Stylish and Inviting Interiors Designed for a Family Home

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary family home design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Designck.

Designck was commissioned to design the interior for this large contemporary new build. Part of this project was the kitchen, wine room and powder room. Robin Caudwell wanted to keep a feeling of warmth throughout the home. His clients have a large extended family and friends and entertain regularly; it was essential to make the home stylish, inviting, and relaxing, that everyone could enjoy. Using a mixture of different textures and tones, with carefully placed statement pieces such as the Titanium Gold Granite Island top, he feels that he has achieved a remarkable outcome for the clients.

What was the client's brief? 

I was engaged to design several areas of this luxury new build, which included the kitchen, outdoor kitchen, evening room, wine cellar, and powder room. The client is of Asian descent and have regular, large family gatherings, it was important to them that the kitchen was equipped with expansive storage for food, good prep areas and gas in the principal cooking area. Their wine collection needed to be showcased within their evening room. They wanted a warm and inviting powder room for their guests.

What inspired the design of the project?

The anchor for my design was the stunning Titanium Gold granite I chose for the island, and it has become a statement piece within the room. I used Lux board, which I reversed, and utilised the matte side that complements the Laminam in Moro that I picked for the expansive front door and a large fireplace.

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

On this particular project, there was a requirement for several air-conditioning return vents of which we didn't want to put on show. I came up with a solution to conceal the vents above the cabinetry, extending the height of just the doors to  give the kitchen area a cleaner look without showing the numerous vents required.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For me, it was seeing how the different rooms come together with a common theme whilst keeping their individual identities. And as a bonus, when I told the clients that we have been shortlisted for the SBID Awards, they were over the moon.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are renowned as the pinnacle of the design industry's awards. It’s one of the few awards that becoming even a finalist is a mammoth effort, and if I was fortunate enough to win, it reinforces why I love this creative industry being recognised for my passion, and time that I have poured into this project.

Questions answered by Robin Caudwell, Principal Designer, DesignCK.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dark apartment design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, ID4U studio.

What was the client's brief? 

Very unusual young woman owns this apartment. She is unique. So her brief was also untypical. She asked us to make her a “stylish and gloomy” apartment only for herself.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our magic client inspired us. We tried to create space which would reflect her a lot. We knew that our client would also appreciate some experiments, so we did it. At the same time we couldn’t ignore our fundamentals – comfort and cosiness. That’s why the interior concept was based on use of rich dark palette and concrete. But wooden walnut floors, different textiles, accents in gold and décor make this space very cozy.

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

We started this project before COVID. We created the whole concept. Everything was approved with the client. Covid quarantine came just before construction work started, so the project was paused. After few months we had to redo the whole concept and we had to remotely control the construction work.

The most complicated part of the project was the concrete staircase. We came up with the idea of it’s soft lines and rough material. Five people had been building it for two weeks.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For a long time we were dreaming to create an interior with dark walls. We were happy that finally we met a client who agreed with that idea. And not only with dark walls but also with dark ceilings! We love this dark green bedroom. It is amazing. Even though the floor is also dark, the room is full off light coming from a giant window.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

By entering SBID Awards we want to share Ukrainian Interiors with the World. We want to show that our quality of work meets international standards and trends.

Questions answered by Viktoriya Moshchynska and Olga Griban, Co-Founders, ID4U Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a timeless restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, EDG Design.

What was the client's brief? 

Singapore’s famed Orchard Road was once lined with fruit plantations, spice gardens and orchard groves (hence its name). But with the country’s modernization these plantations gave way to office towers and shopping malls that we see today. Our brief was to pay homage to this bygone era of the location’s Colonial past, agricultural history and the beauty of the tropics seamlessly merged for diners to enjoy morning, noon and night. Thus the concept of Estate was born, a series of three distinct dining rooms linked to open theatrical food kitchens that celebrate one of Singapore’s favourite pastimes…eating!

What inspired the design of the project?

Using the concept brief as a starting point, we developed a story of a 19^th Century plantation owner living in a grand estate surrounded by lush orchards growing crops of cinnamon, nutmeg, gambir and peppercorns. The architecture of these Colonial houses also served as inspiration. We utilized a similar approach of creating a series of intimate yet interconnected rooms for dining, kitchens and private areas which encourage exploration while creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant thus became a modern interpretation of a grand colonial estate that celebrates its heritage through design, palette, intricate details and gastronomy.

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

This building is an iconic landmark on Orchard Road and although constructed in the 1970s, is considered old for Singapore. As such, the building has lower floor-to-floor heights seen in today’s towers; therefore we were challenged to maximize the interior ceiling heights and did so by streamlining mechanical services and adding visual tricks such as blackened mirrors on the ceiling which create the sense of height and depth in a subtle manner. We also found a hidden structural column in the middle of our buffet kitchen which was not on the original architectural drawings. We managed to re-plan the kitchen and dining rooms quickly whilst still maintaining the integrity of the design.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the total transformation from the old space into a beautiful and timeless restaurant and sharing in the positive energy and excitement of our client is what makes design so gratifying. Developing a strong design narrative told through design, overcoming a challenging building and unforeseen challenges, and adapting to a new working model of executing design and construction during the unpredictable heights of Covid-19, we feel especially proud that Estate has come out with the rest of the hotel as an exciting new venue for guests and visitors to enjoy.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

SBID is one of the most well-known and prestigious design awards in our industry. As an international design and branding studio, we feel the opportunity to promote our work through SBID’s platform also helps EDG Design gain visibility and recognition from the voting public as we continue to create exciting and memorable guest experiences through design.

Questions answered by Simon McDonald, Design Director, EDG Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dining and late-night venue design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Novo Design.

We were brought in as the design team to assist with the delivery of Inca, an exotic dining and late-night venue situated under the London Palladium at Oxford Circus. The turnaround on the project was unheard of for its scale but the project manager knew we were the right team to do this and would be able deliver an outstanding design under challenging time scales. And that we did. We worked through the specification process pragmatically with the client prioritising the longest lead items and bit by bit, and lots of late nights and specification meetings later we started on site with 90% of the design information signed off. The last elements were worked out easily as a team on site. After 16 weeks of possibly the most intense project we have ever worked on the final results were outstanding and it was credit to the client for putting their trust in us and being decisive with decisions and sign off, the contractor for working tirelessly through the build and offering pragmatic solutions to problems if they occurred whilst on site and a fantastic project and cost manager for keeping it all ticking and making sure everyone was where they should be.

What was the client's brief? 

To create a high end, premium environment to act as a backdrop to world class Latin America shows and performance and an exceptional food and drink offer.

What inspired the design of the project?

A journey through Latin America. Colours, textures, landmarks and environment were all huge factors that inspired the design decisions.

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

Lead time, covid and Brexit. We were briefed in July and delivered the project at the end of October. We didn’t have the usual lead in to organically develop the design it had to be done on the fly so there were lots of intense meetings making decisions quickly to ensure contractors had information ahead of starting on site. Limited to selecting UK stocked items/materials as we didn’t have time for European transit times which was limiting and more challenging to create such a high-end premium feel with limited options.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Going to the launch event. It was amazing delivering such a unique design, but it really comes to life when the space is full of people, the performers are on stage and the food and drinks are theatrically delivered to your table. A dining experience like no other.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

This was such an intense project due to the timing and tight turn around. The team were working on drawings and details until the early hours of the morning regularly and then heading to site the next day, they put so much into the project to ensure it was delivered perfectly and it would be great if they could get some recognition for the time and effort put in.

Questions answered by Abbie Smith, Founder and Creative Director, Novo Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an open-plan kitchen design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Concepts by Gavin Hepper.

What was the client's brief? 

We were engaged to transform the interior spaces of this new build into an elegant Australian home, reflecting a modern European luxury. To bring a WOW factor, being a family home the kitchen in particular needs to be durable and functional for a large extended family that enjoy cooking and entertaining. The client also requested a specific ‘morning’ zone for a coffee and juice bar, and that the space is able to be occupied by multiple people simultaneously. And where possible, the use of products with a sustainable nature was preferred.

What inspired the design of the project?

Drawing on the materiality elements of traditional European luxury interiors of beautiful marbles and metallic finishes and ornate details, we have then interpreted these materials for a modern Australian lifestyle. With a background in joinery, I wanted to bring a handcrafted bespoke furniture element to the project. Specifying a Neolith Sintered Stone in a modern 12mm profile has facilitated some great detail within the design, working with a family run Australian business with a strong sustainability focus to handcraft the timber features and panels really highlight these elements. Working the design to achieve a balance of the scale of the island, anchoring the kitchen within the open plan living area whilst keeping the rest of the space light and provide a seamless transition and flow throughout the home.

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

Being engaged in the project well into construction of the property set some challenges for us, as there had been several significant oversights that we had to deal with.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Collaborating with some great brands and suppliers to deliver such a detailed orientated project, working alongside our team of trades to deliver our clients forever home, having clients that welcome you into their homes with such faith and trust to build a space for them to be able to create new memories with their family in, this is the ultimate highlight on our Oxford Project.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

To provide an international platform for great functional and beautiful Australian design.

Questions answered by Gavin Hepper, Creative Director, Concepts by Gavin Hepper.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a minimalist monochrome residential design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, MOON bureau.

What was the client's brief? 

"THE HILLS" is a home project for a young family of programmers who love to travel around Africa. The main design challenge was to create a barrier-free space with plenty of natural light. The clients wanted the atmosphere of their home to be reminiscent of their travels in Africa. They also wished for a monochrome interior with natural materials in mind and a minimum amount of furniture.

What inspired the design of the project?

We were inspired by photographs and stories about the magnificent nature of Namibia, where the endless ocean borders the desert. Our team has recreated this mesmerizing atmosphere within the interior design. The entire interior is made in pastel colors that resemble dunes and do not distract from the beautiful view outside the window. An original palette of natural shades, materials and panoramic glazing has erased the boundaries between the living room and the surrounding landscape. In this endless space, we have located a cozy lounge area, combining it under the dome of an ultra-stylish, modular Pole lamp.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We used kitchen model Artematica. Materials such as decorative plaster, glossy glass facades, brushed metal and natural stone were used. The central part of the working surface is closed by a lifting mechanism. In the center of the kitchen is a multifunctional island. We represent how pleasant it will be to meet the first rays of the sun with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

In the bedroom in we used textured travertine and decorative plaster, and in the dressing room - transparency changing smart-glass panels. Smart glass is a multi-layer product in which the middle layer is made of a liquid crystal film. When the smart glass is impacted by electricity, the glass instantly becomes transparent.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

I decided to take part in the competition because I wanted to show the creativity and talent of Ukrainian designers to a wider audience. It was an internal challenge to compare myself with modern European designers, to see how my work stands in the context of the current world design.

Questions answered by Tetiana Sytova, Founder and Chief Designer, MOON bureau.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a creative restaurant and bar venue design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, DesignLSM.

What was the client's brief? 

The Alchemist, an experiential British restaurant and bar group founded in 2010, wanted to create a fresh, new look for their original site located in Manchester’s dynamic Spinningfield’s district.

DesignLSM were tasked to create a visually compelling design that enabled the drinking and dining venue to seamlessly transition from day to night, reflecting the evolution of brand, and invigorated the space with a welcoming and energising ambiance.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of The Alchemist draws inspiration from the origins of the universe - creating an immersive experience for guests that is influenced by the search for the elixir of life and humanity’s continual fascination with our own origins and the subsequent exploration of the universe.

The colours running throughout the design reference the tones created through supernovas and swirling gasses, intertwined with patterns and shapes of orbital pathways of pathways of planets that are represented through curated bespoke furnishing and lighting features.

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

We were very aware that, due to the height of the ceilings, we needed to create big scale dramas in the space otherwise the design would get lost.

We overcame this by integrating striking lighting features throughout that had been carefully curated from both an atmospheric and design narrative perspective. Each sculptured pendant is influenced by the cosmos, the orbits of planets and satellites. The collective groups are hung in specific positions to create dramatic focal points which enhances the changing ambience of the day and creates dynamic zones within the open plan space - sculptural statements in the day to luminous masterpieces at night.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

From the get-go, the concept was well interpreted and we’re extremely proud of the space and new direction that we have delivered for The Alchemist. Since re-opening, we’re thrilled with the positive feedback received from both the client and the public. Despite there being a vast selection of drinking and dining destinations in the city, The Alchemist continues to set itself apart and remains as one of Manchester’s most renowned and vibrant social hot spots.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The work we completed for The Alchemist went beyond the creation of just a beautiful design, it transitioned the brand into a new era of what they represented, evolving their core DNA. The striking space has cemented The Alchemist as the go-to hot spot in Manchester drinking and dining’s scene, receiving a hugely positive response from the public, press, and the client. The SBID Awards are renowned for celebrating the best of interior design and as we are incredibly proud of what we achieved, we hope this project has earned its rightful place in the running as one of Manchester’s most vibrant new openings.

Questions answered by Yasamin Nikoosimaitak, Marketing Manager, DesignLSM.

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 light and airy kitchen design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Bocchetta Interiors.

What was the client's brief? 

The Slipway is a modern new build home in a tranquil setting by the sea. The owners already had a very clear idea of what style they wanted their home to have, but they commissioned Bocchetta Interiors to pull a cohesive scheme together. They liked the idea of each room flowing from one room to the next with beautiful, quality materials, lighting and FF&E. The main large open plan kitchen and living space was the most important room to them and needed to have the ‘wow' factor, especially as it has the most enviable Harbourside views.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration was the amazing location. We needed to encapsulate the calmness of living by the sea and hearing the water and clinking of boats. We wanted to keep a light and airy feel with subtle hints of luxury and pops of coastal colour and artwork. The builder/developers Ash Haus and Glass Harbour Group were such a pleasure to work with. Nothing was too much trouble, even if it meant adding a last-minute steam room or intricate wall paneling with hidden door.

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

I think the trickiest part was getting a kitchen layout to work with the breadth of space. The wrong kitchen design could have easily ruined the space and been too dominant. The developers and clients were delighted when Siematic Chichester came on board and produced a truly stunning kitchen design that seriously impressed whilst still being sympathetic to the surroundings and other elements in the room.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of our favourite commissions was to design a custom made 3.4-meter-long dining table with hand polished metal gold base and Silestone top. We worked with the clients to make sure the shape was just as they wanted, oval and wide in the middle to make conversations with everyone around the table easier. The gold of the table perfectly matches the gold trim in the kitchen and further gold pieces around the room.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We have been a member of the SBID for many years, so we know that their awards are well respected within the industry. It was also the perfect opportunity to showcase work that we are very proud of.

Questions answered by Lucinda Bocchetta, Owner and Founder, Bocchetta Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a hotel design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, YANG.

What was the client's brief? 

The hotel is located in Nanjing Tangshan Garden Expo, covering an area of 13,745 sq.m. YANG took over the project in June 2020 and completed it within a year. The design team had two major tasks: to create a unique space experience, accurately interpreting Indigo’s neighborhood culture and making the hotel stand out from competitors in the area, and to deliver the spirit of the place through the design with local characteristics, thus drawing attention to the issues concerning the protection of the geological environment in Tangshan.

What inspired the design of the project?

Tangshan is rich in geological resources. In a one-kilometer radius, there are mine pits dating back over a millennium, abandoned quarries and national geological parks. Since the Indigo brand is always at the heart of closely related neighborhoods, the design team has conducted a thorough geological and cultural investigation of Tangshan and drawn on Tangshan’s original environmental features. Inspired by Tangshan’s mineral ore, the team decided to make it the theme of the space. The design team hoped to inject new vitality into the old mine pits and arouse people's awareness of the issues related to natural recovery and ecological sustainability.

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

It is the first time that the Indigo brand has entrusted a design team with telling Indigo’s neighborhood story. The team had only one year to work on the project, from the design concept to implementation. Within the limited time, the team managed to create a unique space experience, accurately interpret Indigo’s neighborhood culture, and enhance the competitiveness of the hotel. Since its opening, the hotel has stood out from its competitors in the area and earned a reputation for its distinctive theme, exciting experiences, and neighborhood story. Moreover, the hotel is widely loved by guests and highly praised by the hospitality industry, becoming a must-visit place in Nanjing.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design is realized through the innovative concept, rich colors, and special materials. The adoption of colorful glass, metal mirror and acrylic create a forest-like mood in the lobby area. The design of the lobby bar and the ADD restaurant is inspired by bonfire, miner’s lamp, and the arc shape of the tent, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The lift lobby and the corridor are transformed into mini exhibition halls showcasing exploration tools. With the theme of “natural recovery,” the guest rooms bring forests, plants, and mosses inside. The minibars and nightstands in the guest rooms are in the form of mining toolboxes, blended into the surroundings.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards is one of the world-acclaimed awards for design excellence. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to meet creative professionals and provides a perfect platform for all entrants to learn from each other and, especially for entrants from China, to promote their works on the SBID Awards’ globally respected stage. We are honored that YANG has become a finalist with the project Hotel Indigo Nanjing Garden Expo and that this project entry has been selected to feature as one of the popular “Project of the Week” stories on the SBID blog. Thank you for the recognition. We will bring the industry more outstanding works. Let’s look forward to it!

Questions answered by Yang Bangsheng, Founder and President, YANG & Associates Group.