‘We reacted pretty fast’: how to design a hotel during a pandemic

The final Hotel Designs roundtable of 2023, sponsored by Kohler, brought together leading interior designers to discuss the evolving landscape of bathroom design within the hospitality sector. The discussion centered on integrating bathrooms and bedrooms in hotel settings, exploring current trends, challenges, and future innovations. The expert panel included Corinna Galdies of G.A Group, Tom Thorogood of Studio Moren, Dimos Giorgou of Tara Bernard & Partners, Fiona Thompson of Richmond International, Sophie Borel of Cheval Collection, Mark Henderson of YOTEL, Henning Schmidt of Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas, and Kevin Miles of Kohler. One of the primary topics addressed was the merging of bathroom and bedroom spaces while maintaining practicality and guest experience. Henning Schmidt highlighted the need for merging elements in luxury properties, often using consistent surface materials to create a shared design language, though preferring separation for privacy. Dimos Giorgou pointed out that location, building type, and overall design scheme significantly influence the approach, with urban hotels often requiring more privacy than resort-style properties. Glass and sliding doors are increasingly used to open up spaces while still offering the option for seclusion. Tom Thorogood noted the growing trend towards open-concept bathrooms in lifestyle and resort hotels, emphasizing that dynamic elements like moving screens or obscured glazing can provide necessary privacy without sacrificing an airy feel. He stressed the importance of seamless design transitions, including consistent flooring, color palettes, and artwork, to create a harmonious and luxurious guest experience, especially in hotels with limited space like a new project in Tokyo. Sophie Borel added that designers face challenges with shrinking spaces and diverse demographic needs, noting that guest expectations for bathrooms vary significantly across different regions, such as the Middle East versus Europe. The conversation also touched upon enhancing bathrooms in budget-conscious brands like YOTEL. Mark Henderson explained that guests, increasingly knowledgeable about design and construction from social media, expect quality products even in more affordable hotels. He emphasized the importance of getting the basics right and selecting durable, quality brands, particularly for operational longevity. Fiona Thompson reiterated this point, highlighting that the bathroom is the most expensive and least frequently renovated part of a guestroom, necessitating careful consideration of materials and fittings that will endure for two decades or more. The role of technology in bathroom design was another significant point of discussion. Sophie Borel expressed concerns about technology's rapid evolution contrasting with the need for long-lasting design schemes, suggesting that advanced tech might be better suited for larger suites as a differentiator. Corinna Galdies confirmed this, noting that tech showers are often reserved for suites, and some projects prioritize technology-driven experiences while others focus on traditional bathing rituals. Tom Thorogood observed that the sophistication of bedroom technology is extending into bathrooms, with features like digital shower controls and integrated speakers enhancing functionality and guest experience. Mark Henderson clarified that while YOTEL utilizes technology for efficiency, such as air quality control and BMS systems, they avoid incorporating tech for its own sake, prioritizing simplicity and functionality. Kevin Miles of Kohler addressed designers' concerns about integrating technology, explaining that digital showers, which Kohler has developed for years, are now expected by guests who use them at home. He highlighted the user-friendly interface, haptic response, and iconography of Kohler's smart showers, as well as their sustainability features that track water usage. He also pointed out the customization options that make smart showers appealing to brands. Fiona Thompson expressed a pragmatic view, supporting technology only when it genuinely enhances the design and experience, while acknowledging the importance of sustainability. Tom Thorogood raised a pertinent question about the longevity of digital showers compared to analog fittings, suggesting that while software can be updated, the hardware might age faster than traditional, durable fixtures, underscoring the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation with timeless design in hotel bathrooms. #HotelDesign #BathroomDesign #InteriorDesign #HospitalityTrends #LuxuryHotels #TechnologicalIntegration #GuestExperience #SustainableDesign

The article explores the profound influence of pandemics, specifically the 1918 Spanish Flu and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, on architectural design and urban planning. It highlights how these health crises have driven a societal preoccupation with hygiene, cleanliness, and health, which in turn reshaped both public and private spaces. Following World War I, in the aftermath of the Spanish Flu, modernists adopted a radically different architectural approach. Moving away from decorative styles, they embraced designs that prioritized hygiene, mirroring the sterile environments of hospitals. Despite the Spanish Flu's devastating impact, its direct mention in architectural discourse was rare; however, its legacy is evident in the widespread adoption of modernist principles. The early 20th century saw a surge in interest in health and fitness, leading to the popularization of easily cleanable materials like shiny china, enamel, and chrome in bathrooms. This era also witnessed the establishment of institutions like the International Hygiene Exhibition in Dresden, which aimed to educate the public on anatomy, cleanliness, and healthy living. Modernist architecture and town planning actively contributed to this new focus on health. Architects sought to replace crowded, unsanitary city centers with open spaces and bright, clean buildings. Interiors shifted from dust-collecting carpets and heavy curtains to low-maintenance linoleum and functional, sculptural furniture. The prevailing medical belief of the time, that sunlight and fresh air could combat diseases like tuberculosis and influenza, profoundly influenced design. This led to the creation of visibly sterile, light-reflecting white walls, sun-drenched balconies, large windows, and sleeping porches in sanatoriums and, subsequently, in domestic dwellings and holiday resorts. Examples like Alvar Aalto's Paimio Sanatorium and Adolf Schneck's Haus auf der Alb illustrate these principles, featuring sparsely furnished rooms with essential sinks, balconies, and access to nature, emphasizing health as a moral duty. The article specifically examines the work of Swiss-French modernist architect Le Corbusier, noting his apparent preoccupation with hygiene, evidenced by the prominent placement of sinks and bidets. His Villa Savoye, with its sink in the entrance hall, is re-evaluated in the context of pandemic preparedness, suggesting that his designs, though not consciously built for this purpose at the time, offer valid solutions for hygienic living. Le Corbusier's Unité d'habitation in Marseilles is presented as an exemplary model for pandemic living, offering self-contained apartments with private balconies, access to nature, and integrated amenities like shops, educational spaces, and recreational areas, allowing for a healthy and relatively isolated existence. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the importance of reconsidering and reconfiguring domestic and public spaces. Liminal areas like porches and doorsteps have gained new significance as spaces for safe interaction. The Japanese tradition of the _genkan_, a clear transition zone between the outside and the interior where shoes are removed, is highlighted as an elegant and practical solution for decontamination. The article also discusses emerging technological solutions, such as the use of UV light for sterilization, particularly far-UVC, which is safe for humans but effective against viruses. The integration of such technologies into domestic settings, like in a modern _genkan_, represents a high-tech evolution of Le Corbusier's focus on hygiene, drawing lessons from the modernist past to build a more resilient post-COVID-19 world. #PandemicArchitecture #ModernistDesign #HygieneInDesign #LeCorbusier #VillaSavoye #UniteDHabitation #SanatoriumDesign #PostPandemicLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

This interview features Jason Holley and Paul Gulati of London-based Universal Design Studio, known for their bespoke approach to design that prioritizes user experience and sensibility over fleeting styles. Both designers recall early inclinations towards creation; Holley's interest in architecture emerged from a desire to make things, while Gulati's obsession with drawing led him to understand design as a practical endeavor. Holley recounts a childhood anecdote where he convinced his grandfather to tear down a built-in wardrobe to create a more effective bedroom space, much to his parents' dismay. Gulati remembers drawing on old engineering prints, which instilled in him an understanding of design's functional purpose. Holley pursued architecture at Kingston University and Westminster University, drawn to their experimental approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly under the influence of David Greene of Archigram. Gulati's university studies transformed his perception of space and the built environment. When discussing how they imbue projects with distinctiveness while maintaining their signature, Holley emphasizes understanding social implications and defining experiences that respond to user needs, aiming to uplift spirits. This process, he explains, creates a unique voice for each project that reflects their signature approach. Gulati highlights the importance of embedding hotels within their local creative communities. They cite challenging projects they are particularly proud of. For Holley, the At Six Hotel in Stockholm presented the challenge of integrating a world-class art collection into a luxury hotel within a Brutalist building in a lesser-known area, ultimately succeeding in creating a social space centered on engagement and storytelling. Gulati points to the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch as a rewarding project, their first hotel, which demanded success due to its proximity and the desire to create layered, convivial, and informal spaces. The intention was to deeply integrate the hotel into the local creative community, yielding results that exceeded their expectations. Looking ahead, Holley is enthusiastic about their newly established New York studio, viewing it as a natural progression given their existing projects in the city and the strong collaborative spirit they appreciate there. Both designers share inspirations beyond their immediate field. Holley admires the Dutch artist Constant Nieuwenhuys's architectural project, New Babylon, which explored a future city model that put people at the center of their environments, allowing them to design their own spaces and selves. Gulati continues to be inspired by the work of Alvar Aalto. Their dream projects reflect these inspirations; Holley dreams of realizing New Babylon, while Gulati envisions planning and designing a new city or sector as part of a wider team. He believes collaboration and applying human-centered design principles on a larger, city scale are crucial for promoting wellbeing and democratizing knowledge. When asked about dinner companions, Holley chooses novelist J.G. Ballard, expecting conversations on psychology, time, and technological fetishism. Gulati would choose his late father to share updates and stories. They would dine at Odette in Singapore, a Universal Design Studio project, or an Ottolenghi restaurant in London, respectively. If not designers, Holley would run a bakery specializing in one perfected type of bread, while Gulati would create soundtracks for films or spaces, drawing on his electronic music background. #UniversalDesignStudio #HospitalityDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHotels #CreativeProcess #DesignPhilosophy #UserExperience #HotelDesign

The article explores a growing trend in hotel design where bathrooms lack proper privacy, featuring transparent doors, frosted glass partitions that don't reach the floor, or even entirely open layouts. This design choice, often encountered in modern hotels, has led to discomfort and frustration among travelers, particularly when sharing a room with friends or family. The author recounts a personal experience in Punta Cana and highlights a social media movement, "Bring Back Bathroom Doors," initiated by Sadie Lowell, to raise awareness and provide resources for travelers seeking hotels with adequate bathroom privacy. Lowell's TikTok page, with over 36,000 likes, and her website, BringBackDoors.com, list hotels based on submitted guest experiences, categorizing them by their bathroom privacy standards. Several interior designers with experience in hotel projects shed light on the motivations behind this shift in design. Jaque Bethke, with four decades in hospitality design, attributes the trend, in part, to reduced construction and renovation budgets post-2008 market crash and the COVID-19 pandemic. She notes that today's budgets are leaner, impacting the quality and long-term design investments. Jon de la Cruz observes this issue more frequently in Europe, where rooms tend to be smaller and design standards differ, often lacking the clear separation of wet and dry areas and dedicated toilet enclosures that Americans typically expect. The designers identify several reasons for hotels prioritizing designs that compromise bathroom privacy: practicality, aesthetics, convenience, and cost-saving. From a practical standpoint, glass or barn-style doors are space-efficient, particularly in smaller rooms, as they avoid the large footprint of outward-swinging doors. Aesthetically, glass doors can make a bathroom feel brighter and larger, especially in historic buildings where adding natural light or extensive ventilation is challenging. These modern designs also tend to photograph well, aiding marketing efforts. Convenience plays a role as well, as sliding barn doors and glass doors are easier to standardize across numerous identical rooms, simplifying the construction process and reducing the need for precise doorway measurements. Financially, Bethke suggests that reduced budgets lead designers to use materials like glass as visual statements because they are relatively inexpensive and create the illusion of intentional, modern design. Lowell, through her "Bring Back Doors" campaign, argues that hotels are intentionally testing guests' willingness to sacrifice privacy, akin to how airlines have reduced space without lowering prices. She posits that by making shared bathroom experiences uncomfortable, hotels might encourage guests to book separate rooms, thus increasing revenue. Ultimately, the article concludes that as more travelers become aware of and actively avoid hotels lacking proper bathroom privacy, the hotel industry will be compelled to reconsider its design choices to prevent financial losses. For those seeking hotels with good bathroom privacy, the designers offer recommendations. Sarah Stacey points to The Menagerie in Fredericksburg, Texas, a hotel she designed, where every bathroom features a standard locked door. Jon de la Cruz recommends The Hotel de Russie in Rome for its separate toilets and bidets, while Jaque Bethke highlights Kimpton properties in Los Angeles and North Carolina as examples of thoughtful design on a smaller budget. Lowell's website also serves as a continuously updated resource for travelers to find privacy-conscious accommodations and to contribute their own hotel experiences to the movement. #HotelDesign #BathroomPrivacy #TravelExperience #InteriorDesign #HospitalityIndustry #DesignTrends #CostSavingMeasures #GuestSatisfaction #ConsumerAdvocacy

Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton's 22 brands with over 600 hotels across six continents, is continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of travelers. This involves significant investments from Hilton Owners in refreshing and renovating properties with inspiring designs and innovative amenities. The brand's commitment to delivering exceptional stays is evident in recent global renovations that showcase captivating decor, award-winning dining experiences, and state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces. One such example is the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Ohio, which underwent a $265 million expansion completed in late 2022. This expansion added a new tower, making it the only hotel in Ohio with 1,000 guest rooms and over 75,000 square feet of meeting space. The new tower features a soothing color palette and a circular lobby that connects to public spaces and the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Guests can access enhanced accommodations, some with floor-to-ceiling windows offering city views, and enjoy five distinct food and beverage concepts, including Spark, FYR, and the rooftop bar Stories on High, all within walking distance of the Short North Arts and Arena Districts. TheWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel, has also seen significant upgrades with newly appointed guest rooms and suites, a refreshed lobby, and enhanced amenities. The hotel’s design emphasizes creativity and art, featuring bright interiors with muted tones that highlight artwork, sculptures, and architectural light fixtures. Located in Chicago’s downtown Loop, it offers 310 guest rooms, a full-service spa, extensive meeting spaces, and dining options like the State and Lake restaurant and ROOF on theWit, a premier rooftop destination with panoramic city views and a retractable roof for year-round access. In London, the Hilton London Metropole, the largest Hilton hotel outside the U.S., completed a multi-million-pound renovation inspired by London's rich cityscape. This transformation enhanced its 1,100 guest rooms and 35 event spaces, including ballrooms and a hybrid meeting facility, along with a state-of-the-art fitness studio. The hotel introduced four new dining options: Tyburn Kitchen for sustainable, locally sourced dishes, Tyburn Market for grab-and-go meals, Tyburn Kitchen Bar for a casual family atmosphere, and Bow Bar, which offers an eclectic East London vibe with live DJs and signature cocktails. The Hilton Richmond Downtown in Virginia, housed in a historic former department store, underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation that preserved its unique character while modernizing its facilities. Additions include a new lobby bar and lounge, Gather & Hem, and a 1,400-square-foot hybrid meeting space, Ensemble, designed for collaboration. The hotel also features an authentic Italian restaurant, La Grotta, and the 1885 Café & Market, alongside an upgraded fitness center and an enhanced indoor pool area. Guest rooms and suites offer high ceilings, oversized windows, and renovated bathrooms with contemporary fixtures. The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina in Florida is undergoing phased renovations that began in 2020. Guest rooms were initially transformed with a navy blue, white, and natural wood palette, which extends into the rejuvenated lobby. The hotel's lagoon-style pool and pool deck provide a serene oasis next to its 33-slip marina. A new two-story waterfront expansion has increased the event space to over 30,000 square feet, including the 4,875-square-foot Intracoastal Ballroom with water views. This expansion also includes Olive & Sea, an upscale rooftop restaurant, complementing existing dining options like poolside dining and Dockside Provisions. In Indonesia, the Hilton Bali Resort's newly renovated lobby offers an elevated arrival experience with new furnishings, lighting, and decorative elements. Completed in May 2023, the design incorporates local materials, colors, and textures to create a contemporary Balinese aesthetic that reflects the island’s beauty and supports the local community. Situated along Sawangan Beach, the resort features multiple pools, a sand lagoon, a waterslide, oceanfront event spaces, four dining options, and eight semi-open villa spas. The Hilton Los Angeles Culver City in California completed a $35-million renovation, transforming it into a modern and refined space for both work and leisure. All 375 guest rooms and bathrooms received updates, including new furnishings, lighting, and décor. The property’s 25,000 square feet of meeting space now boasts state-of-the-art technology. The overhaul also included the exterior façade, landscaping, public spaces, swimming pool, and fitness center, with the addition of Peloton bikes and "5 Feet to Fitness with Fitness Zones Rooms." The hotel introduced West & Co., a new destination for craft cocktails and coastal fare, featuring a restaurant, bar, and grab-and-go market. Finally, the Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront in Austria is completing a phased renovation by the end of 2023, encompassing guest rooms, conference facilities, the executive lounge, terrace, wellness area, restaurant, and bar. Drawing inspiration from the building's history and Viennese charm, the redesign by THDP features a fresh blue waterfront design in guest rooms, with premium rooms and suites offering a modern rustic industrial aesthetic and new dining bar and terrace options for a relaxed social atmosphere. These renovations across multiple global locations highlight Hilton Hotels & Resorts' continuous effort to enhance guest experiences through thoughtful design, innovative amenities, and localized influences. #HotelRenovations #HiltonHotels #HotelDesign #HospitalityInnovation #LuxuryTravel #InteriorDesign #GuestExperience #DiningExperiences #MeetingSpaces

The Captain Whidbey, a 100-plus-year-old inn located 30 miles north of Seattle in Washington’s Puget Sound, has been reimagined and reopened by brothers Mike and Matt French, along with designer Eric Cheong. Known for their work with the Pioneertown Motel and Ace Hotels, the team has a history of revitalizing historic properties. Their approach to the Captain Whidbey involved immersing themselves in the inn's existing environment for nine months before making significant changes, allowing them to connect with the landscape, history, and community that held many cherished memories of the beloved place. The renovation incorporated a collaborative spirit, inviting various designers to contribute their unique visions. The four stand-alone cabins, for instance, were given to different designers like We the Nomads, Glasswing, Whidbey Edit, and heritage company Filson, with no specific directives. This resulted in a diverse range of styles, from an airy space with nature-inspired palettes and hand-drawn heron wallpaper to a cabin designed by Filson to emulate a yacht's interior, utilizing reclaimed teak and bass from boats. This collaborative ethos extended throughout the property, engaging local artists, craftspeople, and experts. Handwoven woolen blankets were created by local weaver Hannah Ruth Levy, carrying on a family legacy of weaving on the island. Gardens by Salty Acres hosted chef talks, and Portland fashion designer Kate Towers designed fleece housecoats for guests. The bar featured hand-painted ceramic tiles by Portland’s Mixed Needs, depicting water species and a poem by South Whidbey poet David Whyte. An eccentric library was curated from Captain Rhys Balmer's childhood collection, filled with maritime children’s books, classic sea tales, obscure hippie counterculture stories, and sea survivalist handbooks. For the historic lodge itself, the design aimed for a natural, timeless, and quirk-embracing aesthetic with subtle, organic modern updates. The inn's location within Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve meant adhering to historic building restrictions, which Cheong, an avid sailor, viewed as boundaries that deepened the design narrative, much like restoring an old ship. The original building’s idiosyncratic style, influenced by Judge Still who hand-built the inn in 1907, was respected. The more than 100-year-old, hand-hewn Pacific madrone logs, known for their cinnamon bark that darkens to red with age, and a unique, hand-built stone fireplace, where guests traditionally left poems and love letters, became central design elements. These historical features were complemented by custom Scandinavian-inspired furniture and jewel-toned mohair fabric, creating a dialogue with the past while incorporating modern comfort and style. The project showcases a deep reverence for historical context, blending it with contemporary design without compromising the inn's unique character. #HotelRenovation #HistoricPreservation #PacificNorthwestDesign #CollaborativeDesign #InteriorDesign #BoutiqueHotel #WhidbeyIsland #SustainableDesign #CommunityEngagement

The Cavendish Hotel, a British countryside establishment, recently underwent a significant redesign spearheaded by London-based interior designer Nicola Harding. The 18th-century property's interiors were reimagined using finishes from Paint & Paper Library and Pierre Frey wallcoverings. Harding's design approach emphasized a lived-in sophistication, incorporating repurposed antiques throughout the common areas and the 28 guest rooms. Examples include fire hydrants converted into lamps and sconces crafted from horse-drawn carriages. The hotel features a glass-enclosed Garden Room, which offers afternoon tea served on limestone tables sourced from Chatsworth’s archives. The Gallery, another space within the hotel, transitions from a bright daytime setting to an intimate, candlelit ambiance in the evening, offering locally sourced hearty English cuisine, such as Chatsworth farm lamb. In New York City, the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman hosts a multi-room exhibition curated by Salon Art + Design. This pop-up features collectible design and art pieces from six participant galleries: Onishi Gallery, Galerie Gabriel, J. Lohmann Gallery, Liz O’Brien, Verso, and Room 57 Gallery. The exhibition space is adorned in various shades of limewash paint, hand-applied by architectural finish producer Color Atelier, providing a distinctive backdrop for the showcased works. Artist Suzanne Kite's exhibition at the MIT Visual Arts Center focuses on indigenous knowledge systems, languages, and the interconnectedness of "stars, stones, and dreams." The multidisciplinary exhibition opened recently, offering a unique perspective on these themes. Phaidon is set to release "Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design" in March. This publication comprehensively outlines 150 residential interiors through 260 images and detailed text by Joan Barzilay Freund. The book serves as a resource for inspiration, categorizing diverse styles from tropical to maximalist. It features insights from numerous design leaders, including Atelier ND Monochrome, OKHA Collected, AGO Interiors, Shawn Henderson, and Alexandrea Tolstoy. Assouline, the Parisian publisher known for its collectible books, has expanded its presence with a new palatial library and lounge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This new location, which includes a piano lounge and restaurant, reflects Assouline's approach to interiors. The space features gilt-inlaid carved wood paneling, velvet-upholstered seating in an oxblood shade, and a selection of Assouline titles. It also offers sweeping terrace vistas of the historic Diriyah district. Flamingo Estate, a Los Angeles-based brand known for its "from the garden" philosophy and range of beauty, wellness, and pantry staples, has launched a residency at Bloomingdale’s in New York. This pop-up, part of the department store's Carousel series, makes the brand's products, including cult-favorite scents like petrichor, tomato leaf, and night blooming jasmine, accessible to New Yorkers. The installation features a canopy of dried florals and will run until mid-March. Following the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, home furnishing and decor brand Blu Dot has committed to replacing, free of charge, any of their pieces purchased within the last year that were destroyed in the tragic events. John Christakos, co-founder and CEO of Blu Dot, stated that while furniture might not be the immediate concern, the company aims to support customers in rebuilding when they are ready. Customers can initiate the replacement process by visiting Blu Dot’s West Hollywood store to connect with the team. #HotelDesign #InteriorDesign #ArtExhibition #DesignBooks #LuxuryInteriors #RetailPopUp #DisasterRelief

Hotel Hotel, a new boutique accommodation offering in Canberra's New Acton precinct, is the result of an extensive collaboration involving over fifty designers, architects, and artists. Located within Nishi, a mixed-use building, the hotel aims to transcend the sum of its individual design elements by engaging with complex urban systems, emphasizing diversity, sustainability, urbanism, arts patronage, and community development. The dramatic entry experience features a staircase designed by March Studio, constructed from more than 2,150 pieces of recycled timber. This intricate design element provides a striking contrast of rustic and baroque, high-tech and low-tech, and represents the project's multifaceted approach. The developer, Molonglo Group, intentionally fostered a pluralistic design process, believing that multiple voices and creative input, even if initially messy, lead to a richer and more challenging outcome. The hotel lobby, described as vaguely subterranean, showcases custom-developed furniture and objects by Broached Commissions and designers like Lucy McRae, Adam Goodrum, and Charles Wilson, alongside curated mid-century pieces by room designer Don Cameron. While Fender Katsalidis Architects and Japan’s Suppose Design Office designed the Nishi building, and March Studio was responsible for the lobby, the various design strands successfully integrate into a cohesive guest experience. Molonglo Group and Don Cameron collaborated to establish a sensibility for the hotel, drawing inspiration from the romantic ideal of the Australian shack. This concept translates into a focus on authenticity and sustainability through the use of enduring, quality materials and vintage furnishings. The aim was to create hotel rooms that feel like a home – inviting, tactile, and designed to age gracefully, similar to a cherished leather jacket or pair of shoes. The lobby features expressed materials like lightly finished timber and raw concrete, while the rooms offer textured surfaces, autumnal colors, and carefully tempered lighting to evoke a sense of being transported. Beyond its interior aesthetics, Hotel Hotel's genius lies in its holistic understanding of urban ecology. Situated above 220 private apartments, the hotel's lobby functions as a semi-public arcade with a cafe-bar and retail tenancies, supporting the amenity for both hotel guests and permanent residents. The Nishi building also houses a cinema and a 6-Star Greenstar office, providing recycled water and other services to its neighbors, further integrating the hotel within a broader sustainable and community-focused environment. The Molonglo Group emphasizes breaking down traditional boundaries of development to create truly great places that benefit the entire neighborhood. Through the work of numerous skilled individuals, Hotel Hotel is characterized by meticulous design and subtle details. However, it is the Molonglo Group’s deep appreciation for the intricate systems that define successful urban environments that truly elevates the project, allowing it to surpass the individual excellence of its components and contribute significantly to Canberra’s burgeoning New Acton precinct. #HotelDesign #Hospitality #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #UrbanDevelopment #ArchitecturalCollaboration #CanberraArchitecture #RecycledMaterials #BoutiqueHotel

The ibis Styles hotel brand distinguishes itself in the hospitality sector by offering a unique blend of affordability and design-forward experiences across its portfolio of over 670 hotels worldwide. Each property is conceptualized around a distinct theme, aiming to provide guests with an inspiring and creative environment that encourages personal expression. This approach positions ibis Styles as a leader in boutique economy design, where every stay is intended to be a celebration of creativity and comfort. In Australia, the ibis Styles Hobart adopts a 'colour' theme, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere through elements like an Asian parasol ceiling in its restaurant and colourful murals in guestrooms. The hotel extends this theme to various guest experiences, including break-out games and children's gifts during school holidays, ensuring an engaging stay for all ages. In Austria, the ibis Styles Klagenfurt draws inspiration from Mary Poppins, offering a whimsical and enchanting experience with design elements such as swinging chairs and roundtable setups that evoke a sense of magic. Brazil's ibis Styles Maceió Pajuçara celebrates the country's cultural heritage, specifically Cordel literature, with rooms designed to reflect the melodious verses and vibrant imagery of the Northeast region, offering sea views and thematic décor. The ibis Styles Lianyungang Ganyu in China is inspired by the mythical "Huaguo Mountain," the birthplace of Sun Wukong. Its 'Blessed Land - Cave & Heaven' theme is reflected in its design, mirroring the enchanting landscapes and indigenous mountain resorts, with a particular focus on the leisure reception area and a Sun Wukong model. The ibis Styles Copenhagen Ørestad in Denmark merges urban living with nature, featuring neon quotes, waterfall lighting, and graffitied walls alongside illustrated wallpaper and floral carpeting, creating vibrant public spaces. In France, the ibis Styles Montauban is inspired by the markets of the Southwest, offering a sensory experience that captures the essence of local culture and cuisine through its vibrant decor. The ibis Styles Tbilisi Center in Georgia celebrates Georgian culture and landscapes with a design inspired by sheep and mountains, featuring bright interiors, folk art, and a unique art installation of a cheerful sheep made of hanging lamps in the lobby. Germany's ibis Styles München Perlach transports guests to the 1970s disco era with popping colours, disco-themed decor elements, and nostalgic touches like rollerblades and glittering leopard statuettes. In Italy, the ibis Styles Roma Aurelia embraces a dynamic and colourful design concept inspired by Rome's vibrant culture and history, featuring informal atmospheres, dynamic lighting, and colourful accents. The ibis Styles St. Paul's Bay in Malta pays tribute to the island's natural beauty, with a design concept that draws inspiration from rugged rock formations, limestone, and Mediterranean vegetation. The ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands offers an enchanted oasis with pastel colours, floating clouds, and lush greenery, creating a dreamlike ambiance. In Peru, the ibis Styles Lima San Isidro resembles a creativity factory, with vibrant murals and symbolic decor elements designed to inspire guests to dream and innovate. Poland's ibis Styles Krakow Centrum combines history and modernity, with a design that acts as a time machine, inviting guests to explore artifacts of the past and unique compositions, including hidden messages and Morse code decor. Finally, the ibis Styles Sevilla City Santa Justa in Spain draws inspiration from the oranges of Sevilla, with rooftop terraces and courtyard patios reminiscent of orange groves, capturing the essence of Andalusia. The ibis Styles Genève Carouge in Switzerland immerses guests in the playful world of comics with bold colours and graphic elements. The ibis Styles Bangkok Silom in Thailand, in collaboration with Thai artist Tikkywow, features an eye-catching mural at its entrance, reflecting the vibrant history of Silom and creating an oasis within the bustling city. The brand encourages guests to utilize 'Perfect Photo Spots' throughout its hotels to capture and share their experiences, emphasizing that every moment offers an opportunity for creativity and inspiration. #ibisStyles #HotelDesign #CreativeHospitality #BoutiqueEconomy #ThemedHotels #TravelInspiration #InteriorDecor #GlobalHotels #UniqueStays

This article compiles Architectural Digest's most popular 'conversation stories' from 2020, focusing on topics that transform a house into a home, including community, comfort, family, and design history. It features a curated list of seven articles that resonated most with readers during a challenging year, aiming to provide insights for a more balanced life. The first highlight is a guide on setting up an effective work-from-home space, a crucial topic as many transitioned to remote work. Cognitive scientist Anja Jamrozik's five essential elements for productivity are discussed, along with practical tips for optimizing a home workspace to prevent discomfort and enhance focus. Next, the article delves into the phenomenon of Cottagecore, an aesthetic and lifestyle movement that gained significant traction, especially on platforms like TikTok. Davina Ogilvie, founder of Wovn Home, describes Cottagecore as an embrace of a simpler, sustainable existence in harmony with nature, characterized by a romantic and nostalgic English countryside style. Another popular feature listed is a selection of 13 incredible cabins available on Airbnb. These cabins are presented as idyllic retreats offering rustic charm, amenities like wood-burning stoves and claw-foot tubs, and the opportunity for disconnection from technology and daily news, making them popular choices for relaxation and escape. The compilation also addresses relationship challenges during quarantine, offering advice on how to maintain a healthy love life amidst the stresses of a global pandemic. It acknowledges the difficulties faced by both new and long-term couples living in close quarters and provides strategies for fostering connection and self-care. For those interested in real estate, the article includes a piece on identifying homes with "good bones." This section explains what professionals look for in a property to determine its inherent value and potential, distinguishing between a sound investment and a potential money pit, aiding prospective homeowners and casual Zillow browsers alike. In response to social events of 2020, the article features a guide on actively supporting protestors from home. Published in June, this piece emphasizes that participation in movements like Black Lives Matter doesn't always require physical presence. It outlines various ways individuals can contribute to justice and amplify the movement remotely during the pandemic. Finally, the collection concludes with an exploration of how previous epidemics have influenced home design. This historical perspective offers insight into how creativity and ingenuity in architecture and design have addressed public health concerns throughout history. Focusing on the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it highlights specific design elements, such as subway tile, that emerged from efforts to prevent disease spread, demonstrating the lasting impact of health crises on our living environments. #HomeDesign #WorkFromHome #Cottagecore #AirbnbCabins #RelationshipAdvice #HomeBuying #EpidemicImpactOnDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #ArchitecturalHistory

The increasing pursuit of bathing pleasure has led hotels to create exceptional bathroom spaces, transforming them from mere amenities into luxurious sanctuaries. These new 'personal pleasure palaces' often feature lavish materials like marble, ranging in style from minimalist onsen-inspired designs to technologically advanced setups. Santa Clara 1728 in Lisbon, Portugal, a hotel with just six rooms, features bathrooms that blend modern design with ancient architecture. The walls are covered in hand-cut white tiles, complemented by pinewood flooring and shelving. A large freestanding tub and cylindrical wash basins, both carved from Portuguese Lioz limestone, are central features. Each bathroom also includes an adjacent wet-room with an industrial-sized shower overlooking the hotel's gardens. The Four Seasons in Kuwait City showcases bathrooms designed by Yabu Pushelberg. These spaces are characterized by grey and white striped marble, meticulously aligned, and screened from bedrooms by sliding doors. Australian luxury bath makers Apaiser provided standalone tubs, walk-in showers, and twin sinks. Bronze fixtures, in-mirror televisions, and concealed lighting add dramatic accents, while mosaic tiling or contemporary mashrabiya screens subtly interrupt the marble expanses. Elements of Byron in Byron Bay, Australia, situated amidst 50 acres of wilderness, offers cabins with private walled decks for outdoor bathing. The bathrooms reflect a Japanese simplicity-meets-Australian informality, with an onsen vibe achieved through wooden bath stools and ladder towel racks. Potted cheesecloth plants, rattan armchairs, and shell chandeliers nod to the area's bohemian aesthetic. Barcelona's Almanac hotel, designed by Jaime Beriestain Studio, features cinematic, contemporary art deco interiors. Its immaculate bathrooms include double sink vanities with individual mirrors, walk-in showers, and full-length tubs, all adorned with marble and glass. Muted metal fixtures, hovering between copper and gold, and bespoke bath products from Scottish-Catalan perfumer Jimmy Boyd soften the opulent feel. Hotel Bocage in Hua Hin, Thailand, is a concrete-centric design by Akaradej Pantisoontorn, with interiors by Duangrit Bunnag. The bathrooms are separated from the main room by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offering dramatic views of the Gulf of Thailand. Sculptural sanitary ware by Antonio Lupi and bamboo charcoal-based toiletries from Charcoalogy complete the minimalist design. Le Mount Stephen in Montréal, Canada, a former private members' club, features resolutely contemporary rooms and marble-minimal bathrooms in its new annexe. These bathrooms are technologically advanced, boasting Japanese Toto toilets with heated seats, Cura chromatherapy showerheads in walk-in rain showers, and toiletries by Italy’s Comfort Zone. Practical additions like window-defoggers and heated floors are crucial for the Canadian climate. The Sofitel Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia, occupies the top 35 floors of a skyscraper. Designed by Dreamtime Australia Design and the A+ Design Group, its sandstone bathrooms are spacious, with some featuring twin basins and twin walk-in rain showers. Freestanding tubs offer panoramic views of the bay and city skyline. Lanvin toiletries are provided. Verride Palácio Santa Catarina in Lisbon, Portugal, a converted 18th-century townhouse, features eclectic bathrooms designed by Teresa Nunes da Ponte. Some, like the Queen's Suite, have parquet floors, standalone tubs, and refurbished 18th-century Azulejo panels. Others are open-plan beige marble spaces with wet-room style overhead showers and trough-like sinks, often with a view. Aesop toiletries are a consistent offering. Amanbagh in Ajabgarh, India, designed by Ed Tuttle, offers sumptuous, light-filled bathrooms in a re-imagined campsite setting. The design incorporates Indian minimalist elements with warmth from wooden door panels, Mughal arches, and cappuccino-coloured stone flooring. A large, sunken green Udaipur marble bath is a central feature, ideal for relaxation after a day at the private pool or ayurvedic spa. 137 Pillars in Bangkok, Thailand, located in a skyscraper, has sparkling interiors by P49 Deesign. Its jazzy marble bathrooms include glass-walled rain-showers and deep, circular standalone tubs, perfect for watching TV or enjoying the expansive city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. #LuxuryHotel #BathroomDesign #InteriorDesign #HotelArchitecture #TravelAccommodation #SpaExperience #ModernDesign #SustainableDesign #GlobalHotels

The Mr. C Coconut Grove Hotel in Miami, Florida, is a luxury boutique hotel designed by Arquitectonica and Martin Brudnizki. The hotel is a creation of Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani, who drew upon their family's extensive history in the hospitality industry to establish a new upscale destination in Miami. The design concept for the hotel is deeply rooted in nautical aesthetics, influenced by coastal Italian culture and the sleek, sophisticated interiors of yachts. This thematic approach is evident throughout the property, from its architectural details to its interior furnishings. Key design elements include the prominent use of high-gloss timber and lacquer detailing, which evoke the polished finishes often found on marine vessels. These materials are seamlessly integrated with mid-century Italian furnishings, creating a blend of classic elegance and modernist architectural style. The hotel's architecture and interior design work in harmony to transport guests to a setting reminiscent of luxurious Italian coastal living, infused with a contemporary Miami sensibility. The six-story structure houses 100 meticulously designed guest rooms, each reflecting the hotel's distinctive nautical and Italian-inspired theme. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, The Mr. C Coconut Grove Hotel also features a range of premium amenities. A notable highlight is the rooftop pool area, which offers private cabanas, providing an exclusive and relaxing retreat for guests. The hotel also boasts two signature Italian dining establishments, further enhancing the immersive culinary experience aligned with its Italian heritage. These restaurants are designed to offer a taste of authentic Italian cuisine within a refined atmosphere. Sustainability is a significant aspect of the hotel's construction and operation. The property has achieved gold-level LEED certification, indicating its commitment to environmental responsibility. This certification highlights the hotel's efforts in implementing sustainable practices, including the use of green energy-efficient lighting throughout the premises. The focus on sustainability demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, combining luxury with ecological consciousness. Overall, The Mr. C Coconut Grove Hotel stands as a testament to sophisticated design, drawing inspiration from rich family history and specific cultural influences. Its blend of nautical aesthetics, mid-century Italian design, and modernist architecture creates a unique and luxurious experience for visitors, complemented by high-end amenities and a dedication to environmental sustainability. #HotelDesign #NauticalAesthetics #MiamiArchitecture #ItalianDesign #LuxuryHospitality #SustainableDesign #BoutiqueHotel #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesign

The article showcases 17 of the most luxurious hotel bathrooms globally, highlighting their unique design elements and amenities that elevate them beyond mere functional spaces into private sanctuaries. These bathrooms are presented as a significant status symbol for high-end hotels, offering spa-like experiences, cutting-edge design, and breathtaking views. Among the featured hotels, The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland offers a private spa experience within its Furka Suite, equipped with a hot tub, steam room, and sauna, making extended bathroom stays a natural part of the guest experience. The Silo Hotel in Cape Town emphasizes its prime location with window-adjacent tubs that offer expansive views, complemented by Tiffany-blue cabinetry and black-and-white striped floors. Virgin Hotels New Orleans embraces a flamboyant design aesthetic, with its Richard's Penthouse Suite featuring a bright aqua-green bathroom adorned with mahogany walls, velvet ottomans, and a distinctive marble floor. For an unparalleled underwater experience, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island's Muraka suite includes a bedroom and bathroom situated 16 feet underwater, providing 360-degree ocean views during a relaxing bath or sleep. VIK Chile, surrounded by vineyards, offers window-lined bathrooms in its Vik Suite, featuring a hammock-shaped tub designed by Splinterworks Studio with foam insulation for extended warmth, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the scenic views. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, designed by Philippe Starck, boasts industrial-chic bathrooms entirely covered in mirrors, providing a trippy yet sophisticated ambiance across all room types. Aman Tokyo exemplifies sleek minimalism with its Aman Suites' all-slate bathrooms, which serve as a tranquil backdrop to panoramic Tokyo skyline views, complemented by stone furo soaking tubs. The Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, housed in a 19th-century bank, integrates original wood beams into its I Love Amsterdam suite bathroom, offering a cavernous bathtub with views of the Rijksmuseum. El Fenn in Marrakech features 42 uniquely colored rooms and suites, each with deep soaking tubs and contemporary art, creating an artistic and comfortable atmosphere. Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa provides an extraordinary experience with its Kingston Treehouse, offering an open-air bedroom and a glassed-in bathroom with a rain shower and double vanity, perfect for stargazing. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge emphasizes integrating nature, with its Riverhouse Suite offering a granite bathtub overlooking the East River and Manhattan skyline, alongside triple-filtered rain showers and organic bath products. Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines introduces unique open-concept rain showers in its deluxe villas, where water cascades onto a bamboo mat surrounded by gravel, complemented by organic bath products and aromatherapy. Ponta dos Ganchos in Brazil presents the Especial Esmeralda suite, which includes a private spa-like bathroom with a hot tub, en suite sauna, sun loungers, and an attached deck with an infinity pool. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla offers Kelly Wearstler-designed suites, with its four-bedroom Beachfront Villas featuring spa-like bathrooms with private terraces and outdoor showers. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, within the former apartments of Prince Roland Bonaparte, showcases bathrooms decorated in the opulent 18th-century Directoire style, finished in marble with crystal fixtures. Finally, Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill, New York, provides a wellness retreat experience with Japanese bath products and wooden soak tubs, inviting guests to spend leisurely hours in its zen-inspired bathrooms. #LuxuryHotels #HotelDesign #BathroomDesign #SpaExperience #TravelInspiration #GlobalTravel #InteriorDesign #UniqueAccommodations #Architecture

The July London Victoria, an apartment-hotel located across from Victoria Station, offers a unique blend of residential comfort and hospitality services, catering to both short-term guests and long-stay digital nomads. Situated in a prime London location, this 114-key "urban retreat" integrates public-facing hospitality spaces, including The Idler restaurant and an associated deli, designed to provide a calming environment amidst the city's fast pace. These establishments offer urbanites an opportunity to relax and connect. The hotel's interior design, a collaboration between an in-house design team, the London and Los Angeles-based firm Fettle, and architects Studio Moren, skillfully combines comfort with adaptability. The design aesthetic pays homage to the Art Deco architecture prevalent in the area, incorporating sea foam greens, pale pinks, salmony oranges, and burgundy reds across various surfaces such as tiled walls, intricate crown detailing, and two-tone walls. The public spaces, like The Idler, feature plush banquette seating, a distinctive ceiling mural within bold molding, and herringbone-pattern parquet flooring accented with tile trim. White and black marble slabs top curved-edge counters, which are clad in tambour pattern wood slatting, adding to the sophisticated ambiance. Specific design elements like painted glass sphere pendants and select fabric upholstery contribute to the overall refined aesthetic. Accommodation options include guest rooms, suites, and two Family Apartments with interconnected rooms, alongside a co-working space, all equipped to support various aspects of guests' lives, from relaxation to remote work. The layouts are thoughtfully designed to facilitate these diverse needs. In the guest rooms, custom oak joinery provides integrated wardrobes, kitchenettes, and storage solutions. Bespoke brass pendants and discrete bedside lights with fluted shades further enhance the personalized and functional design. This thoughtful approach ensures that guests have all the necessary amenities for an extended stay, whether for business or leisure. Sustainability is a core value for The July brand, and this commitment is reflected in the material choices and furnishing strategies employed throughout the hotel. A notable aspect of the interior furnishing involves the careful sourcing and refurbishment of vintage pieces, aligning with contemporary trends in architecture and design that prioritize environmental consciousness and unique, characterful aesthetics. This approach not only supports sustainable practices but also imbues the hotel with a distinct personality that resonates with its historical context and the modern traveler's desire for authenticity. The July London Victoria differentiates itself within the hospitality sector by fostering a balance between private living and social engagement, a strategy it aims to replicate in its expanding portfolio across Europe. Andy Goodwin, co-founder and creative director of Fettle, emphasized that the design concept was developed to reflect The July’s brand values and its narrative, which is deeply rooted in the local area's history. He highlighted the multifunctional nature of the apartment-hotel rooms, which needed to accommodate relaxation, dining, and work within each apartment, complemented by dedicated meeting, flexible, and wellness areas. This holistic design ensures that the hotel serves as a comprehensive urban retreat, offering a seamless experience for its varied clientele while maintaining a strong connection to its London setting and a forward-thinking approach to hospitality. The hotel offers flexible accommodation options and shared facilities designed to create a vibrant community while still allowing for individual privacy. Its location near a major transportation hub makes it an ideal choice for a diverse range of travelers. Overall, The July London Victoria represents a contemporary solution for urban living, blending design, functionality, and sustainability to create a memorable stay experience. #apartmentHotel #LondonTravel #ArtDecoDesign #digitalNomad #sustainableDesign #interiorDesign #hospitality #urbanRetreat #fettleDesign

The EVE Hotel in Sydney, situated at the convergence of Redfern and Surry Hills, serves as a contemporary tribute to its surroundings, integrating the area's urban character, Victorian architecture, Aboriginal heritage, and a lively culture of food, art, and design. The hotel is a collaborative effort, conceived by SJB under Adam Haddow's direction, with landscape architect Daniel Baffsky and interior architect George Livissianis. It represents the culmination of the Wunderlich Lane precinct's revitalization, bridging Sydney’s industrial history with its current creative vibrancy. The 102-room boutique hotel embodies Australian culture, nature, materiality, and craftsmanship. Guests are welcomed into the lobby through an enclosure of glazed terracotta tiles, leading to a space characterized by rendered walls, white glazed breeze blocks, and natural stone. The design aims to evoke the feeling of staying in the home of a stylish friend. Designer furniture is carefully chosen, with two aqua-hued, large ceramic reception desks serving as central focal points. A white rendered arched walkway, featuring leathered handrails and sculptural lighting by Henry Wilson, connects the lobby to the guest rooms, adding a refined architectural detail. The guest rooms are decorated with color palettes inspired by the local landscape, incorporating soft eucalyptus greens and rich red clays. Artworks by Louise Olsen and Tarryn Gill further enhance the local identity of the spaces. The hotel's design includes a tranquil central courtyard. The rooftop garden and a 20-meter pool, lined with Sukabumi tiles and surrounded by native plants, offer panoramic city views. The pool area is enhanced with retro-style umbrellas and spacious orange cabanas. The adjacent Lottie Mexican restaurant mirrors this aesthetic in its interiors. Interior architect George Livissianis explains that the aim was to create a space that feels external, surrounded by planting. Sandblasted travertines, Palladiana flooring, and an exposed concrete structure were used to create a textured, outdoor sensation within an urban setting. Bar Julius, located at the hotel's entrance, functions as both a social hub and a design statement. Its European-inspired interiors are vibrant and kaleidoscopic, combining classic materials with playful modern elements, reflecting the eclectic energy of the neighborhood. The lobby bar features a dramatic vaulted ceiling adorned with artwork by Louise Olsen, a prominent artist and gallery owner from Surry Hills. This artistic integration serves as an introduction to The EVE Hotel's design philosophy and foreshadows the experiences awaiting guests. The EVE Hotel, through the combined efforts of SJB, Daniel Baffsky, and George Livissianis, successfully weaves history and landscape into an immersive guest experience, celebrating Australian culture and offering diverse spaces for relaxation, dining, and socialization. #HotelDesign #InteriorArchitecture #SydneyHotels #BoutiqueHotel #AustralianCulture #UrbanDesign #HospitalityDesign #SJBArchitects #LandscapeArchitecture