and wiggles of other designs.
“I very distinctly wanted a beetle for this collection, with its edginess and its natural suit of armour, ready to be bejewelled and adorned,” continued Robinson. “The humble but bold beetle is a symbol of disruption to the ordinary and this collection with Harlequin is anything but ordinary.”
Many fabrics in the collection have been produced using Harlequin’s 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 all materials are responsibly sourced and ethically produced, with all wallpaper printed in the UK on FSC certified substrates, from sustainable, traceable sources.
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.
Product watch: Crosswater unveils 4 new brassware designs
The new Crosswater brassware designs – Foile, 3ONE6 Lever, Lazo and Limit – are a beautiful exploration of shape, colour and texture…
The sophisticated designs from Crosswater have emerged from the study of composition, perfectly balancing form and function as the brand’s evolution defines modern luxury. “Form, colour, texture and materials convey meaning equal to or greater than words,” said Jorge Hernandez, Product and Design Manager at Bathroom Brands Group.
Image credit: Crosswater
Foile introduces a stylish collection of brassware featuring a unique and precise curvature. The statement designs and textured finishes are inspired by forces of nature and pay homage to aerodynamics and refined airflow – super cars, yachts, aeroplanes – that exude their purpose and balance performance. Available in Brushed Brass, Matt Black and Chrome finishes, the collection includes basin monobloc, basin two hole set, basin three hole set (wall mounted), basin three hole deck set, bath spout, two handle trimset (module), two handle trimset and bath spout (module), two handle trimset and handset (module), two handle trimset and spout and handset (module).
Image credit: Crosswater
3ONE6 Lever encompasses all the excellent qualities of 316 grade stainless steel – durable, resistant to corrosion and heat, non-toxic, endlessly recyclable and low maintenance – and combines them with a new, timeless design that focuses on the material’s inherent beauty. The new minimalist, pared-back integrated lever design perfectly defines why less is sometimes more. A circular bar placed atop another bar is a simple interaction of two shapes that is raw, pure and timeless. this deisgn is available in Brushed Brass Effect, Stainless Steel, and a new Slate finish. The 3ONE6 Lever collection includes a full range of monobloc, mixer and outlet options and combinations.
Image credit: Crosswater
Lazo is a curious exploration of playfulness, inspired by the demand for practical and modern design that invites easy interaction. The tactile, minimalist loop design and soft aesthetic is the perfect blend of form and function. Available in Brushed Brass, Matt Black and Chrome finishes, the collection includes a basin monobloc, tall basin mixer, basin three hole set, basin two hole set, bath shower mixer and a full range of crossbox outlet trimsets.
Image credit: Crosswater
the fourth new design, Limit, is sharp with precisely engineered and chamfered angles. The exploration of harmony between shape and texture reflects the beauty of decisive geometric angles, with a fluted, continuous parallel repetition of delicate grooves adding texture and character. A streamlined silhouette with a detailed finish, Limit’s composition perfectly balances style and gentle user interaction. Available in Brushed Brass, Matt Black and Chrome finishes, the collection includes the full range of monobloc and hole set options and towel warmer.
Crosswater 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.
Champalimaud Design adds imaginative layers to St. Regis Jakarta
New York-based interior design studio, Champalimaud Design, has created extraordinary spaces throughout the St. Regis Jakarta by incorporating Indonesia’s traditions of design, music and art. The concept tells the story of Jakarta, of the culture and of the people…
Throughout the public spaces, restaurants and bars, Champalimaud has created spaces that evoke connections, engagement and conversation – taking guests on an enriched journey through the hotel.
“Inspired by the rich jazz traditions of Indonesia, we looked to infuse Jakarta’s cultural heritage with a contemporary energy,” said Courtney Brannan, Principal at Champalimaud Design. “We collaborated with local artists to elevate our designs and create an immersive, memorable visit for guests. We hope the hotel will be experienced as a representation of the city, captivating for both locals and guests from far away.”
Image credit: St Regis Hotels and Resorts
Indonesia’s rich musical heritage provided key inspiration for the studio. Gamelan is the traditional instrumental ensemble of Indonesia and an integral part of Indonesian culture heard at religious ceremonies, celebrations and dance performances. The harmony between dance and music is echoed in the kinetic ‘Sound of Light’ chandelier in the Lobby, created in collaboration with celebrated Czech glassmaker LASVIT. The chandelier’s lighting elements follow the lead of the music playing, undulating and moving according to the sounds and rhythm of the music by Indonesian composer Andi Rianto. The installation produces a shimmering light that dances across the space and illuminates the ceiling, creating a memorable arrival for guests.
Image credit: St Regis Hotels and Resorts
Incorporating the work and spirit of the local community and artisans is integral to Champalimaud Design’s philosophy and the St Regis Jakarta is a celebration of Indonesian art, with the studio’s interpretations of Indonesian design and the work of Indonesian artists incorporated throughout the hotel. In a dynamic video work by artist collective Tromarama, local florals float across the reception area ceiling, adding life to the double volume space.
There are a diverse range of musical genres in Indonesia and the hotel’s signature St. Regis Bar, unique and different at every St. Regis hotel around the world, is full of details and nods to the different instruments and elements of music. The wallcovering mimics the sound waves of jazz, while the striking mural captures the interplay of jazz and art, reflecting the rhythm, energy and spirit of the history of jazz in Indonesia. The mural was created by Indonesian artist Eddy Susanto and the studio collaborated with Susanto on the colour, figures and segmentation of the piece.
Inspired by Java Jazz, the mural is ‘painted’ using texts depicting Javanese Wayang Figures in Javanese Shadow Puppet Performances. The central chandelier above the main bar is a custom designed glass sculpture inspired by the trombone and saxophone, incorporating long cylinders of bronze intermingled with clear and etched glass cylinders.
Image credit: St Regis Hotels and Resorts
Lumens Bar embraces and explores how light and metals play together, with a colour palette influenced by the bronze tones of instruments. The studio created a central feature that mimics liquid and captures light in different ways as guests walk around the bar, while over the bar are beautiful crystals that are reflected in the room itself and onto the deep red upholstery. The wall architecture is a beautiful rhythm of lines and arches with a champagne coloured gold leaf applied.
Image credit: St Regis Hotels and Resorts
Dining spaces include the Rose Gourmand Deli, Drawing Room, Tea Room, J.J.A. restaurant, offering upscale dining and Bel Étage, for all day dining. The colour palette of Bel Étage was inspired by the local cuisine of Indonesia. Rich reds, oranges and saffron colours, reminiscent of the persimmons and turmeric used in Indonesia were woven throughout the space. The studio introduced designs that would allow the space to transition throughout the day, morning light turning into a moodier setting at night.
Image credit: St Regis Hotels and Resorts
Champalimaud Design sees design as a form of poetic translation. At St Regis Jakarta a strong sense of history and heritage has been maintained, supported by innovative and playful design. The city’s multilayered history is at the heart of the hotel, with the symphony of Jakarta’s cultural refinements, design, music and art brought together. The studio is dedicated to expressing the individual character of each space through extensive research and the weaving of considered materials, colours and textures. The stories evoked, both visually and emotionally, draw guests to the different spaces of the hotel to experience something new and memorable.
Exclusive: inside Raffles London at The OWO with EPR Architects
Editor Hamish Kilburn accepted a very special invitation from Geoff Hull, Director at EPR Architects, to join him for a sneak peek inside The Old War Office (The OWO), which shelters the soon-to-open 120-key Raffles London, as well as 85 luxury residences and a plethora of new restaurants and bars. The building is wrapped in history — but that’s just the beginning of this fascinating and, quite frankly, unbelievable design and architectural narrative, which, almost a decade after acquisition, is modern history in the making…
For eight years, while working on and balancing time between other significant projects, the Old War Office (The OWO) in London’s Whitehall has been the centre of architect Geoff Hull and his team at EPR Architects’ world. The mission, to sensitively restore one of London’s most prestigious and imposing buildings – the Grade II* listed architectural shell that once sheltered the headquarters for Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill during the second world war, and where he broadcasted many of his public announcements – into a 120-key luxury hotel, 85-key private residences and dining destination was not a project to be taken on lightly.
Image credit: DaeWha Kang Studio
Not only would EPR Architects, together with a team of no less than 37 consultants, reincarnate this majestic building into a new destination with a flagship Raffles hotel and private residences, but, in the process, they would also extend the already monumental building by 31 per cent, adding a three-storey roof extension, and digging down six levels of basement to create a five-storey spa and crystal-showered ballroom. In short, this architectural and engineering feat is worthy of its own chapter in the building’s history book.
The OWO has two and a half miles of corridor, and 32 new lifts, some of which pay homage to wrought iron scissor lifts via a series of mesh screen cores.
Image credit: EPR Architects / Raffles London / The Office of Thierry Despont
Following the original soft strip by Keltbray, the main demolition, substructure and concrete frame was constructed by Toureen. The envelope and the majority of fitting out has been undertaken by Ardmore, partnered with McCues for the spa areas (there are still some third-party F&B fit-outs underway). The contractors have been supported by a regiment of designers and consultants, who were:
Development Manager and Contract Administrator – Westminster Development Services
Architect and Lead Designer – EPR Architects
Structural Engineer – Elliott Wood
Services Engineer – Aecom
Interior Designer Hotel – The Office of Thierry Despont
Interior Designer Residential – 1508 London
Interior Designer Spa – Goddard Littlefair
Interior Designer Penthouse Suite – Winch Design
Interior Designers (4 No White Box F&B) – TBA
Pavilion – DaeWha Kang Design
Pavilion Engineer – Arup
BREEAM Assessor – Aecom
Quantity Surveyor – Gardiner & Theobald
Principal Designer (CDM Regulations) – Orsa
Fire Engineer – Jensen Hughes
Signage – Corlette
Specialist Lighting – DPA
Catering – Tricon
Landscaping – Marcus Barnett Studio
Building Control – Bureau Veritas
Access and maintenance- Orsa
FFE/OSE Procurement – Argenta and Richmonds
Planning Consultant – Gerald Eve
Historic Advisor – Donald Insall
Traffic and Waste – WSP
Sunlight and Daylight – Point 2 Surveyors
Project Administration – Gardiner & Theobald
Security – QCIC
IT – PTS
AV- Blend
Measured Surveys – Murphy Surveys
Verified Views – The Visualiser
Acoustic Consultant – Sharps Redmore
Archaeology – MOLA
Accessibility – Butler and Young / Socotec
Marketing and brand development (The OWO) – Graf London
“This project is like an iceberg,” Hull said as he unrolled the initial drawings to show me the sheer scale of the task he and his team confronted. From the surface, the building has been preserved perfectly. To meet the brief, however – and for the property to compete confidently with the surrounding hotel design scene – the owners and architects fought hard to get permission to restructure the building. They added layers, in design and architecture, where relevant so that it would answer to the hefty demands of luxury modern travellers. By doing so, today, The OWO has two and a half miles of corridor and 32 new lifts, some of which pay homage to wrought iron scissor lifts via a series of mesh screen cores that nestle within the existing stone staircases in-keeping with the building’s aesthetic.
Image credit: Patrick Williamson
With a project of this size, under the weight of vast historical context, extensions have to be approached with meticulous care. To ensure what was new sat in harmony with the existing structure, Hull secured the original architect’s actual drawings, which unlocked answers on the direction of the project. “The original building, for example, had a mansard – a roof style, typical in the Baroque era,” Hull explained. “We were able to look at the original drawings to understand the proportion and hierarchy of the architecture. Externally, we have been very true to the original architect’s aspiration.” It’s true, despite noticing a difference in colour, which will change once it has weathered, you cannot tell where the new part of the building starts and where it ends. It is, as Hull describes it, “a spot the difference” as you walk around the site.
Image credit: EPR Architects / Raffles London / The Office of Thierry Despont
To avoid the obvious pitfall of creating a hotel that felt more like a museum than a hospitality haven, several interior design studios were invited onto the project to add meaningful layers throughout. “Away from the exterior, internally we were able to afford to be braver,” the architect added. “In buildings like this, you need a different personality in each space to suit different moods – you need light areas as well as darker spaces and you need to explore textures, because you want to create a series of experiences that filter from exciting to calm.”
EPR Architects developed the overall masterplan of the development to offer permeability for guests and link the vertical and horizontal circulation routes for all key back-of-house to front-of-house spaces. This then sat as the backdrop for the interior designers to evolve their input. The overall design scheme of the hotel was created by The Office of Thierry Despont. The spa, meanwhile, which features nine treatment rooms, a 20-metre pool and an eight-metre vitality pool, was created by Goddard Littlefair. Elsewhere, various international design houses were selected to create the interior schemes inside the other F&B third-party spaces. The look and feel of the residences was designed by 1508 London.
Image credit: EPR Architects / Raffles London / Goddard Littlefair
One thing that is unequivocally apparent about Raffles London at The OWO is that its design and architecture sets guests up to be surprised around every turn; to experience unexpected moments that are soft touchpoints and reminders of the building’s importance.
There is perhaps nowhere in the hotel more exclusive – and more hidden from public view, for that matter – than one room located in the basement, tucked away behind an unassuming door in a back-of-house area. It’s the great secret that, for the time being, will remain nameless. It was designed, playfully, in collaboration with Thierry Despont and EPR Architects. “It [the bar] references famous spies and explores espionage – and references Ian Fleming,” said Hull. “We wanted to have a bit of fun, but we also wanted to create a secret destination. It was a thrilling process, rummaging through old James Bond photos and researching infamous vehicles. It was every schoolboy’s dream to have an Aston Martin built for you – advising them how it needed to be made so that it was integrated into the design – it became art.”
Image credit: EPR Architects / 1508 London
As the hotel is nearing completion, on site, there is an energy about the place. I arrived on a day when the official photographs of the spa were taking place, which felt rather special. And while the various spaces are truly breathtaking, speaking to the architect behind its magic was something I can’t quite (yet) put into words. But perhaps that is part of this project’s charm.
Image credit: EPR Architects / Raffles London / The Office of Thierry Despont
“We have taken what was a closed government building and opened it up for all to see,” reflected Hull as we sat in a café facing Horse Guards Parade, which felt like an apt place to end our tour. The statement from the architect felt like an exhale, and was followed by a beaming grin, which, to me, was clearer than any quote – it was an expression of pride, for the whole team who, together, made art, design and hospitality out of fragile pieces of history.
Miniview: Mondrian Singapore Duxton deconstructs the shophouse
Studio Carter has teamed up with DP Architects in Singapore to break bold new ground with a ‘deconstructed shophouse’ as the overarching design inspiration for the Mondrian Singapore Duxton…
Rooted in Singaporean culture, Mondrian Singapore Duxton, which opened its doors earlier this year, rises above Chinatown’s colourful historical shophouses and looks to the future with its sweeping views of the CBD skyline. Principal and founder Robbyn Carter, who spent six years in Singapore living in a shophouse before returning to her native Los Angeles three years ago, has captured the soul of the Duxton Hill experience and transformed it into a new statement in design.
“Duxton Hill is like nowhere else,” explained Carter, “it’s Singapore’s most happening district, it feels like a village with its preserved shophouses and eclectic mix of cocktail bars, restaurants and nightlife.”
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
“As a nod to the rich history of Duxton, the façade design echoes the datum of scale and proportion of the adjacent shophouses, while common decorative elements are abstracted as architectural features,” continued Suneeth Changaroth of DPA. “Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s overall façade is an attempt to imbue a minimalist and modern design adaptation that is true to its time, yet still responding and reflecting the traditional shophouse typology.”
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
The seamless connectivity, built into the design of the development, extends the vibrancy of this precinct during the day and into the night. Significantly, the Mondrian public linkway running through the property for the first time connects the Duxton Hill neighbourhood with the surrounding bar and restaurant-filled streets of Keong Saik, Craig and Neil Roads. With some of Singapore’s hottest operators opening new F&B concepts over the coming months, it will create a new culinary epicentre for food and drink lovers across the region.
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Carter’s approach to design began with a stint as apprentice to sculptor Albert Guibara in San Francisco. A degree in environmental design followed at the Arts Centre College of Design in Pasadena, where she honed her ideas on bringing art into space. Further engagements with furniture luminaries Bernhardt and Dutch design guru Marcel Wanders followed, before Carter launched out on her own. “For me, it’s always about form, it’s always about space,” discussed Carter. “It’s not just about putting a beautiful object there, there and there, sometimes it’s about the negative space. A lot of my design is very sculptural and takes more of a compositional approach.”
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
At Mondrian Singapore Duxton, this manifests throughout the hotel. Carter was taken with the big idea of the deconstructed shophouse. “Rather than a direct translation, we took its parts and deconstructed it into contemporary forms,” she explained. “We wanted to recognise it but also reinvent it, that Singapore silhouette. To rediscover old details in contemporary and unexpected touches.”
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
This approach comes to life in the distinctive Shophouse Suites, where the traditional features have a modern twist with vaulted ceilings and arched wooden shutters. With Murphy-style beds, the suites have been designed to transform from bedroom to meeting or entertaining space. In the hotel rooms, inspiration abounds. “We love the idea of a slick glass box of the shower protruding through the rough plaster walls. The minibar we call the cloud bar, I was inspired by flying in and out of Singapore. We brought in some warm timber accents, some beautiful lighting options, arches coated in copper or steel, and contemporary custom furniture which is very iconic to Mondrian.”
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
The design mines Singapore’s rich melting pot of cultures and trade route neighbours for inspirations for art, furniture and materials. “We engaged an artist to create a beautiful graphic artwork on Bottega di Carna’s ceiling and that also carries through into the rooms, inspired by the things we love about the country. This graphic incorporates things that are distinctly Singaporean, the flora and fauna, the architecture, the new with the historical and the melting pot of cultures.”
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Inspired by the neighbourhood’s sense of community, Carter eschewed a stuffy conventional hotel lobby for a living, breathing restaurant and bar vibe. “We didn’t want the lifts and reception to be the main thing when you walk in, it’s more like walking into a vibrant, happening hotspot. All of this looks out onto the lush and beautiful greenery of the garden. The furniture is all custom made, very Mondrian. We play with reflections in large wavy metal mirrors, to echo the fact that there is a lot of water around Singapore, which distort and challenge perceptions.”
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
At Bottega di Carna, the show kitchen is filled with bustling chefs, flames from the Josper grill and cuts of meat displayed in a jewel box showcase. Overlooking the Mondrian garden, this is the heart of the hotel and the space guests first experience on arrival. Jungle Ballroom enhances the feeling of stepping into a hidden sanctuary. The ‘secret tunnel’ arched entrance is covered in greenery that lights up at night, evoking the feeling of discovering a hidden gem within the hotel. Helping provide sparkle to the space are psychedelic, kaleidoscopic artworks, visual cocktails composed of photos of exotic blooms.
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
With a 360-degree backdrop of the glittering Singapore skyline and the terracotta rooftops of the surrounding Chinatown shophouses, the jewel on Mondrian’s crown is the 1970s Hollywood-inspired Canyon Club Rooftop Bar and Poolside Cabanas. Retro-vibed low velvet pink-hued seating sets the scene at the bar, leading to vibrant striped cabanas by the water.
Image credit: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
“Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s design has a considered simplicity and an inspired approach to celebrating our unique location and culture,” said Robert C.Hauck, General Manager. ” Mondrian is not exclusive, it’s very inclusive, it’s all about inviting the community in and providing a space where possibilities are endless.”
Mondrian Singapore Duxton is the newest addition to the Mondrian family of hotels, launched by Ian Schrager in 1996, joining the brand’s properties in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, Cannes, Doha and Seoul.
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