Friday, February 26, 2010

Hotel Quincy, Singapore

untitledIt’s nice to see a hotel design cohesive and strong throughout, such as in the Hotel Quincy in Singapore. Because one design firm, Ong and Ong, was involved in all aspects of the design (architecture, interiors, landscape, signage, etc.) each space flows with the next. I find the design fresh and modern, and I like the punches of acidic colors throughout. There is always a stacked or staggered design elementpresent, whether it be in the rock, the tile, or the glass of the building itself.untitled6

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Monday, February 22, 2010

From Dostoevsky’s Russia, With Love

The Reval Hotel Sonya, in St. Petersburg is a theme hotel to the extreme. Based on Dostoevsky’s famed 1866 novel, “Crime and Punishment”, this 173 room hotel is full of references to the novel, as well as Russian culture as a whole. (Interesting side note…Sonya is the name of a prostitute in the novel)reva3The lobby welcomes guests with an interesting reception desk. Notice the Russian dolls hanging upside down from the bottom. A lacquer sofa portrays the story of Crime and punishment. Like the entire hotel, every element relates in some way to the story or the author.

The Metamorfos Bar conjures up colours and patterns beloved to Russia. Bright florals find their way into the chain drapes. Almost gypsy like, the mix is Bohemian, yet chic.

reval4reval7Guest corridors have passages of the book written on the carpet. Each guest room has it’s own passage, the floor it’s on relating to a chapter, and the room number a verse from the book, on the individual door numbers. reval5

reval6Guestrooms are colorful and lively. Apparently each wall of the guestrooms is a different wall paper, a typical detail found in many Russian homes.

reval1reval2 Designer: Stylt Trampoli AB, Sweden

Top 8 Emerging Hotel Markets

Move over Dubai. According to a recent world_map_black-dotted Glad to see there are bright spots coming through after a somewhat dim past 2 years.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Hotel Germain Calgary Opens

The Hotel Germain in Calgary opens its doors to its first guests tonight. Following in the Germain tradition set in Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto, the styling of the hotels is simple and chic. The focus is on creating warm interiors without clutter or visual distraction. The natural light in the showers is great, and I love how the desk at the windows blends visually with the wood shutters and wall panel. The hotel has 143 guestrooms and is situated in the heart of Calgary’s downtown.

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Hotel Indigo Shanghai

Recently opened, the Hotel Indigo Shanghai showcases unique furniture in the guestrooms with a distinctly oriental flavor. Pattern is highlighted through wood grain on the furniture and paneling, and punches of color add visual interest throughout. While the design is not typically my taste, I think it is successful because of it’s unique reference to the local vernacular and it’s attention to detail (as shown in the slat ceiling in the washroom).shanghai2

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

From 16th to 21st Century in 106”

This unusual storage unit from Property Furniture caught my eye. It’s very unique, and definitely a conversation starter. I can see it being used in a very stark, loft like space. Or for those couples with completely polar design tastes…Untitled-1

Monday, February 15, 2010

A Sweet Suite for Valentine’s

This “Sweetest Sweet” at the Renaissance Hotel New York was a one time, 2 night special available only From February 13th-15th. Renting out for $2500 per night, the room is like a candy store, featuring real giant sized sweets from Dylan’s Candy Bar, including giant gummy bears and kit kat, and even an edible wall. Sweet Dreams!

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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Postcard Perfect

The Postcard Inn in St. Petersburg, Florida is in some ways the polar opposite of yesterday’s post featuring the Viceroy at Snowmass. And yet in other ways the design really helps to create a mood suitable to it's’ setting. Check out these cool digs that invoke feelings of summery, casual, beach side living.

Who would have thought macrome would make a comeback as part of a light fixture in a dramatic seating group in the lobby.35105

The catwalk like bulkheads, colourful and eclectic furniture mix, and industrial lights add a youthful and edgy quality.

Rooms are casual and fresh. And who can’t use an inspirational quote every now and then. 35113

Monday, February 1, 2010

Viceroy Snowmass

Any skier's dream would be to stay at a luxury, ski-in ski-out resort such as the new Viceroy in Snowmass. Located outside of Aspen, this retreat is absolutely gorgeous. It demonstrates that Mountain style doesn’t have to be always be completely “Rustic”. I really find all of these spaces inspirational and brilliant in their attention to detail and design, but I especially LOVE the glass fire tube!

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The lighting provides a strong, inviting focal point to this seating group.35189

Even Louis chairs fit in against the natural wood backdrops.35194

Untitled2 This woven wood ceiling is amazing!Untitled3 The guestrooms look comfortable and cozy. Notice Kelly’s signature sunburst mirror over the tub in the guest bathrooms.Untitled4 35196Designers: Kelly Wearstler and Jean Michel-Gathy.