The Client brief was to create a relaxed and stylish environment, in keeping with London Bridge Hotel’s established reputation. The Quarter Bar & Lounge will provide tapas, shared platters and serve afternoon tea to hotel residents and the general public.
Interiors Director, Tim Burford and Designer Lucy Robinson chose different textures and warm palettes to soften and add charm to the 2200 sq ft bar and lounge. The overall colour scheme consists of varying greys offset with deep reds and rich, olive greens. A dark stained original parquet floor completes this look. Lounge and booth seating has been used throughout. The main supplier was Morgan Furniture who upholstered everything in fabric to the designers specification and provided coffee tables. Michael Tyler supplied armchairs and the sofa. Plush velvet has coupled with geometric and striped fabrics have been used against neutral, leather tones – to avoid over dressing the area. A traditional English interior has been achieved by introducing grey wall paneling, cornicing and picture rails alongside statement wallpaper. Low-level lighting provides the feeling of intimacy and a new bar adds grandeur to the lounge with its pewter top and dark grey frontage.
designLSM Designer Lucy comments “We carefully sourced pieces of furniture, lighting and fabrics – which together brought life and character to the space. Everything ran extremely smoothly – a minor challenge was to position the ceiling feature so it did not conflict with pipework used by the hotel rooms above. The overall result is quintessentially British with a sophisticated twist”.
The Waldorf, Hilton – Reception Reveal
The Lounge and Lobby was minimalist in design with no sense of ‘arrival’ for guests, therefore large chandeliers, feature wallpaper and intricate mouldings were introduced. Heavy, theatrical drapes and grand, antique mirrors add to the sense of theatre. The same furniture was chosen to follow through from the bar in order to create a fluid space and offer guests a choice of seating.
The second phase saw the current, sparse looking reception redesigned to highlight the sophistication and glamour for which the Waldorf Hilton is internationally renowned. Traditional style paneling, plush drapes and antique mirrors have been accentuated by introducing softer lighting. Compact fluorescent fittings have been replaced with cornice lighting at high level. INTO lighting have also supplied standard lamps and occasional table lamps. A library snug, located at the end of the Piano Lounge will create a focal point. The main consideration throughout the project was to ensure that the design was sympathetic to the existing style and image of The Waldorf. Simon Spiteri, Director Architecture comments “Attention to detail was paramount when creating an authentic and grand reception area because first impressions count.” designLSM worked with specialist contractors Stroods.
