Twenty-Two Twelve: Creating a Moody and Opulent Hotel Suite Design

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a moody and opulent hotel suite design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Twenty-Two Twelve Design Inc & You Should Stay Here.

Canadian design firms, Twenty-Two Twelve Design Inc & You Should Stay Here were commissioned to design a 9 suite boutique inn in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, a quaint theatre town modelled after Stratford-upon-Avon. They preserved the historic qualities of the building and were endlessly inspired by Shakespearean drama and eccentricity. Draped in rich velvets and tangled in serpent motifs, moody and opulent describes this space best. Each suite is unique featuring completely different bold colour palettes that are tied together with common themes.

What was the client's brief? 

The clients wanted to transform the space into a destination for theatre goers in time for Stratfords festival season. They trusted ours (Twenty-Two Twelve's) and You Should Stay Here's ability to come up with our own vision.

What inspired the design of the project?

At Twenty-Two Twelve my sister and business partner Haley McDonough and I believe you need to start with three questions: what does the property want, what would the client love and how can we push the boundaries. When Autumn Hachey from You Should Stay Here asked us to collaborate on the project we knew Hotel Julie was going to be a boundary pusher. The clients Jake and Paula love vintage, bold design and were not afraid of colour. The building is a Georgian style row house built in 1890 located in the heart of Stratford which is the theatre hub of Ontario and based on Shakespeare's hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. We wrapped the walls and ceilings in heritage paint colours and chose finishes that could have always been there like dark oak floors, classic black and white checkerboard, applied mouldings and unlacquered brass fixtures. We added rich velvets as a nod to theatre and layered in Shakespearean motifs such as serpents and ruffles. The goal was "play"ful and sophisticated".

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The Project was turned into a TV show by Alibi Entertainment which added a layer of complexity and added pressure for deadlines. It was beautifully shot by Matt Braun and produced by Joanne Virgo so while it made it more difficult to pull off, it is amazing to be able to look back at the process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the project was seeing the clients faces when we walked them through the first time. We kept the design a secret along the way so they did not know what to expect. Paula was brought to tears she was so overwhelmed with joy. They said it far exceeded their expectations and that is an amazing feeling.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have been accredited professional members of SBID for 6 years now and believe in the value and importance of setting standards in the interior design industry. We are proud to be associated with SBID, we are proud of this project and are delighted that SBID has identified it as a finalist in our category.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We feel being an award finalist for SBID is a prestigious accomplishment in its own right.

Questions answered by Jillian Smith-Moher, Interior Designer and Co-Founder at Twenty-Two Twelve.

Looking back at sofa.com's favourite projects of 2023, it’s clear that boutique hotels are no longer simple nor quaint. We’ve worked with designers who are looking to bring the boutique hotel into modernity, and this starts with a reconsideration of what it is that makes a hotel welcoming, and how hotels can keep comfort and function as a top priority yet experiment more with colour and personality, creating a home away from home for guests.

One of the largest projects our dedicated trade team have worked on has been to furnish 9 bedrooms in a new luxury hotel in Ibiza. Perfectly pitched between boutique and mid-sized, Pikes is a project which showcases personality, textural interest and great use of materials. An infusion of colour with beautifully bright upholstered beds and complementary artwork creates an ambient and welcoming environment. Lucinda Swayne, interior designer on the project, comments, “During the renovation, it was vital that the quirky elements were retained to preserve the identity of the hotel. Within the redesign we have created eclectic comfortable rooms with a unique feel, coupled with micro-attention to functionality, so that guests will never want to leave”.

This focus on functionality comes down to vital design choices: bed size and placement, extra surfaces and storage, and lighting decisions.

A perfectly placed bed should leave ample space on each side, ideally enough for the essential bedside table. While beds are ideally placed centrally within the room, this can be a struggle within smaller spaces, when it comes to allow for storage on both sides. Working with designers at Rendall & Wright on a project in Norfolk, our nifty solution was to incorporate a storage ottoman at the foot of the bed, providing both a place to perch and somewhere to stow away personal effects.

Comfort is paramount, with almost all the designers we work with opting for king size beds, as the ultimate requirement for a great overnight stay, is comfort. The main goal is to ensure each guest has the best night’s sleep. Returning customers is the greatest compliment a hotel can receive, and the comfort levels will heavily influence the reputation of a great hotel.

Lucinda comments that a bedroom should be “a comforting space that provides guests with somewhere they never want to leave. Top of the list is by far a comfortable and statement bed.” For the ultimate in indulgence, beds with velvet headboards are a winner – not only do they look luxurious, but they are also beautifully soft and tactile.

Once comfort levels have been established, lighting is the next crucial element, and should be one of the first things considered. Where is the bed going to be placed? You’ll need bedside lamps or wall lights on a separate circuit to allow for adjustable light levels, and true comfort means not leaving your bed to turn off a light switch. Although inherently practical, lighting is another aspect of the room design that can be a vehicle for introducing colour or pattern.

Very much dispelling the reputation of being twee, it’s clear that smaller hotels are going through somewhat of a design shift. A well thought through and exquisitely executed delivery on all the non-negotiables of a dream hotel stay promises a luxurious escape form day-to-day life.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The bedroom is one of the most important spaces in any project, whether residential or hotelier.

Considering the design of the room and ensuring that each element works effortlessly to create somewhere that promotes rest and enjoyment is key. Working closely with our global clientele over the past year, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in how designers are approaching each project, with a focus on creating a space of sanctuary. Each stage of the design process is an opportunity to create a space that evokes calm via colours, materials, furniture and accessory choice resulting in the perfect room layout.

As the centrepiece to all bedroom specifications, bed choice is key, and comfort is king. Think about both bed frame and mattress choice, as a deep slumber will be pivotal to guests not only feeling refreshed but recommending their experience to friends and colleagues.

Although we’ve seen hints over the past year or so that interior designers are becoming more experimental with colour, a calming selection of beiges, earth tones and off-whites remain top choices across our upholstered bed range. Texture is used as a way to add interest without opting for colour, with tactile fabrics such as sumptuously soft velvets, or comforting boucle offering the perfect starting point to create a neutral décor scheme that does not lack in design detail or impact.

Collaborating with our clients over the years, we’ve taken on board feedback on the importance of all the small details and our flexibility to fulfil bespoke requests means each element is considered, from bed height to access to switches, sockets and lighting.

Additional furniture should complement the overarching goal to create calm. Whilst acting as a decorative item and adding visual interest to a room, a well-chosen occasional chair at the right time of day can be either a relaxing additional space to unwind, or somewhere to sit and work. We’ve noticed an increase in designers’ incorporating seating at the foot of the bed, whether in the form of a chaise longue or decorative bench, again combining practicality that is tailored to the desired aesthetic. Bedside tables too should balance form and function, acting as a space to store personal items, while supporting stylistic factors within the room.

Often considered more by residential designers, incorporating elements of biophilia through the use of natural materials, and colours inspired by the outside environment has a multitude of benefits in hotel specifications. First popularised in the 50s to boost productivity in office design, this is a trend that has crept into hotel planning to promote a peaceful atmosphere.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Jeffrey Beers International.

Uniquely situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Hard Rock Hotel New York offers a backstage pass to the city's historic Music Row, honouring its legacy through intricate design, curated amenities, and award-winning guest experiences. Sitting atop the 36th floor is the jewel of the Rock Star Suite, a glass-enclosed penthouse with expansive city views, original contemporary artwork, bespoke music memorabilia, and one of the largest terraces for entertaining in New York City at 1,600 sq. ft. The sleek interior design includes double height ceilings and rich tones and textures creating an inviting and timeless space. On its first level, the suite features an open-plan living and dining area with a bar and butler pantry, an outdoor bar, VIP direct access to the RT60 rooftop bar & lounge, and more. Guests can retreat upstairs to a luxurious bedroom area with a walk in closet and contemporary bathroom featuring a red free standing bathtub.

What was the client's brief? 

The double story suite is to be used as both a guest room and an event space as well. We therefore designed the separate bedroom on the upper level, as well as created a direct access to the public bathrooms on the floor below. Last but not least, the space exemplifies what the guestrooms are about: to make the guest feel like a rockstar.

What inspired the design of the project?

The rich history of New York’s Music Row, as well as the culture of the Hard Rock brand. The city’s energy at dusk, when the Marquee lights of Times Square come out, also inspired our design.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Creating maximum impact with a reasonable budget. Also every material has to be high quality and resistant without feeling commercial. Being the only Rockstar Suite it has to be ADA accessible.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The red bathtub with a view feels very unique.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

It is a wonderful honour to be recognized by an internationally focused design award. We also greatly enjoy the opportunity to visit London for the awards event.

Questions answered by Pierre Josselin, Associate Principal, Jeffrey Beers International.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Hirsch Bedner Associates.

Canopy by Hilton Hotel in Qujiang Xi’an conveys the splendid leisure and carnival entertainment of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

The central premise of the design stems from the Chinese idiom 鲜衣怒马 xiānyī nùmǎ, which loosely translates to “wearing beautiful garments and riding powerful horses”. With this concept in mind, the interiors celebrate the vibrant fashion and design of the prosperous Tang Dynasty that for centuries has been integrated into the spiritual language of Xi’an’s neighborhoods, and now blends exquisitely with the opulent aesthetics of the Canopy brand.

The xiānyī nùmǎ motif is unraveled throughout the hotel style through the use of joyful colors and patterns inspired by Tang-era fabrics and artwork. By fusing the ancient with the modern to create a unique design story, the hotel creates a fresh perspective on historical elements, allowing people to enjoy traditional culture in a rejuvenated, vibrant, and fun way.

What was the client's brief? 

The initial brief received by clients was to bring the rich historical, traditional and cultural background of the place into the project renovation, and to align it to the hotel brand style and feeling.

Canopy by Hilton conveys the brand lifestyle that offers the guests comfort, thoughtful details, an energizing atmosphere and a uniquely local experience, as extension of the local neighbourhood.

Storytelling has been used to design the hotel allowing guest to discover the delightful neighbourhood as an ‘explorer’, and reinterpreting the traditional design language for modern appreciation.

What inspired the design of the project?

Canopy by Hilton Xi’an is located in the Qujiang New District, a new cultural hub and economic center of the historic city.

The hotel is connected to the Grand Tang Mall, a fabulous pedestrian street with myriad cultural sights and recreational activities.

The central premise of the design stems from the Chinese idiom “鲜衣怒马 xiānyī nùmǎ”, which loosely translates to “wearing beautiful garments and riding powerful horses”. With this concept in mind, the design team set out to celebrate the vibrant fashion and design of the prosperous Tang Dynasty that for centuries has been integrated into the spiritual language of Xi’an’s neighborhoods, and now blends exquisitely with the opulent aesthetics of the Canopy brand.

The xiānyī nùmǎ motif is unraveled throughout the hotel style through the use of joyful colors and patterns inspired by Tang-era fabrics and artwork. By fusing the ancient with the modern to create a unique design story, the hotel creates a fresh perspective on historical elements, allowing people to enjoy traditional culture in a rejuvenated, vibrant, and fun way.

By adopting the easy-going lifestyle of Xi’an and the cultural elements of the city’s historic legacy, the hotel acts as an extension of the local neighborhood.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

As most of the projects, the team had to deal with a tight timeline on redesigning the whole hotel without compromising the construction programme.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Canopy by Hilton Xi’an conveys the splendid leisure and carnival entertainment of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

The hotel creates a new perspective that allows people to reveal the traditional culture in a way that is vibrant, fun and young, it adopts the easy-going Xi’an characteristic that enhance the vibe of the area it resides in.

The hotel has 125 guestrooms in the guest tower, including exclusive suites and lofts, leveraging little-bit difference with standard of Hilton group, the design of the guestroom tends to create different experience for the guests.

Guests are initially greeted by a room identity sign that echoes the design concept idiom and takes inspiration from a journey via horse and camel along the silk road. Upon entering the guestrooms, the design calls to mind a Tang-era scene of women pounding and making palace silk. During this time, women used mineral pigments to dye silk, and wrapped stones with wet raw rice paper or cotton to slowly seep the color into the silk. A nod to this ingenious process can be seen in the stylish canopy painted on the wall and ceiling surrounding the bed in each guestroom. The canopy is framed by clean black lines and features a strip of color in the center that fades from turquoise on the ceiling to a bright orange - a color spectrum cherished in the Tang Dynasty.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence within the interior design industry across products, interiors and fit out.

Over a decade on, the Awards has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious interior design Awards in the global design calendar. It represents the outstanding industry achievements and top quality design services that continue to inspire the profession.

Questions answered by Flavio Patino, Associate, HBA Hong Kong.

In this week's interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design category, Brime Robbins, Maria Brime & Garrett Robbins shine the spotlight on the intricate details of their project, discuss their design approach and talk about connecting the world and translating the stories and culture through design.

Brime Robbins were commissioned for the interior design at Andaz Prague, the first Hyatt hotel in the Czech Republic and the first luxury lifestyle hotel in Prague. In the historic building known ‘Sugar Palace’ Brime Robbins worked to not only preserve and elevate the historic features of the building but create an experience integral to the identity of Prague itself.

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

In transforming the historic Sugar Palace building into a luxury Andaz hotel, Brime Robbins harnessed the central design inspiration of Czech myths and legends; making “the global local”, and transporting guests to a legendary world beyond the restored casement windows and crown mouldings.

Awoken from their slumber within the dormant building, the characters from the legends emerge from the walls and floors to greet guests and guide them through an unforgettable journey through Andaz Prague. This design approach connects visiting guests with a strong, passionate sense of place, reconnecting native people of Prague with their childhoods and engaging with local artists and craftsmen with modern and refined materials. Guests are immersed into a world of never-ending stories, which inevitably they will pack into their suitcases and take home with them, telling friends and family far and wide...and hence creating a larger, more global story from the heart of Prague. It is this sharing of our hearts, which then makes the entire hotel experience intimate, unique and very personal.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

The biggest and most positive takeaway from this project was the exceptionally strong emotional, visceral connection between the people of Czech Republic and the stories anchoring the design. Often when designing spaces, there is a core concept and/or story which can be just as interesting and unique but have come nowhere close to the personal connection for each and every person in Prague, and Czech Republic.

For this project, we spent a lot of time at the concept stage – mesmerised by Czech Republic and Prague being so enchanting and rich in culture – that is how we came to that heritage and culture being such a focal point to be harnessed and encapsulated into the design.

It truly has been amazing how something so simple could have such a large, withstanding impact. During tours and events, some people have been on the verge of tears with such an emotional connection to the design that remind them of their grandparents reading them these stories and so on.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

To achieve such recognition and an overwhelming positive response to our concept and design has been unbelievable. Such recognition from the industry and wider design community has really propelled us to strive for nothing less than ‘award-winning’ concepts and designs going forward. It has really highlighted how crucial the symbiotic relationship is between concept and design and the integration between the two.

Winning an SBID award has meant greater exposure in the UK and Northern Europe from such a prestigious and well-respected body, truly catapulting our designs from the local, to global.

On top of this, winning the award adds great value to the property itself, whilst nurturing our current and future relationships with our clients. This should also hopefully support us when approaching future projects as such proven success and positive track record highlights how universally, the BR approach, is an approach like no other. This recognition puts the spotlight on how being so intrinsically personal and emotional can create a strong connection with the place itself, whilst simultaneously creating an unbreakable bond with guests through the design and narrative.

For this project you were asked to create an experience integral to the identity of Prague itself. What is your approach/design process for this kind of brief, especially being a design practice based abroad?

As we mentioned, we spent a lot of time and concentrated efforts during the concept phase to ensure the stories and narrative could truly shine through and connect to one and all. We spent a lot of time speaking to people in Prague, gathering research, and fundamentally immersing ourselves into local cultures to support such an enriching narrative.

We became in love with the idea of retelling these stories but in a more uplifting style that would translate into interior design. It’s been an unbelievably fun process to now see these stories emerge from the walls in front of you.

It is important to note, we were not trying to imitate Czech culture but to create an authentic representation by translating such rich culture to a relatable and mesmerising narrative widely understood across the globe. There truly is something wonderfully innate about engaging in a story or fairy-tale, something universal that supports an immersive experience - often providing a stronger understanding of ourselves during the process.

Hotel rooms too often create a feeling of coldness and unfamiliarity. How did you ensure the guests would feel at home staying in these suites?

For us, it is vital to capture interest and create moments to pause and engage. Very much like the narrative within a story, it’s important to create areas to be in awe of, encouraging a moment of pause, reflection and enjoyment. And this was key for Andaz Prague, especially for such an enriching lifestyle brand.

We explored touches of residential styling and sensibilities to create a ‘home from home’ experience along the way. From the smallest details that connect guests to something they may have in their home or are familiar to a home they know. It’s important to design in a way that makes you literally want to dive into and feel at home.

From damask, textured wallpapers to a distinctive chaise longue and umbrella stand. With high quality craftsmanship and materials that reflect a sense of home and warmth, guests can feel like they’re in a special place; their very own luxury, their own little world.

Can you tell us more about your company ethos? What role does interior design play in “making the global local”?

Our ethos to ‘make the global, local’ represents a wonderful synergy and the opportunity to make such a large, fast-paced world, feel smaller, connected and intimate.

There are so many things to fall in love with about each and individual culture, and this couldn’t be truer about Prague and Czech Republic. The designs for Andaz Prague create deep connections coupled with a sense of mystery and intrigue, a unique unforgettable experience for all. Guests will find reasons to return, relive and indulge through the experiences presented through the design.

This rich emotional connection is formed through multiple layers of detail within a 360 design approach. Throughout the immersive journey, you are faced with hidden treasure after hidden treasure, with guests longing to pack up these experiences in their suitcases to take home with them. Making the global, local.

It is important to recognise local cultures from a global perspective, creating an ambience that guests want to pocket and travel with so that these stories can be retold globally, day after day, whether verbally or visually in the ever-growing world of social media. As small as the world is, people can feel connected to Czech Republic without even having visited.

Questions answered by Maria Brime & Garrett Robbins, Co-founders, Brime Robbins.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Kristina Zanic Design Consultants.

Kristina Zanic Consultants has designed a royal welcome for guests of the presidential Amiri Suite at St Regis Kuwait hotel. Newly rebranded from its previous Sheraton brand, the property has been the hotel of choice for royalty, diplomats and celebrities in the Middle East since 1966.

The Amiri suite features a 450sqm area that includes a reception area, lounge, dining/ boardroom, meeting rooms, master bedroom and bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, gym, barber/hairdressing station and spa suite.

A striking palette of royal blue and cream greets the guest. Blue accents in the furniture, art, carpeting and wall panels add the right amount of 'oomph' to the otherwise restrained palette.

Brass fretwork together with lacquered wall paneling and a sunburst timber detail create a luxury residential ambience. A bespoke embossed leather headboard offers the perfect backdrop in the bedroom, serving as a neutral but richly textured piece of art. The flooring features a multitude of luxury material and patterns, basket-weave timber parquet, bespoke carpet designs, and layered inlaid marble tile.

Sophisticated furniture with rounded forms, rich fabrics and accessories blend luxury with comfort and practicality, reflecting an attention to detail and personal touch. Bespoke crystal chandeliers layer on the luxury, while art pieces play with abstract geometric and arabesque graphics, with no two pieces alike.

The result is an elegant space, with a restrained neutral base palette with injections of colour, and quiet opulent finishes.

What was the client's brief? 

The Sheraton hotel in Kuwait was very much in need of a makeover due to its very outdated interiors. The client was looking to find the right balance in creating a reinvented luxurious hospitality space while staying true to the hotel’s 50-year heritage.

The property was the first five-star hotel in the Middle East, and has enjoyed landmark status for the past five decades. The design needed to be sensitive to its history and to deliver a high-end luxury interior that would be appealing to its distinguished clientele, while also aligning with its new St Regis brand identity.

We provided the interior design consultancy for the full refurbishment of the hotel. The first phase involving guestroom and suite floor refurbishment was completed in November 2021, and the second phase of refurbishment for public areas of the hotel is expected to be completed in 2024.

What inspired the design of the project?

The direction we chose was to ‘look back in order to look ahead’. In the 1960s, the hotel defined luxury hospitality in the region, catering to the local high society and reflecting a progressive country to visitors. Working within the new St Regis brand guidelines, we set out to reinforce that position and reflect what luxury means today in Kuwait.

The concept centers on creating a home away from home, a place to indulge in every sense. The aim was to create a bespoke and timeless look, with opulent finishes and classic details in the suites.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge lay in remotely managing the project at the peak of the pandemic crisis. Following initial visits to the site before lockdown, the major part of the project involved lots of online coordination with the client and virtual site visits and material inspections.

We had to be extra careful with monitoring the project and faster with our responses, but thankfully had plenty of support from the client and contractor who regularly shared photos and videos of the site’s progress.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

There are a number of features that stand out in this project. The first is the smooth flow that was achieved within the various spaces in the suite, really creating a sense of home for the guest.

The suite also features a generous use of sophisticated materials and finishes, like inlaid marble, leather and timber wall panels, hand-blown crystal lights, and curated art.

The suite’s lavish amenities offer guests the ultimate experience of relaxation and indulgence. Of particular note is the bathroom and spa area that developed into an oasis of luxury and comfort, with double vanities in grey marble, double jacuzzi, grooming station, sauna, spa treatment room, and gym.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

It’s always gratifying to get industry recognition for the immense effort that goes into our work, especially a large and complex project like the St Regis Kuwait.

We took a very studied and sensitive approach to the renovation of the hotel, and couldn’t be happier to see our work resonating with the judges.

Being selected as an SBID award finalist among hundreds of entries is really an acknowledgement of the team’s hard work, as well as a fantastic opportunity for international exposure for the hotel.

Questions answered by Lara Elhani, Design Director, Kristina Zanic Consultants.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a historic hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.

Known as Ottawa's Castle, Fairmont Château Laurier’s historical presence towers over the Canadian city. CHIL Interior Design was commissioned to bring the historic Karsh Suite into the new century. The suite was named after Yousuf Karsh, famed photographer who maintained his studio and residence in the hotel for many years, we drew direct inspiration from this visionary to create a design for the suite that is as bold and unforgettable as the icon himself. Special attention was necessary to respect the original early 20th century historical details of the hotel, while delicately positioning this suite in a more forward looking aesthetic. Of the highest importance, the new interior renovation, celebrates the unique character of this local landmark while, in the same breath, accentuates the beautiful and luxurious details that portrays “Canada’s tradition of grandeur”.

What was the client's brief? 

The client wanted the design to fit the Fairmont brand standard on aesthetic, quality, and functionality. In addition to basing the concept on the legendary icon that the suite was named after, photographer Yousuf Karsh, the client also highlighted the need to respect the wishes of Yousuf Karsh’s wife Mrs. Estrellita Karsh on the suite design. It was also important to the client to bring the suites into the 21st century while keeping a strong respect and inspiration for the early 20th century.

What inspired the design of the project?

Famed photographer Yousuf Karsh who maintained his residence and photography studio in that exact suite for many years: his viewpoints on art, as well as his lifestyle.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Due to the hotel being a heritage building as well as respecting Mrs. Estrellita Karsh’s wishes to keep all the original framing and positions of the Karsh portraits, there were lots of restrictions to the layout. However, in order to bring modernity into the suites, we designed the layout to revolve around these challenges, such as completely redesigning the primary bathroom and  expanding that footprint to cater to modern travellers’ needs.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Close collaboration with the Fairmont brand and client allowed us to achieve a desired outcome that fits well with the hotel brand aesthetic despite the pandemic starting in the process of renovation – it’s a highlight to know our emphasis on clear design and communications is especially appreciated as we work remotely.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards is one of the most prestigious international interior design awards. It is always an honour to be recognized by such a high calibre of industry expert panel and we look forward to submitting our entries every year.

Questions answered by Karen Wong, Senior Associate, & Adèle Rankin, Principal & Global Design Lead, CHIL Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a minimal luxury hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, LW Design.

What was the client's brief? 

LW Design was tasked to create this extraordinary new flagship hotel in this vibrant city and overall hospitality industry in the Middle East. The iconic hotel boasts minimalist luxury and already has intrigue in the local community with its subtle appeal. Location and people are paramount to the brand.

What inspired the design of the project?

LW Design has created arguably the best looking EDITION hotel in the world to date; it is the first hotel of its kind in Dubai with elevated style, materials and design language. The Dubai EDITION is also the first hospitality project LW Design has completed for both architecture and interiors. The EDITION collection celebrates the diversity of cities across the world, reflecting the best of cultural and social environments and a new generation of understated luxury.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Having started on the project almost five years ago, Pooja Shah-Mulani, design director at LW Design, describes the journey as the most intense but rewarding experience, making its completion the pinnacle of her career to date. “The fusion of working with an international brand such as The EDITION, in one of the most prestigious locations in Dubai, and for a client that trusted us to deliver an exceptional product, meant that expectations were only ever going to push creative boundaries into delivering something very special.

The result of ideas being challenged throughout the entire process has led to some of the most iconic moments in the hotel today, namely the arched ceiling. LW Design conceptualised The Dubai EDITION almost five years ago; the doors are now open to a design that's ahead of its time, yet timeless and current.

It was more complicated than we thought to create something effortless while still creating something that would have the biggest impact in the market by being completely different. Having maintained our philosophy of designing to current trends through organic simplicity, the result has exceeded expectations, and we are incredibly thrilled with the outcome”.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Dubai is a world capital for design and is used to setting the bar for outstanding service and luxury hotels. It is the brave that will survive and set the tone for travel into the future. It is the first five-star luxury property that we have managed both architectural and design projects. Our vision has allowed us to successfully launch and manage many game-changing concepts such as the Vida Downtown, Zabeel House in the Greens and Media One Hotel”.

The long-awaited Dubai EDITION opens its doors as the extraordinary new flagship hotel in this vibrant city and overall hospitality industry in the Middle East. The iconic hotel boasts minimalist luxury and already has intrigue in the local community with its subtle appeal. Location and people are paramount to the brand.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

International platform and recognition this project deserves.

Questions answered by Pooja Shah Mulani, Partner & Design Director, LW Design.

Within the hospitality industry, presentation and design are extremely important. With customers to impress and clients to retain, temporary guests are looking for a hassle-free experiences, with an emphasis on relaxation and convenience.

Alongside the basic utilities, a considered and practical layout is required to make the most of available space. Ideally, the set-up should facilitate traffic flow and allow guests to move around without getting in each other’s way. With the hospitality industry notoriously competitive, one way interior designers can stand out from the crowd is with accreditation from The Society of British & International Interior Design. As the industry's professional destination for interior design, SBID represents the benchmark for professional designers, connecting talented design experts with their ideal clients across contract or residential interiors.

Continue reading for an overview of interior design in the hotel industry, with tips on presentation, room layout for guests, and more.

Whether you’re a hotel owner looking for updated modern designs to implement in your guest rooms, or you’re a interior design professional in need of opportunities to display your portfolio of work, our Designer Directory is the place for you.

Property owners, developers and stakeholders are can discover the ideal design professional for their needs in our directory of registered designers, with options to search by design specialism, company name or practice location. For designers however, this is a valuable tool to showcase your design skills and services to wider audiences looking for professional interior design advice. 

Interested in featuring your design practice in our directory? Contact SBID to enquire about professional accreditation today.