Hot spots: Refinery Hotel, New York

The NoMad Hotel, located in Manhattan, offers a unique blend of Old World charm and modern-day influences, making it a distinctive destination for travelers. The hotel opened in a fully restored, turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building, with interiors designed by French designer Jacques Garcia. Garcia is renowned for his ability to integrate 17th- and 18th-century European aesthetics with contemporary design elements, a style evident throughout the hotel. Upon entering the guest rooms, visitors find reclaimed maple hardwood floors adorned with handmade vintage Heriz rugs, complementing French mahogany writing desks. The emphasis on luxurious comfort is further highlighted by linens, bedding, and bathrobes supplied by Sferra and Frette, along with Argan bath amenities. Many rooms elevate the bathing experience with the inclusion of freestanding, clawfoot bathtubs, offering a touch of classic indulgence. Art plays a significant role in the hotel's ambiance, with each room featuring pieces from a carefully curated art program. This collection includes vintage correspondence, antique travel collectibles, and original sketches and photography by contemporary artists, designed to immerse guests in a journey of discovery and intimacy. The aesthetic extends to common areas, where opulent textiles provide a rich and inviting atmosphere, and the staff's uniforms, designed by Bespoken, a New York-based menswear collective, reflect English tailoring traditions. A notable feature of The NoMad Hotel is its two-level library, which is connected by an original spiral staircase imported from the South of France and includes a mezzanine catwalk. This space provides a tranquil retreat for guests. Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the hotel experience, with the restaurant managed by Chef Daniel Humm and Restaurateur Will Guidara, both acclaimed for their work at the three-Michelin-star-rated Eleven Madison Park. The stately dining room is characterized by dark oak furnishings and richly textured fabrics, creating an elegant setting. An original fireplace, sourced from a French château, adds historical grandeur to the common areas. The bar area features a dramatic 24-foot-long mahogany bar, and guests can enjoy a unique beer crafted exclusively for The NoMad by brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery. A sunlit atrium dining space is created by natural light filtering through a glass roof, offering a bright and airy environment. The architectural firm Stonehill & Taylor played a crucial role in the historical renovation and conversion of the 1903 Johnston building into The NoMad Hotel. Beyond its design, the hotel is praised for its prime location at 1170 Broadway & 28th Street in New York City and its exceptionally friendly staff. The hotel's design highlights include European-style bathrooms with free-standing tubs and the distinctive curated artwork, all contributing to a memorable stay that blends historical elegance with modern comfort. #HotelDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryTravel #NewYorkCity #HistoricRenovation #BeauxArtsArchitecture #FrenchDesign #BoutiqueHotel #ManhattanHotels

The Manner, a new hospitality concept by Standard International in SoHo, New York, aims to merge elements of a hotel, private residence, and members’ club. This establishment, designed by architect Hannes Peer in collaboration with Standard International's in-house team and chief design officer Verena Haller, is Peer's first hotel project. His design philosophy for The Manner draws inspiration from Aldo Rossi's concept of cities carrying layered memories, which he translated into a rich and varied material palette and a sense of curated intimacy throughout the space. The hotel is situated on a quiet street in SoHo, surrounded by local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and various stores. This vibrant neighborhood served as a key reference point for Peer, who sought to emulate its diverse textures, colors, and styles within the hotel's interior. The lobby exemplifies this approach with its blend of marble, metal, leather, wood, ceramic, and cement. Notable artistic additions include a hand-glazed terracotta frieze by Giovanni De Francesco and a sculptural piece by Nicholas Shurey. The second-floor area, known as the Apartment, further showcases the hotel's unique design elements. It features a glossy cork ceiling, columns adorned with textured ceramic reliefs by Ben Medansky, and an elevator wall covered in over 5,000 bubble-like tiles, a subtle homage to Giò Ponti's Parco dei Principi. The 97 rooms and suites are characterized by a bold color scheme, incorporating jewel tones such as mango walls, lipstick-red headboards, and ultramarine closets. Custom furnishings are prevalent, and some rooms include serpentinite green or muted chartreuse sofas or banquettes, with the two-story terrace penthouse featuring rich red lacquer and velvet accents. The design emphasizes warmth and human connection, fostering an environment where guests feel like they are stepping into a series of curated, intimate residences rather than a conventional hotel. This vision is reflected in the absence of televisions in rooms and a traditional check-in desk, prioritizing privacy and a strong sense of intimacy. The Apartment space is designed for guests and their friends to relax and socialize, particularly during aperitivo hour. A rooftop lounge offering skyline views is also planned to open in the spring, adding another dimension to the guest experience. Beyond the guest accommodations, The Manner integrates various dining and social spaces. Chef Alex Stupak oversees The Otter, a ground-floor all-day restaurant featuring an international seafood menu, including lobster rolls, specialty cocktails, and scallop crudo. The restaurant's interior is distinguished by a large mural by Spanish muralist and architect Elvira Solana. Another highlight is Sloane’s, a moody bar on the second floor, which is described as Verena Haller's favorite space. Sloane's boasts a collection of art, lighting, furniture, and fabrics gathered from global travels, with an alcove decorated with gold leaf. This bar offers a unique take on classic New York dishes and cocktails, such as chicken nuggets and dirty martinis with caviar. Overall, The Manner aims to provide a distinctive hospitality experience in New York City, combining thoughtful design, diverse materials, artistic collaborations, and a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that blurs the lines between a hotel, a private home, and a social club. #NewYork #SoHo #HospitalityDesign #HotelArchitecture #InteriorDesign #BoutiqueHotel #LuxuryTravel #HannesPeer #StandardInternational

The Maker Hotel, a boutique establishment in Hudson, New York, is the creation of Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, co-founders of the skincare brand Fresh, and hospitality expert Damien Janowicz. This 11-room hotel is designed to embody an "old-world bohemian glamour" by integrating original decor features and a collection of vintage treasures. The hotel's concept revolves around celebrating craftsmanship and providing guests with inspiring and unique spaces. Glazman emphasized the desire to expand the hospitality experience by offering a dream-like atmosphere, a vision that he believed was perfectly suited for Hudson due to its rich artisan community, history, and design scene. The hotel's design intentionally moves away from standardized aesthetics, instead harmoniously blending various periods and styles to create an eclectic feel. Physically, The Maker Hotel is a complex of three historical buildings: a Georgian mansion, a Greek revival-style property, and a carriage house, all dating back to the early 1800s. Extensive construction was undertaken to connect the different rooms across the 14,000-square-foot (1,300 square meters) property. New structural additions include a central courtyard filled with lush greenery and a 'jewel box'-like conservatory, which now serves as the hotel's main restaurant. The interior design, largely overseen by Glazman, prioritized the preservation of original architectural elements. This involved retaining ornate fireplaces, hand-painted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and tiled mosaic flooring. Over 70% of the decorative items are either antique or custom-made, incorporating salvaged objects, with some artworks even sourced from Glazman's personal collection. This approach contributes to the hotel's distinct aesthetic, characterized by an unexpected fusion of global design influences acquired over decades of travel. The guest accommodations are categorized into five types: The Bedrooms, The Terrace Lofts, The Corner Studio, and The Maker Studios. Each of The Maker Studios is individually themed, drawing inspiration from different creative professions such as an architect, artist, gardener, and writer. For instance, The Artist room features a vintage easel, and The Writer room is adorned with book-lined shelves surrounding an oak fireplace. Beyond their rooms, guests have access to amenities including a pool, a cafe, and an intimate cocktail bar. The Maker Hotel joins a growing trend of getaway destinations outside Manhattan, offering a retreat from the city's fast pace. Another example mentioned is The Hoxton in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Photography for The Maker Hotel was carried out by Francine Zaslow. #BoutiqueHotel #HotelInteriors #EclecticDesign #VintageDecor #HudsonNewYork #HistoricBuildings #Craftsmanship #HospitalityDesign

The ice rink at Rockefeller Center, a landmark in New York City for nearly a century, underwent a significant renovation of its subterranean public areas. Previously, the best views of the skaters were reserved for patrons of two upscale restaurants on the lower level, a situation Tishman Speyer, the owner of the rink and surrounding buildings, aimed to change. In 2019, Tishman Speyer initiated an invitational competition to re-envision the 50,000-square-foot public concourse. INC Architecture & Design, led by founding partners Adam Rolston and Drew Stuart, won the competition with a proposal focused on democratizing the rink experience and enhancing the concourse's circulation and design, drawing inspiration from the site's Art Deco history. The project was part of a broader rebranding effort for Rockefeller Center, intended to appeal to office workers, tourists, and locals, transforming the lower-level concourse into a vibrant civic space and a key hub for the busy 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center subway station. Rolston and Stuart, both with personal connections to Rockefeller Center, recognized the need to revitalize the once 'dreary, mazelike' corridors characterized by beige limestone walls and low ceilings that lacked natural light. Their winning approach stemmed from a deep dive into the center's aesthetic history, original 1930s interiors, and details, expressing a profound attachment to the location. EB Kelly, Tishman senior managing director, noted that INC's work successfully enhances the perception of Rockefeller Center as an extraordinary place in New York. The firm's master plan introduced a windowed corridor around the rink, multiple pathways to the subway, and space for five restaurants. The design drew inspiration from the site's little-known history as the Elgin Botanic Garden, the city's first, which featured a looping, U-shaped plan. This historical reference informed INC’s flowing layout, characterized by curved walls and perimeter lighting guiding visitors through the concourse, thereby improving circulation that previously funneled through the middle. The design team also observed a fascinating contrast in Rockefeller Center’s existing architecture: while the exteriors were linear and vertical, many interiors were curved, sensuous, and feminine. This led to an architectural approach focused on 'flow,' heavily influenced by the radial light coves and proscenium arches of Radio City Music Hall, which mimic a sunrise. INC incorporated a half-mile of GFRG coves underground, unfurling like a ribbon to provide wayfinding and brighten corridors. Custom bronze pendant fixtures, reminiscent of the site’s original tiered fixtures by Edward F. Caldwell & Co., were also installed. The renovation also involved exposing the ceiling, raising heights from under 10 feet to up to 16 feet in some areas, revealing crisscrossing beams and five glass-block skylights. These skylights, installed among planters in Rockefeller Plaza with fountains above, allow dappled sunlight to filter through water to the floor below, creating a unique lighting effect. This rugged infrastructure contrasts with the polished interior finishes. Materially, the concourse’s design took cues from the glamorous Art Deco lobby of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Charcoal terrazzo flooring with inlaid bronze patterns, a nod to the 1930s origins of Rock Center, was combined with tambour paneling of bronze or precast stone. Bronze storefronts frame four of the restaurants, while the fifth, 5 Acres, designed by INC and positioned in the center, features only a bronze rail to demarcate its space. This wall-less anchor restaurant was central to the proposal, embodying the concourse’s new open and hospitality-driven identity. A particular challenge for 5 Acres, a 100-seat farm-to-table eatery under 30 Rock with a private dining room, was concealing eight giant concrete columns. INC’s solution was to wrap each column in frosted ribbed glass, internally lit to reveal the structure's shadow, creating 'ghost columns' that contribute to the renovation's theatrical quality. The interior was furnished with mid-century pieces such as Cesca armchairs and a vintage Florence Knoll credenza, evoking the period when the offices above were first established. The renovation aims for diners to feel connected to the pulse of New York, even without direct views of the skaters. #RockefellerCenter #INCArchitectureAndDesign #RenovationProject #ArtDeco #PublicSpaceDesign #UrbanRenewal #InteriorDesign #CommercialArchitecture

Island House Newport, a new hotel developed by Marshall Properties and operated by Main Street Hospitality, is set to open on March 13. Located near Newport’s renowned Cliff Walk, the hotel aims to offer a distinctive accommodation experience, built and operated by locals to ensure an authentic and deeply rooted perspective on hospitality. This new establishment combines modern elegance with the rich maritime heritage characteristic of Newport, Rhode Island. John Marshall, owner of Marshall Properties, highlighted that the hotel was designed with an intimate understanding of the city's unique charm, aiming to elevate the standard of lodging in the area. The hotel offers a total of 24 rooms, which include 14 luxurious suites and a two-bedroom penthouse suite. Additionally, there are four rooms furnished with king beds and six rooms featuring double queen beds, catering to a variety of guest needs. The interior design of the rooms emphasizes bright, airy spaces with a coastal-inspired aesthetic, complemented by thoughtful amenities. Guests will find Matouk linens, Bellino fine bed linens and towels, Smeg coffee pots, and locally sourced toiletries, enhancing the comfort and local feel of their stay. Twelve of the suites are equipped with fully functional kitchens, providing convenience and flexibility for longer stays or for guests who prefer to prepare their own meals. The customizable room configurations are designed to accommodate families, groups, and business travelers, ensuring a versatile and comfortable environment. Beyond the private accommodations, Island House Newport features communal spaces designed for social gatherings. These include a covered patio and an outdoor fire pit, offering opportunities for relaxation and interaction among guests. Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Marshall Properties, noting that both companies are multi-generational businesses deeply committed to the communities they serve. She stated that Island House Newport perfectly embodies their ethos of providing thoughtful service within a setting that celebrates both design and local character. The starting rate for a stay at Island House Newport for March and April is $295. Guests also benefit from reserved private parking, adding to the convenience of their visit. The hotel’s proximity to Newport's Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile scenic coastal path offering panoramic ocean views, is a significant draw. Newport itself is a city rich in attractions, including historic Gilded Age mansions, diverse restaurants, shopping opportunities, and various museums. The city was recently recognized by Booking.com as one of the most welcoming places in the U.S. for 2025, further enhancing its appeal as a travel destination. Kristi Palma, a travel writer for Boston.com, covers details about airlines, hotels, and attractions across New England, including this new hotel opening. #IslandHouseNewport #NewportHotels #LuxuryTravel #CoastalDesign #BoutiqueHotel #RhodeIslandTravel #HospitalityIndustry #MainStreetHospitality #CliffWalk

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 Sea Fire Grill, a new restaurant by the Benjamin Restaurant Group, is slated to open in October on the Yonkers waterfront. This new establishment aims to combine a contemporary American seafood menu with panoramic views of the New York City skyline and the Hudson River. The restaurant has undergone a comprehensive renovation, resulting in a completely transformed space. The redesign of The Sea Fire Grill began with a strategic relocation of the host desk to the ground floor, ensuring guests are greeted immediately upon entry before proceeding to the main level via stairs or elevator. Upon reaching the main floor, visitors are met with an impressive wine wall that displays the restaurant's extensive 3,000-bottle collection. The layout was specifically reconfigured to optimize the scenic views, featuring a spacious new bar capable of seating 30 guests. This bar area, which includes high-top tables and plush half-circle booths, now occupies the space where the bathrooms of the previous establishment, X2O Xaviar’s on the Hudson, were located. The bar seamlessly transitions into the main dining room. The main dining room, designed to accommodate 200 diners, has been updated with modern lighting and a refined aesthetic. The removal of high-back booths has created unobstructed 180-degree views of the Palisades and the Mario Cuomo Bridge. The original carpeted floor has been replaced with a light-finished wood floor, further enhancing the contemporary feel of the space. The area that formerly housed X2O’s bar has been converted into one of three private event rooms. These rooms can each host up to 30 guests and are designed with textured walls featuring wavy lines, intended to evoke the imagery of the Hudson River. These private spaces can also be combined to accommodate larger gatherings. This project marks the latest venture for restaurateurs Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj, founders of the family-owned group known for Benjamin Steakhouse and Benjamin Prime in New York City, as well as Benjamin Steakhouse Westchester. The architectural and interior design was a collaborative effort with Masakazu Abe of Pico Innovate, Inc., who previously collaborated with the owners on the Benjamin Steakhouse in Roppongi, Japan. This specific project represents their first joint endeavor in New York. Executive Chef Arturo McLeod is at the helm of the kitchen, overseeing a menu that focuses on contemporary American seafood. Signature dishes include chilled whole lobster, Spanish octopus, and roasted Nova Scotia halibut. The menu also offers a selection of steaks, chops, and pasta dishes, catering to a diverse range of culinary preferences. The Sea Fire Grill is located at 71 Water Grant St in Yonkers, with updates on its opening available through its Instagram page, @theseafiregrillny. #RestaurantOpening #Yonkers #WaterfrontDining #SeafoodRestaurant #InteriorDesign #NewYorkCitySkyline #HudsonRiverViews #BenjaminRestaurantGroup #ExecutiveChef

The VNYL is a new multi-level establishment in New York City's East Village, functioning as a bar, restaurant, and club. Owner James Morrissey, who also runs The Late Late in the Lower East Side, aims to modernize the traditional Irish bar concept with a contemporary flair. Interior designer Sarah Abdallah of Functional Creative Design was responsible for the interior aesthetic, which combines elements of 1970s luxury residential design with a rock 'n roll edge, incorporating lush textures, playful accents, and disco balls. The venue spans four storeys, beginning with a polished concrete entryway that serves a dual purpose as a record store and coffee shop. This entrance leads into the ground floor restaurant. The design of the restaurant features walls clad in walnut timber and geometric David Hicks wallpaper, setting a distinctive tone. Furnishings are a mix of custom-made pieces, vintage finds, and curved banquettes and bar stools upholstered in rich tiger leather, sourced from Orior New York in Ireland. Lighting is a blend of vintage sconces and modern Flos pendants by designer Michael Anastassiades. Textile choices include patterned accent fabrics by Schumacher and Pierre Frey, alongside plush velvets from Angela Brown LTD, all contributing to a retro atmosphere. The culinary offerings, curated by executive chef Jordan Andino, focus on modern American cuisine with Californian influences. Menu highlights include DIY lettuce wraps featuring avocado, lobster, tortilla strips, and cherry tomatoes, followed by a fillet mignon served with roasted vegetables and yoghurt chimichurri. For dessert, guests can enjoy a cookie dough spring roll. After dining, patrons can ascend to the Champagne Garden, a brightly lit and whimsical space adorned with Tommy Bahama palm leaf upholstery, ideal for post-meal cocktails. The evening can continue or begin in the second-floor Black Rose Room, an intimate setting characterized by dark green velvet sofas, brass and black marble tables, and gold damask-inspired wallpaper by Brooklyn-based Flavor Paper. This room provides a sultry backdrop for the beverage director Gareth Howells' cocktail creations. The VNYL's design and offerings aim to provide a comprehensive experience, blending diverse aesthetics, culinary styles, and atmospheric settings across its various levels, all while maintaining a cohesive and distinct identity within New York City's nightlife and dining scene. #NewYorkCity #RestaurantDesign #BarDesign #ClubInterior #InteriorDesign #VintageModern #HospitalityDesign #EastVillage

The article discusses the architectural installation "Spirit of the City" by London-based United Visual Artists (UVA) at A/D/O in New York, presented during New York Design Week. This installation is a collaboration with Mini, hosted in their innovative creative space, A/D/O. The primary goal of the installation is to offer a reflective experience within the dynamic urban environment, metaphorically and physically mirroring its surroundings and New York City at large. The installation consists of 9-foot-high modular columns that revolve, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The rotation patterns are not arbitrary; they are based on extensive research into human activity within the city. This research allowed UVA to develop a 24-hour algorithm that dictates the movement of the columns, transitioning from tranquil rhythms to more urgent, dynamic movements. As visitors navigate the space around these colossal totems, they can observe subtle shadows cast onto the ground, forming intricate, poetic patterns that respond to the kinetic energy of the columns. The surface of the columns themselves presents varying perspectives, shifting from serene sky blues to the grittier, industrial aesthetics of A/D/O's creative hub. This visual transformation further emphasizes the interplay between the installation and its urban backdrop. UVA, founded in 2003, is known for its art practice that integrates technology to create experiences that often extend beyond conventional physical boundaries. Their previous works have been showcased globally in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and YCAM in Japan. Matt Clark, founder of UVA, poses a fundamental question through "Spirit of the City": do human activities shape urban landscapes, or do urban landscapes, in turn, define human activities? This philosophical inquiry underpins the interactive and reflective nature of the installation. A/D/O itself, located in a converted warehouse in Brooklyn, opened the previous year, featuring a diverse array of design-focused retail, bars, and restaurants, aligning with Mini's broader design agenda. Mini's head of brand strategy and business innovation, Esther Bahne, states that Mini believes in design's capacity to foster a more humane world. A/D/O initially launched with Design Academy, a three-day festival for professional designers to explore cultural themes. "Spirit of the City" marks the space's first major showcase for NYCxDesign since its opening and was on display until 2 September. The installation, through its thoughtful design and interactive elements, invites contemplation on the symbiotic relationship between people and their urban surroundings. #NewYorkDesignWeek #ArchitecturalInstallation #UnitedVisualArtists #UrbanEnvironment #AdoSpace #MiniCollaboration #KineticArt #PublicArt

The Frick Collection, housed in a 1914 limestone mansion in New York City, has undergone its most extensive upgrade in nearly 90 years, allowing visitors for the first time to explore the private second-floor suites of the Frick family. Previously, the museum primarily showcased its collection in the grand first-floor rooms, but now the more intimate, domestic-scale spaces—comprising about 10 rooms and several passageways that once served as bedrooms and sitting rooms for Henry Clay Frick, his wife Adelaide, and daughter Helen—have been converted into galleries. This transformation offers a unique perspective on the collection within a historically preserved domestic setting. Selldorf Architects completed this comprehensive renovation, which opened in April, revealing the grand architectural style and personal living spaces of the early 20th-century industrialist family. A notable artistic feature on the second floor is an enchanting ceiling mural along the corridor, contrasting with the formal interiors. This hand-painted work by John Alden Twachtman depicts cerulean skies and landscapes filled with monkeys dressed in Chinese costumes, engaging in human activities. This playful design is a nod to French Rococo traditions of singeries and chinoiseries, with a particularly charming detail being a monkey lighting candles for a floating lantern near the entrance to Adelaide’s bedroom suite. The mural's commission highlights the pioneering work of Elsie de Wolfe, considered America's first interior decorator. De Wolfe, at the beginning of her career, boldly pitched her services to Mr. Frick in 1914, emphasizing her expertise in detail and understanding of women's spaces, which she argued male decorators often overlooked. Her persistence led to her being hired, and she subsequently created the iconic Boucher Boudoir. This room, a vibrant display of 18th-century French exuberance, features eight cherub-laden panels painted by François Boucher, depicting the arts and sciences. After previously being displayed on the museum’s main floor, the Boucher Room has been meticulously restored to its original location adjacent to Mrs. Frick’s bedroom. This boudoir, serving as Mrs. Frick's private sitting room, is celebrated for its complete ensemble, including its corner location with windows offering views of Central Park and 70th Street. Another significant area now accessible is the beloved breakfast room, where the family shared their first meal of the day. This room, facing east, captures the morning light, creating a warm ambiance, and showcases the domestic routine of the Frick family, where meals were brought up from the lower-level kitchen by a waiter. To commemorate these enhancements, the museum is hosting the exhibition "Vermeer’s Love Letters" throughout the summer. This exhibition reunites the Frick’s masterpiece, Vermeer’s "Mistress and Maid," with two special loans: "The Love Letter" from Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and "Woman Writing a Letter" from the National Gallery of Ireland. Displayed together in a single gallery for the first time, these three works offer a fitting tribute to the newly refurbished Gilded-Age museum. #FrickCollection #NewYorkCity #MuseumRenovation #ElsieDeWolfe #InteriorDesign #GildedAge #VermeerExhibition #ArchitecturalHistory #ArtCollection

The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge features a striking 25-foot vertical living wall in its lobby, blending industrial aesthetics with natural elements. Designed by Harrison Green, this living wall diverges from conventional green walls by emulating the natural migration patterns of plants, allowing vegetation to grow organically across concrete and steel surfaces. The installation serves as a dynamic, artistic focal point, continuously evolving with its plant life. The design strategy emphasizes a graceful and simple framework, supporting a diverse selection of plants including staghorns, ferns, vines, and creeping ficus. These species were chosen specifically for their suitability to the interior environment and lighting conditions of the hotel. To supplement natural light, custom-designed pendants equipped with daylight spectrum bulbs are installed, mimicking sunlight to support the plants' growth and vitality. This living wall is a central feature within the eco-conscious 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, contributing to its overall design ethos. The hotel, situated by the Brooklyn Bridge and New York's East River, integrates natural themes and sustainable practices throughout its design. The living quarters and accommodations, designed by Marvel Architects and INC Architecture and Design, further synthesize the natural world through their material selections and overall motifs. The installation transforms the lobby into a luxurious space that feels both sculptural and organic, yet modern and raw. It embodies the hotel's commitment to harmoniously blending history, design, and nature, offering guests a unique waterfront retreat experience. The strategic placement and organic growth of the plants create a visually compelling experience that connects visitors with nature even within an urban setting. By creating a living, breathing art piece, the hotel enhances its ambiance while reinforcing its eco-friendly credentials. The living wall not only adds aesthetic value but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, aligning with the hotel's mission to offer a sustainable and immersive natural experience. This innovative approach to interior design highlights how green elements can be thoughtfully integrated into commercial spaces to create dramatic and impactful installations. #LivingWall #HotelDesign #Brooklyn #HarrisonGreen #InteriorDesign #EcoConscious #GreenArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #UrbanNature

The Fleming Hotel, a boutique establishment in Hong Kong, underwent a significant redesign and rebrand by A Work of Substance, transforming a 1970s building into a modern hotel deeply inspired by the city's maritime and industrial heritage. The primary inspiration for this transformation was the Star Ferry, an iconic symbol of Hong Kong's cultural landscape. This influence is evident throughout the hotel's interior design, notably in the strategic use of carmine reds and bottle greens. These specific hues pay homage to the color palettes commonly observed on Hong Kong's ferries, traditional fishing boats, local delivery trucks, and revered temples, thereby embedding a strong sense of local identity and history into the aesthetic. Upon entering The Fleming, guests are immediately immersed in an atmosphere reminiscent of a ship, subtly blurring the lines between a hotel and a vessel. This maritime ambiance is reinforced through various nautical elements seamlessly integrated into the design, such as distinctive signage that guides guests through the premises. While common areas like hallways feature a more subdued lighting scheme, the guest rooms are designed to be bright and airy, thanks to large windows that allow ample natural light. Complementing these windows are custom light fixtures, intricately detailed with brass elements, which serve as a nod to Hong Kong's rich industrial past, blending historical reverence with contemporary design. The hotel offers a range of room sizes, each meticulously designed to maintain the overarching theme while ensuring comfort and functionality. The custom-designed furniture and lighting fixtures throughout the hotel further emphasize the unique blend of maritime and industrial influences, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for guests. Bathrooms in The Fleming are stocked with Shen Nong apothecary-inspired toiletries, featuring nostalgic scents of sandalwood and amber. These bespoke amenities add an authentic touch, enhancing the sensory experience and connecting guests with local traditions. Adding to the hotel's appeal is Osteria Marzia, an Italian restaurant operated by the Black Sheep Restaurant group, conveniently located adjacent to the hotel's entrance. The restaurant's menu features Italian cuisine with flavors inspired by various seaside cities, further complementing the hotel's maritime theme. The exterior of The Fleming is thoughtfully designed with custom nautical fixtures that illuminate the facade, evoking the image of a dockside shack and reinforcing the hotel's unique character from the moment of arrival. The Fleming Hotel offers more than just accommodation; it provides an immersive cultural experience. With rooms starting at approximately $183 per night, it caters to travelers seeking a deep connection with Hong Kong's history and character. The design, with its brooding yet welcoming ambiance, is tailored for those who desire not merely a place to sleep but an encounter that narrates Hong Kong's past and present through its sophisticated and evocative interiors. The comprehensive redesign by A Work of Substance successfully marries historical homage with modern luxury, creating a distinctive urban retreat. #HotelDesign #HongKongCulture #MaritimeInspired #IndustrialAesthetic #BoutiqueHotel #InteriorDesign #AWorkOfSubstance #StarFerryInfluence #UrbanHotel

Los Angeles designer Sally Breer, cofounder of design firm ETC.etera, has channeled her expertise into the vibrant Firehouse Hotel, located in the city’s Arts District. This new establishment, a collaborative effort with hotelier and restaurateur Dustin Lancaster, previously served as a fire station before being converted into an artist's loft in the 1980s. Breer's design philosophy for the hotel revolved around maximizing the fun with color, creating nine distinct guest rooms, each themed after a color from the ROYGBIV spectrum, alongside black and white rooms. Breer's approach to color in the Firehouse Hotel challenges conventional shyness in home decor, opting instead for bold and unexpected combinations. One key lesson from her design is the successful pairing of warm hues. In the Yellow Room, saffron bathroom tiles are contrasted with a scarlet vanity, which Breer describes as a rich, grounded color that balances the bright yellow. A mustard velvet bolster acts as both a headboard and backrest for a built-in bench. The Orange Room showcases a spectrum of sunset shades, from radiant pink to tangerine, creating a dynamic and cohesive space. Furthermore, the Violet Room demonstrates a sophisticated use of color by combining deep eggplant with warm pumpkin-hued silk pillows and curtains, which adds a sense of warmth to the violet. Another significant takeaway from Breer's design is the innovative use of pattern and patina to introduce color and texture beyond traditional paint. The Blue Room features a canopy bed adorned with a cobalt toile, complemented by smoky cabinetry. In the Green Room, an avocado-toned fauna wallpaper envelops the sitting area, and the kitchenette is outfitted with a deep forest green marble countertop. The Indigo Room draws inspiration from a vintage denim dead-stock, which Breer repurposed as a textured headboard, dictating the room's minimalist Japanese aesthetic. The bathrooms across all rooms feature Moroccan Zellige tiles from Clé Tile, with each color corresponding to its guest room, such as Indian Saffron in the Yellow Room and Ancient Sea in the Blue Room, and a more subtle Vintage Rose in the Violet Room. Finally, Breer incorporates nightclub-inspired accents in darker rooms to create a unique ambiance. The Black Room exudes a '70s nightclub vibe with leopard carpeting and inky-black bathroom tiles, offering a striking contrast to the vibrant rainbow mural and colorful sunset hues of the White Room. This 'grandma-punk' aesthetic, as Breer describes it, balances classic elegance with edgy elements. This theme extends to the hotel's restaurant, which features deep peacock blue walls and crimson banquettes, offset by a disco ball backsplash made from reflective tiles and a distinctive alien-like seafoam green light fixture. Breer's aim was to create a space that feels both historic and playfully unconventional, resonating with the surrounding art-filled neighborhood of Los Angeles. #HotelDesign #ColorInspiration #InteriorDesign #LosAngeles #SallyBreer #FirehouseHotel #HospitalityDesign #BoldColors #DesignLessons

The Metropolitan Opera's Patron Lounge, now known as the Keebler J. Straz Lounge, underwent a significant redesign by ELLE DECOR A-Listers Christine and John Gachot of Gachot Studios. This renovation marks a new chapter for the storied space, originally decorated by Billy Baldwin when the opera house opened in 1966. The Gachots, longtime fans of the Met Opera, were tasked with refreshing the lounge to reflect contemporary luxury while honoring its rich history and the grand aesthetics of the opera house. The original lounge, characterized by its wall-to-wall windows and domed ceiling, was designed by Baldwin to offer practical, flexible seating areas for guests. However, after decades, the space required a modern update. The Gachots were selected for their expertise in warm, sophisticated interiors, demonstrated in previous luxury hospitality projects like the Pendry Manhattan West and Detroit’s Shinola Hotel. Their approach to the Met Opera lounge involved a deep dive into the Met’s extensive archives, studying original sketches and photographs to reinterpret Baldwin's vision while introducing a fresh perspective. Inspired by Baldwin's initial layout, the Gachots divided the lounge into distinct zones for various activities, including a bar area, comfortable sofas, and tables for gathering. This zoning strategy ensures that the space remains versatile and inviting. The design seamlessly integrates with the opera's iconic common areas, such as the lobby with its red carpeting and travertine accents. The chosen color palette of blush, red, and camel complements these existing elements, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the venue. One of the standout features of the redesigned lounge is a glittering gold custom carpet by Creative Matters, which evokes the effervescence of freshly popped Champagne, serving as a luxurious counterpoint to the lobby's famous red carpet. Other custom elements include a brass Amuneal bar, screens upholstered in Clarence House fabric, and all furniture supplied by Roche Bobois. The bathrooms feature fixtures by Waterworks from the Bond collection, designed in collaboration with Gachot, alongside Waterworks sinks, mirrors, and stone. The lounge's new name, the Keebler J. Straz Lounge, honors a managing director on the Met Opera’s board who generously funded the renovation. Access to this exclusive space is reserved for Metropolitan Opera sponsor members. The redesign is intended to symbolize a renewed commitment to attracting and nurturing a new generation of opera enthusiasts and patrons, a sentiment echoed by both Straz and the Gachots. The project underscores the importance of cultural institutions and the role of design in preserving and evolving these significant spaces. #MetropolitanOpera #LoungeRedesign #GachotStudios #LuxuryInteriorDesign #CulturalRenovation #HospitalityDesign #NewYorkDesign #OperaHouse #InteriorDecor

The concourse level of the Plaza Hotel in New York City has undergone a significant expansion, transforming into a 40,000-square-foot Plaza Food Hall, designed by Jeffrey Beers. This expansion now houses numerous freestanding food purveyors and fine goods retailers, creating a comprehensive culinary and retail destination. The design of the food hall draws inspiration from the shopping arcades of Paris and traditional European food halls, aiming to provide a cohesive yet distinct identity for each vendor within a unified aesthetic. Key design elements by Jeffrey Beers include antique mirror columns, custom mosaic flooring, and a prominent 6-by-15-foot living green wall. This green wall, featuring tropical plants with varied leaf and flower colors, is designed to change with the seasons, adding a dynamic and natural element to the space. The overall ambiance seeks to blend elegance with functionality, offering visitors a luxurious and comfortable environment for dining and shopping. The Plaza Food Hall features a diverse array of culinary offerings. The FP Patisserie by Francois Payard presents a selection of macarons, viennoiserie, and signature chocolates. Luke’s Lobster provides Maine-style lobster rolls, New England clam chowder, and whoopee pies, catering to classic American seafood preferences. Lady M, a cake shop, offers exclusive items such as the Chocolate Banana Mille Crepes Cake, with its counter designed by Beers featuring white lacquer on polished metal legs, creating a visually striking and modern display. Other notable establishments include No. 7 Sub, which has created "The No.7 Club" sandwich exclusively for the Plaza. Sushi of Gari offers various sushi sets, including hopper, cup, and vegetable options. Tartinery, a French bistro, serves burrata, charcuterie, soups, and salads. Additionally, Burke in a Box introduces a new concept from chef David Burke, further diversifying the food options available. Beyond culinary delights, the Plaza Food Hall also incorporates lifestyle and home-related retail. Town and Country Living offers exclusive tabletop and home entertaining items, providing visitors with opportunities to purchase sophisticated goods for their homes. Gramercy Flowers, recognized as the oldest flower shop in New York City, allows patrons to take home bouquets, extending the fresh and natural aesthetic of the living green wall into their personal spaces. This integrated approach ensures that the expanded food hall is not merely a dining area but a multifaceted destination catering to various aspects of modern lifestyle and luxury. #PlazaFoodHall #JeffreyBeers #InteriorDesign #LuxuryDining #NewYorkCity #RetailDesign #CulinaryDestination #HotelDesign #FoodHall