Author: Admin

COVID-19 did its best to surprise us at every turn, but one thing that’s unsurprising about a post-COVID-19 world? An almost universally felt (and near insatiable desire) to travel anywhere outside of city limits. Dreams of luxury vacations have been feeding wanderlust spirits for over a year and a half, and now they’re finally being set loose. Luckily, the luxury hotel industry didn’t let up, entering the new year with a slew of high-end debuts. Plan to destress, month-by-month, as you watch each of these new hotels you have to visit in 2022 open its doors.

AMAN, NEW YORK, USA

New York’s iconic Crown Building will reopen its doors as Aman, New York. The new hotel boasts 85 elegant suites and 20 private exclusive residences, including a five-story, unique penthouse. It’s been designed by the celebrated architect and longtime Aman collaborator Jean-Micheal Gathy, who has remained true to the Crown’s original architecture while paying homage to the brand’s Asian roots. Guests can access incomparable facilities ranging from three fine dining options, including Nama, the signature venue for Omakase Washoku cuisine; Arva, a principal Italian restaurant offering all-day dining services; and the Wine Library which is the hotel’s premier wine cellar.

THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL, NEW YORK, USA

Another architecturally significant addition to this list (and another Big Apple addition), the new Fifth Avenue Hotel is a playfully restored historic building which finds a way to fit into the increasingly contemporary Midtown. The hotel’s 153 rooms, decorated vividly in jewel tones by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, are spread out over two connected structures—the original McKim, Mead & White mansion and a 24-story modern tower. A 5000-square-feet ballroom with grand 22-feet ceilings, a 2500-square-feet private dining space and the multi-level Signature restaurant accompany the guest rooms. Guests can also access a two-story authentic library, study, fitness center, and an outdoor terrace with a breathtaking view of New York City.

ONE&ONLY, AESTHESIS, GREECE

The One&Only, Aesthesis is scheduled to open its doors to guests sometime in 2022 although an exact date hasn’t been released yet. The hotel is being developed on a 21-hectare prime beachfront property, appealingly surrounded by a forest reserve, with architecture that reflects mid-century principles. Guests can enjoy the iconic Athenian Riviera and a view of the locale’s crystal sea while being surrounded by the elegance of modern Greece. The hotel group has partnered with the wellness brand Chenot to create Chenot Spa at One&Only Aesthesis. The state-of-the-art fitness center further establishes the hotel as a premier resort for well-being.

ETÉREO, RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

The foundation of this new Mexican hotel was laid in a lush mangrove forest that stretches beside a white-sand beach. With 75 suites and studios, all with breathtaking ocean views, Etéreo will be one of the best ways to experience Mexico’s renowned Riviera Maya when it opens in December 2021. All suites and studios are accommodated with floor-to-ceiling windows, butler service, a private terrace, and plunge pools, making it the perfect place to relax and admire lush surroundings.

MONTAGE BIG SKY, MONTANA, USA

Montage Big Sky, the majestic mountain getaway, will be debuting mid-December 2021 to the tune of $400 million. The resort consists of 150 suites and guest rooms and 39 residences. Huge wooden frames and stone-accented surfaces throughout the hotel provide you with an elevated midwestern experience. An ideal location for both outdoor sports enthusiasts and nature admirers, the resort offers 5,800 skiable acres and a mountain paradise for adventurers wishing to visit Montana and Yellowstone National Park.

ROSEWOOD, DOHA, QATAR

Inspired by the nearby coral reefs, Rosewood Doha Hotel & Resort is going to be one of Qatar’s finest architectural landmarks. Housed within two striking towers are 185 guest rooms and suites, along with 173 serviced apartments and 300 residences. The hotel offers a dynamic range of cuisine with the opportunity to dine in eight innovative locations including the cigar lounge, bistro, coffee deli, lifestyle entertainment lounge, and three specialty restaurants. Sleek interiors and state-of-the-art technology bring this resort to new levels of sophistication.

THE REYKJAVIK EDITION, ICELAND

One of the few true five-star hotels in Reykjavik, The Reykjavik EDITION entered the luxury hotel market in November 2021. The hotel’s uniqueness lies in the ebony facade of its blackened Shou sugi ban timber, burnt using a traditional Japanese technique, and its dark grey steel frames which depict Iceland’s dramatic lava landscape. The urban hub houses 253 rooms, outstanding bars, a nightclub, a signature Icelandic restaurant, spa, and gym. The room’s floor-to-ceiling windows frame the scenic views of this up-and-coming capitol.

NOBU, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Nobu Hotel and Restaurant will open in the autumn of 2022 in Marrakech, Morocco, as announced by founders Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper. The 71 guest rooms and suites have been designed with an emphasis on combining Marrakech’s rich heritage with contemporary comfort. The hotel is of course home to some new additions to Nobu’s portfolio of renowned dining venues, as well as a 2000 sq. ft. spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a private event space.

THE AURUM, MOUNT TREMPER, USA

Brought to you by Steve Gold, The Aurum is a re-envisioned boutique luxury hotel and wellness destination spanning across 131 acres of mountainside. The hotel revolves around the Roman Hammam and Spa, a relaxing bathing experience that has never been seen in North American spa hotels until now. Featuring a style inspired by ancient Roman culture, the hotel houses 12 bungalows with private gardens each with jaw-dropping views of the Catskill mountains. When it comes to cuisine, the hotel promotes a holistic farm-to-eatery diet.

AIRELLES CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES, LE GRAND CONTRÔLE, FRANCE

Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle is a first-of-its-kind hotel, located within the Château de Versailles – the royal residence of the old French monarchy. The 5-star hotel has 14 grand suites within a grandiose guest house originally built in the 1680s. Each suite is decorated in a style evocative of 17th-century design with a mirage of antiques and an abundance of floral motifs. The hotel indulges its guests at the Valmont spa and is home to mouth-watering delicacies prepared by renowned French chef, Alain Ducasse.

KISAWA, MOZAMBIQUE

Kisawa is an all-in-one eco-retreat located in the middle of a 300-hectare sanctuary, surrounded by an expanse of forest, dunes and beach. Showcasing minimalist decor with a modern touch, it offers 12 bungalows, each with a private beach, pool, outdoor kitchen, and a day area with an open-air deck. The bungalows have been built using innovative 3D sand-printing technology, commissioned specifically for this project to allow them to blend into the landscape and minimize their environmental impact. Your stay at any of the residences comes accompanied with a dedicated housekeeper and personal chef to tend to your every need.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ, MADRID

Located in Madrid’s famous Golden Triangle of Art, Mandarin Oriental Ritz is a historic five-star Belle époque hotel by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Opened after three years of extensive restoration, the hotel highlights 100 elegant rooms and 53 suites with natural light and classic-contemporary design. The suites are decorated with unique materials and classic designs that go best with their eye-catching structure. The hotel features a deluxe wellness center, steam room, indoor swimming pool, and a vitality pool. It is home to five restaurants and bars, with the cuisine prepared by the famous chef Quique Dacosta.

THE PENINSULA LONDON, ENGLAND

Overlooking Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch, the Peninsula London is set to be one of the most prestigious on the London hotel scene. This 5-star hotel, expected to be inaugurated in early 2023, will provide the finest experience of British culture, art, and cuisine with renowned hospitality. It will feature 190 guest rooms and suites, and a colonnaded courtyard with architecture reflecting the heritage of Belgravia. The hotel’s unique peninsula spa will provide revitalizing beauty treatments to its guests. An array of cultures are represented in the cuisine on offer, incorporating Malay, Chinese, Indian Nyonya, and Srilankan street food for an experience like no other.

FOUR SEASONS, NEW ORLEANS, USA

Four Seasons New Orleans is set in an iconic 34-story tower designed by the modernist architect Edward Durell Stone. The hotel’s rooms consist of floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a serene view of the pristine Mississippi River, making it a gateway to access the vibrant culture of Cresent City. With the 17th floor of the hotel boasting presidential suites which contain a private office, gym and scenic views, this Four Seasons lives up to its highly respected name.

SAN DOMENICO PALACE, TAORMINA, ITALIAN

San Domenico Palace lies above Mount Etna, providing a breathtaking panoramic view in every direction. Finished with herringbone floors and marble bathrooms, the 111 rooms and suites provide a polished Italian finesse, whilst the principal rooms open onto sprawling terraces complete with a personal plunge pool and a heavenly view of the mountain, the Ionian sea and the ancient greek theatre. It is built on the site of the 14th-century Dominican convent, now enhanced with lush gardens designed by Italian landscape architect Marco Bay.

SIX SENSES SHAHARUT, NEGEV DESERT, ISRAEL

Integrated onto the cliffside, the Six Senses Shaharut opened in August this year, located in the southern region of the enchanting Negev Desert in Israel. Choose between an enviable suite facing the ever-changing colors of the Edom Mountains and the resort’s private reserves consisting of three-bedroom retreats, a pool and access to the Six-Senses Spa. Understated and earthy textures flow throughout the space offering a nod to the desert landscape and the country’s heritage creating the ultimate backdrop for relaxation.

RAFFLES LONDON AT THE OWO, ENGLAND

Situated in the iconic Old War Office, the latest Raffles flagship hotel is one that is steeped in history. Every effort has been made to preserve the architectural integrity of the grade II listed building and the result is magnificent. Transformed into 50 suites and 85 private residences, the hotel holds a ballroom, spa and no fewer than nine restaurants and bars in Raffles’ signature lavish style.

A BANYAN TREE ESCAPE, BUHAN, BALI

Having established a no walls, no doors policy, the Banyan Tree Escape offers guests a unique “naked experience” with the surrounding Balinese jungle. Each with their own mesmerizing views over Bali’s seven peaks, the hotel’s 16 villas are accompanied with private pools and open decks to allow unobstructed access to the melodies of the Ayung River. Providing a full immersion in nature without compromising on luxury, the hotel offers a truly unique experience. Inspired by local techniques and designed to reconnect you to nature, the Toja Spa affords an array of treatments performed with organic ingredients grown on the hotel’s on-site farm. A range of traditional experiences are also available for guests who want to delve into the Buhan culture. Purification ceremonies with local priests are designed to take you on a journey of enlightenment or enjoy a hike at sunrise and have your breakfast in “heaven” atop sacred Mt. Batur.

&BEYOND GRUMETI SERENGETI RIVER LODGE, TANZANIA

Promising the “ultimate in exclusivity,” the Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is set in the secluded western reaches of the Park increasing your chances for a unique glimpse at the Big 5. Having been renovated over the last year the reopening of this remote oasis offers ten luxurious suites, complete with private plunge pools, in-room massages and views of the hippo inhabited river. With the closest accommodation a far distance away, you are more likely to catch sight of a pride of lions than any fellow travelers on the twice-daily game drives included in this luxury experience.

JANU, MONTENEGRO

Janu, meaning “soul” in Sanskrit, is the highly anticipated sister brand to the Aman, aiming to provide profound relaxation, and restore lasting equilibrium for their guests. The Janu Montenegro will be the first of the brand to open, rooted in energy and exploration, the hotel hopes to encourage guests to stretch their boundaries and embrace the local environment. With opportunities for boat days and scuba diving, Janu promises both ultimate relaxation and vitality.

By Jonathan Holmes, Founder & CEO

Source: https://www.luxdeco.com/blogs/styleguide/new-hotels-to-visit-in-2022

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

It’s official: The renovation on Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel’s “dream home” is finally complete. And the pics are perfection.

The residence—which they dubbed “Park House”— was a “beautiful home with a lot of history,” according to the Property Brothers star. But with a few modern updates, Scott turned it into a Pinterest-worthy space for his family.

While discussing their new home, Deschanel admitted that it was love at first sight. “As soon as we pulled into the driveway, we knew this house was special,” she said in the issue. Scott added, “The abundant trees on the property make it the perfect place for kids— and maybe a kid at heart named Drew—to climb and play, and for us to watch them as we sit in the shade.”

The renovation took two years to complete due to the pandemic, supply chain and other issues. “It was really hands-on for both of us,” Deschanel admitted. “Many Saturdays, we sat searching for the right details to add to this home.” This included everything from colorful wallpaper to modern fixtures. She continued, “This is a house that suits our tastes and needs, aesthetically and functionally. Jonathan is so amazing at figuring that out. He’s been doing it for his clients for so long, and now he’s done that for us and our family.”

The vertical surface is coated with the iconic G

One of Deschanel’s requests included adding a solarium with a glass ceiling, olive trees and a water feature. So, Scott transformed an ordinary porch into a natural light sanctuary. “Jonathan knows whether an idea is practical or not,” the actress said. “And he knew just how to turn this patio on the asymmetrical side of the house into a solarium.” It has become Scott’s “favorite room in the whole house.”

To celebrate their new home, Scott gifted a grand piano to Deschanel. “One of my favorite things is coming home to Zooey playing music,” he said.

The TV personality also used nothing but the best in terms of technology. “It still looks like it could be a 100-year-old home, but it’s now LEED-certified and will end up using less grid energy than a small apartment,” he explained. “This isn’t just a smart house. It’s a genius one.”

By Greta Heggeness 

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Godiva Chocolatier’s new flagship at the Mirdif City Centre Mall in Dubai was designed by The First Ferry, an international premium design house that specializes in luxury interior designs.

The plush interiors of the store use the enlarged logo of Lady Godiva as a life-size installation as their starting point.

The circular faux ceiling hovering over the reception offers a visual direction for the customer.

The vertical surface is coated with the iconic Godiva gold tiles, which adds to the theme’s richness.

The interior of the store features subtle shades of white and gold trimmings, with the chocolate cases adding a dash of color.

 A free-flowing design blends superbly with the spirit of the brand.

The store displays meticulous space planning to create a quintessential visual experience.

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Graves filled scores of opulent rooms with furniture and treasures to tell the story of how new money remade New York society. BY LAURA HINE.

As The Gilded Age, the lavishly designed HBO series about New York in the 1880s, opens in Central Park, grazing lambs scatter as carriage after carriage rumbles by loaded with imported furnishings and statues. These European treasures are on their way to fill the Fifth Avenue mansion of nouveaux riche couple Bertha and George Russell (played by actors Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector).

The scene signals the gorgeous architecture and interiors to come. And, as every period-drama viewer knows, a house and its decor tell you everything about the people who live there.

A team led by production designer Bob Shaw and set decorator Regina Graves devised the show’s many sets, including the Russells’ mansion, which flaunts their new money, and the older neighboring brownstone inhabited by sisters Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon), which bespeaks their established wealth and status.

Graves, who studied to be an interior designer, landed at New York City’s largest prop house straight out of college. She describes her job as similar to that of a designer: She finds the furniture, light fixtures, drapery, art, decorative objects, wallpaper, hardware and flooring for each room.

Graves and the rest of the production team worked with the director to craft environments with layers of life that visually tell each character’s story. They scoured the Internet, as well as antique stores and prop houses, for Victorian pieces.

“There was a certain look that we had to re-create,” Graves says, “especially with the show’s old-money-versus-new-money storyline.” In the Russell mansion, newly designed by Stanford White (the real-life 19th-century architect is played here by John Sanders), everything is grand, large and imported from Europe. Mrs. Russell is trying to impress, or at least entice, New York society with a home boasting acres of marble, hundreds of yards of fabric and elaborate crystal chandeliers.

The Russells’ drawing room includes a Louis XV canapé, side chair and fauteuil upholstered in what Graves describes as a “ginger bronze-silk,” as well as a French Aubusson parlor set. “A beautiful, rich French Aubusson rug anchors the room,” she adds.

The established Mrs. van Rhijn doesn’t need to impress. Her station is assured, and her brownstone reflects its older heritage. “We decided to wallpaper and dress the rooms in richer colors,” says Graves. “The house is furnished in the traditional American Victorian-era style, with heavily carved ornate furniture covered in damasks, velvets, needlepoint and brocades.”

In the van Rhijn parlor, “the five-piece walnut-and-ebony Herter Brothers–style set was reupholstered in an Italian floral lampas fabric,” she continues. “The centerpiece of the room is an American Empire mahogany table surrounded by four matching chairs of the same period. The silk draperies are by Scalamandré.”

When asked how many rooms she devised over the almost two years she worked on the production, Graves laughs. “So many, I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said over 100.” That includes rooms on location in historic mansions like Lyndhurst, in Tarrytown, New York; and the Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer and the Elms, all in Newport, Rhode Island.

These homes were period authentic, but Graves estimates the production crew still had to remove 80 to 90 percent of the furnishings and redecorate with pieces they had acquired.

“We replace the furniture because what’s there isn’t made for being sat in and moved around all day,” she says. “It’s just as much work to redress a location as it is to decorate a stage set.”

Graves recounts one example of how far the team would go to ensure period accuracy and filming continuity. Several scenes were shot in a hallway at the Elms, which was used to depict parts of the Russell house. The walls in the hallway were upholstered in a 100-year-old red Scalamandré fabric that was no longer in production.

The problem was that the hallway could be glimpsed through the door of Mrs. Russell’s bedroom, which was on a soundstage. Graves worked with Scalamandré to find the discontinued fabric in its archives and produce enough to cover the sound stage hallway so that it would match that of the historic location. “You can’t just paint it red,” Graves notes. “It has to match exactly.”

The series was created by British screenwriter Julian Fellowes, and many think of it as the American cousin of his wildly popular English upstairs-downstairs drama, Downton Abbey. Of course, The Gilded Age wouldn’t be a Fellowes production if viewers didn’t also get a glimpse of the working areas of the New York mansions. Graves loves, in particular, the servants’ area of the van Rhijn household.

Those sets lack the rich fabrics and ornate decor of the upstairs rooms, but they are still spectacular, with miles of white subway tile and beautiful built-in cabinetry. “They were decorated in the period but as functional spaces,” Graves explains. “We were able to layer in copper pots and spices. I love the lived-in look.”

Decorating the rooms of The Gilded Age will always be a career highlight for her. “Julian and the producers wanted a feast for the eyes,” she says. It’s one that design-loving viewers have been more than happy to devour.

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

These office design ideas will actually make you want to sit down and complete your to-do list.

A dedicated work space in your home helps you set aside household distractions and focus on work. Here, we’ve gathered home office ideas that will inspire you to design a work-friendly space in your own home. These home offices, located everywhere from Beverly Hills to Brooklyn, have one thing in common: a sophisticated space secluded from such tempting distractions as TV and snacks. Photographer Steven Meisel even installed a hybrid office/master bath in his home for those moments when genius strikes, say, in the tub, and an idea must be documented. From actor Julianna Margulies’s Manhattan apartment to author Judy Blume’s Key West, Florida, retreat, these home office design ideas will not only inspire you to get that last bit of work done, but enjoy your surroundings while doing so.

Minimalist Work Space

For her radical redesign of a Park Avenue apartment, Jennifer Post carved six distinct areas out of the 900-square-foot space. The home office occupies an entire bedroom wall. Its decor is in line with the rest of the place, which has a minimalist feel with a strictly white palette and strategically placed accents of color throughout. “Color is used to increase the length of the apartment. You have to go look for it,” she says.

Space-Saving Study

We’re digging the minimalism in this beach-chic Malibu home office area. The Ellwood-Lomax drop-front desk saves space and highlights all the sculptural accoutrements. That poof takes on many jobs: bookshelf, footstool, and extra chair for a study buddy.

Sleek and Unique

Some super sleek curves—architect Charles Gwathmey’s signature—distinguish his St. Barts home office and its sucupira-wood desk, designed by Kang Chang and fabricated on the island. The swivel chairs are by Hans Wegner from DK Vogue, and the ceiling fan is by Boffi. The rainbow display of books is a nice touch, too.

Pops of Color

A color combo to covet: bright green and gold. Gather some office inspiration from this Bridgehampton home designed by Steven Gambrel. All the vintage brass-and-leather accents and the silk rug created by Gambrel make a splash against the white cabinets.

Alexandra von Furstenberg’s Sunny Work Space

This cheerful space is full of sharp angles while also maintaining a lot of fun. Alexandra von Furstenberg created the acrylic desk, side table, and (in collaboration with Dax Design) shelving for her Los Angeles home office, which is also outfitted with two Milo Baughman lounge chairs, an Eames desk chair by Herman Miller, a Dax Design cabinet, and a Philippe Starck floor lamp by Flos; the large photograph is by Kim Keever, and the easel displays an issue of Interview magazine signed by Andy Warhol to Von Furstenberg.

Parisian Maison Bureau

Painter’s canvas is used as paneling in the office of fashion designer Stefano Pilati’s Paris apartment, which was renovated by architect Bruno Caron. The repetitive crisscrossing elements on the Moroccan rug and yellow chest of drawers definitely make the room captivating.

Burst of Color

Inspire yourself with primary colors, where they provide the perfect burst of shape and structure in this office space. The mirrored trestle desk from Liz O’Brien and Artemide’s Tizio lamp brighten the library in the Manhattan apartment, too.

Decadent Blues

We’ll always love a very blue design idea, and that goes for the high-gloss office at Alex Rodriguez’s Florida estate—Briggs Edward Solomon handled the decoration—a Florence Knoll pedestal table is grouped with Saarinen armchairs, all by Knoll, and a carpet by Diane von Furstenberg for the Rug Company; sconces from Flos flank Marco Ovando photographs.

Bel Air Office Where More Is More

A good case for more is more in this Bel Air, California, home. Raspberry leather chairs by designer Kelly Wearstler bring color to the office, where a collection of photos is displayed; the tube sculpture on the desk is also by Wearstler, and the carpet was custom made by the Rug Company.

Dark Walls and a Bold Rug

With a cozy fire and some dark, moody elements, the office in this New York townhouse of art dealer Christophe Van de Weghe and his wife, Anne-Gaëlle, designed by Annabelle Selldorf, showcases a Sarfatti light fixture, Prouvé desk, and Finn Juhl chair. The mirrors are by Line Vautrin, the artworks are by Cy Twombly (left) and Jean Dubuffet, and the banquette cushions are clad in a Great Plains fabric. And that zebra rug, come on.

Diane von Furstenberg’s Office

Where do you look first in this dazzling and dizzying space? Surrounded by Franz West chairs, the Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann table in Diane von Furstenberg’s Manhattan office/living area often does double duty as a desk and dining table. A Joan Miró etching, a Francesco Clemente painting, and family photographs are displayed on the windowsill.

Contemporary Home Office

Bold black lines and furnishings give this space a strong statement. The desk in the late designer Alberto Pinto’s Rio de Janeiro home office is surmounted by an Almir Reis photograph of volleyball on Ipanema Beach; the parchment lamps are 1970s, and the chair is by Philippe Hurel. Here, mixing vibrant colors and earthy textures really works.

San Miguel Home Office

In designers Andrew Fisher and Jeffry Weisman’s home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Fisher designed the office’s desk and embellished the Queen Anne chair with shells and black paint. Clearly we’re into the seashell decor.

Ralph Lauren’s Personal Office

Ralph Lauren’s office at his company’s Madison Avenue headquarters makes a case for filling your space to the brim. With art, books, and sundry objects that inspire him, including a 1950s model plane suspended from the ceiling, the warm-toned office is full of wonder. Don’t be afraid of stacks on stacks of coffee table books.

Beverly Hills Study

Karin Blake combined East Coast tradition with an eclectic point of view for the interiors of screenwriter Paul Attanasio and producer Katie Jacobs’s Beverly Hills residence. The antique English table, bordered by vintage sewing chairs, lends Attanasio’s office the air of a workshop. The books look well-loved too.

Bold and Colorful

In stylist Carlos Mota’s Dominican Republic beach house, a Picasso-inspired mural decorates a wall near the office, where an Indian chair is pulled up to a desk designed by Mota.

Source: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/home-offices-slideshow

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Almost every space needs storage; tall spaces, small spaces, and every size in between. Well thought out storage can enhance a space. There is closed storage and open storage. Also, storage can become part of the space or disappear from the space depending on the materials and styles selected.

The single home above, designed by architecture studio Atelier Espaço P2, incorporates wood built-ins that frame the living room threshold. The build out provides space for coats and shelves for decorative pieces; while becoming an interesting focal point in the small space.

The modern twist on pegboard walls, as shown above, was designed by KC Design Studio. This unique concept allows the owner to have flexibility in how they display and store their items.

The studio above incorporates niches for displaying items. The built-in desk has enough room for two people to work and enjoy the view outside. Then to top it off, drawers and cabinets line one wall. The counter above this built-in allows for additional work space and display.

Hao Design pulled the first and second floor together with the two story built-in above. They worked around the windows to allow light to flow into the space without minimizing the storage available. The staircase was designed to coordinate with the built-in to form a cohesive design.

In the London apartment above, designed by EBBA Architects, the ceiling height is highlighted with the two story built-in. The design allows for open space display areas, as well as, closed cabinets.

StudioAC designed the space above to give the feeling of a modern wainscot by using low wood cabinets. The similar color of the cabinets and floor make the space feel quite large. The clean bump outs for the fireplace and oven serve to frame an interesting display area.

The Upper Wimpole Street apartment above was designed by Jonathan Tuckey Design. Storage was built into the walls. Next to the beds a built-in night stand with storage is easily accessible while relaxing in bed. To further the calm feel, all the storage areas and wall behind the bed were painted with the same color allowing the storage to almost disappear.

The narrow space above, designed by Ana Rocha Architecture, incorporates wall to wall shelving. The horizontal lines of the shelves give the illusion of a wider space.

Above, the public housing project in Danchi, Japan was designed by Nmstudio Architects and Nozoe Shimpei Architects. The space is built on raised plywood floors allowing for a unique storage area. Pegboard style walls were used so that the residence could customize their individual spaces.

The tiny space above feels quite large due to the monochromatic color palette that was used on the majority of the surfaces. The window seat doubles as storage.

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Inspired by the asymmetrical shapes and bold colors that the Memphis Group popularized in the 1980s, Ali Baldiwala, founder of his namesake design studio, created a whimsical two-bedroom apartment in South Mumbai. Straying from more traditional design elements, the home serves as a mélange of color, art, and custom furnishings that serve as a foundation for the quirky accents throughout. “A lot of research went into designing the space,” shares Baldiwala, noting that though his team referenced the Memphis movement, the curated designs, including the eye-catching wall murals by ZAworks Design, are completely original. “I love to add maximalism to the spaces by incorporating textures, materials, layering, and themes—masterful infusion to arrive at something entirely new and unique,” he adds.

The living room features Memphis Group-inspired side tables envisioned by the designer and executed by Wood’n design.

For the youthful homeowners, the 1,000-square-foot space invites a sense of play while maintaining an air of luxury. From a rare world map puzzle in the kitchen area to a built-in matt blue and red bookcase, the space spotlights color without letting it overwhelm any given room. As Baldiwala points out, each room “tells its own tale,” making for a vibrant and quirky home that maintains an element of sophistication.

A world map puzzle covers the wall opposite the pantry, procured from Ukraine. Imagined from longitudes on an actual map, the backdrop for this piece was designed in panel form with sheets of cork board painted in blue to depict the oceans.

Geometric shapes add intrigue in the main bedroom, which features custom wall-to-wall, color-blocked carpet designed in house and executed by Weaver.

Terrazo Vitrified tiles by Iris Ceramica compliment the subtle peach tones in the counter and floor tiles by Ceramica Fondovalle in the main bathroom.

When entering the den area, guests encounter a distinctively arched, matt blue library, dotted with books and quirky keepsakes. 

Even the light fixtures, sourced from Channapatna in the Karnataka region of India, feature vivid lacquer shades by lighting designer Arjun Rathi. 

Mumbai-based ZAworks Design created the wall artwork. 

Source: https://interiordesign.net/projects/this-vibrant-mumbai-home-by-baldiwala-edge-draws-inspiration-from-the-memphis-group/

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

In San Francisco’s Alamo Square, Jensen Architects turns to the past to boldly reinterpret a storied historic home.

John Conomos, an established San Francisco builder and president of Drömhus General Contractors, was living with his family opposite Alamo Square when the Victorian next door went on the market. Although not apparent from its dingy exterior, the home was closely connected to the architectural preservation of the city itself. Living in the adjacent Edwardian—historic in its own right—Conomos and his wife Amanda had zero intention of moving. However, after fearing the possibility of a future buyer carelessly leveling the dwelling in favor of a nondescript mansion, they couldn’t escape the responsibility of restoring the home to its full potential. After devising a plan to fix it up carefully and resell it when complete, they eventually purchased the house next door.

The home—it turns out—had quite a story of its own. In the 1950s, Verta Vinson, a prominent local figure and one of the founders of the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association, was living with her husband in an apartment fronting the park. Vinson was a vocal advocate for the preservation of the city’s Victorians at a time when the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency had their eyes on Alamo Square with plans for demolition. She was adamant that the character-filled Victorians spread throughout the city, especially in older districts like Western Addition, should be repaired rather than being torn down. When the property adjacent to her apartment went up for sale in 1955, Verta and her husband, coincidentally, bought the house next door. The property remained in the Vinson family for decades, with many generations calling it home.

The historic residence had been severely disfigured over the years. Originally built in the Victorian Stick style in 1889, which would have included intricate trims and moldings, the home had seen numerous confounding facelifts in its lifetime. The facade was stuccoed over at one point, and subsequently blanketed in brown shingles (how it appeared when the Conomos family purchased it).

The home needed a complete overhaul, and the couple soon enlisted Jensen Architects to help reimagine the unique property. The team inherited a host of challenges, the most pressing of which was the muddled exterior, which no longer retained any historic integrity. After careful consideration and a historical evaluation of the building’s past lives, the team decided to recreate the original facade. In order to do this, they would reference the historic photographs and architectural clues on the building itself. The first step of the restoration, dictated by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, would be to pull off the non-historic shingled facade, observe any scarring or shadow lines, and subsequently have the preservation staff conduct a site visit to visually inspect the stripped facade—all before any reconstruction could begin.

Shadows uncovered above the front facade’s second floor bay window matched original detailing above the paired windows on the intact east facade.

To lead the ambitious undertaking, the team turned to Skeeter Jones, founder of Clearheart Fine Design and Building. As both a carpenter and artist, Jones has restored countless Victorians across the city, which has become his artistic passion. Jones’ process at the Alamo Square residence hinged upon both historic evidence and creative improvisation. For Jones, one of the most important objectives in his work is to convey a “sense of place,” which is so critical in defining a city’s identity. In his mind, this is achieved through a strategic infusion of ornamentation and stylized elements that, although not original, are recognizably “of the period.” Jones meticulously resurrected the facade, improvising along the way with input from the Jensen team, especially in sections that remained inconclusive from historic evidence.

Although Jones expected the Jensen team to favor a simpler, more streamlined aesthetic in such areas, they gave him the green light to make the facade as intricate and detailed as possible, provided it was still “of the period.” Deviations from the original facade, although subtle, were thoughtful and strategic. Perhaps most notably, the street level bay window was omitted in favor of a garage—a functional necessity. They also incorporated trim that’s thicker and more prominent at the bottom, especially at the entry, for a more formidable look. These details included heavier handrails and posts, plus a thicker arched entry. For the recreated turnings, the team favored more substantial “shaft-like” columns made from 6x6s, instead of 4x4s. The entry vestibule is much deeper than it would have been originally. Additionally, the glass front door, transom window, and sidelights provide subtle modern cues that hint at the transformation to come beyond the transitional entryway.

From start to finish, the laborious facade reconstruction took five months to complete. Once perfected, it was time to select the exterior color, a decision that would have a big impact on the home’s presence in the historic neighborhood. A stone’s throw from Postcard Row, San Francisco’s famous lineup of dignified and vibrant Victorian “painted ladies,” the Jensen team and the couple had no interest in a kaleidoscopic color palette—a trend that actually didn’t come into fashion on Victorian exteriors until the 1960s. They also didn’t want to conceal or mask the exterior by painting it all black, an increasingly popular trend among renovated Victorians in the city. The team eventually settled on one color: a semi-reflective silver, whose nuanced metallic sheen is most evident up close. “We wanted the house to appear,” says Conomos, “like it was picked up by its foundation, dipped in silver, and put back down.”

“We wanted the house to appear like it was picked up by its foundation, dipped in silver, and put back down.”

– John Conomos, builder/resident

When the team turned their focus to the interior of the home, a vision unfolded that would prove to be a bold counterpart to the Victorian facade. John and Amanda Conomos and the Jensen design team, led by principal Mark Jensen and project leads Emily Gosack and Yusheen Yang, traded ideas back and forth—a collaborative process which, from start to finish, “was always fun,” says Conomos. Through design iterations, a critical shift happened that would inform the trajectory of the project. “We were developing it as if we were going to live in it,” says Conomos of the home, “so one day, we decided, okay, let’s live in it!” For his family of four, their home next door challenged the family living dynamic with its choppy (mostly original) layout, regardless of the fact that it wasn’t lacking in space. “You could be downstairs and not know the kids were playing upstairs,” says Conomos. Reflecting on what didn’t work for them in their current house, the team pushed forward with two core objectives: maximizing light and views on the long and narrow lot and fostering a sense of family and social togetherness through design.

One of the most distinguishing design elements, the sculptural staircase, immediately commands attention upon entering the home. Clad in fumed and stained oak, the stairs are folded and contorted through the vertical space in an impressive display of architectural origami. Though a sculptural work of art, the stair was initially designed as a light well in order to meet the utilitarian need of maximizing light into the home. The stair design went through many iterations, beginning with a much simpler “repeating horseshoe” concept. The couple didn’t want something that had been done before and gave Mark Jensen the freedom to “push it” conceptually. “It’s no secret that architects are obsessed with stairs,” chuckles Jensen. The team rejected the conventions of other modern stair designs: often sleek, stacked constructs with cantilevered treads and glass handrails. “We wanted to strive less for ultimate transparency,” he explains.

Due to the stair’s complex asymmetry and tricky articulation, the final design took multiple renderings to get it right. Once designed, fabrication and construction also proved challenging. The engineered European oak was treated with a custom finish by Hayasa Flooring Design and meticulously installed. “It was definitely one of the most technically challenging stair installs we’ve done,” says Hakob Karapetyan of HFD. The construction was challenging, but the result is unique—no two levels are alike. Apart from aesthetics, the stair was designed to function as a social space. “The design was derived from how the clients wanted to live in the house,” explains Jensen. To fill a void that was missing in their old house, the couple wanted the stairs to be a place where the kids could hang out and where people would want to gather during parties. The spacious landings have generous proportions for socializing, some with small windows and reading nooks. The stairs were even given their own zone of music.

“It’s no secret that architects are obsessed with stairs.”

– Mark Jensen, architect

The stairs’ folded volumes juxtapose solid wood forms with light-filled voids.

The stair features custom installations by lighting designer Johanna Grawunder. When turned off, the panels appear as mirrors. When on, they reflect LED lights, giving the twisted stair forms an exaggerated “funhouse-like” effect.

Opposite the stair, the elevator was another opportunity to strategically bring more light into the home. The standard Acme model they chose was tweaked with after-market modifications to fit the home’s aesthetics. Walled on one side in glass, the elevator itself becomes a focal point, with mechanical elements left intentionally exposed and its shaft acting functionally as a vertical light tunnel.

The home’s elevator features a glass cab and exposed mechanical elements. The already high Victorian ceilings were extended vertically to the top of the attic’s pitch, where a skylight was added.

The team inherited soaring ceilings that were original to the home, with heights reaching more than 11 feet on the second and third floors. When Conomos popped his head into the attic after initially purchasing the home, he noticed there were another seven vertical feet to the top of the pitch, presenting a unique opportunity to extend the third-floor ceiling height even further. They subsequently decided to punch through that attic space, making the living level on the third floor dramatically more open and expansive. Positioned between the stair and elevator, the fourth-floor penthouse skylight falls directly at the top of the former attic pitch, beautifully framing incoming light from above. Walkable skylights were also incorporated along the western periphery of the home. The long and narrow structural glass panels are positioned for foot travel on the roof and third floor, which filter light to the floors below.

While navigating decisions about the home’s overall layout, a reverse floor plan was favored, with social spaces localized at the top of the home to take advantage of the best light and views, and the bedrooms at the bottom. This practical approach was also reflective of how the family intended to prioritize their time in the home. The open kitchen anchors the third-floor social space, abutting the family room and sun room. The kitchen space, largely stark and muted, gets an unexpected pop of color at the center island, with teal cabinet fronts and coordinating counter stools. The saturated color pairing makes for a maximum visual impact. The teal color, chosen by Amanda, was the jumping-off point for all of the other color cues throughout the home’s interior. In the living room, which faces the park, an angled fireplace is clad in tile from Waterworks. During construction, the team looked at grout samples for the fireplace for weeks, and in the end, made the decision to forego grout altogether.

The home’s kitchen features dual Miele ovens, a Thermador refrigerator and freezer, and a Thermador induction cooktop. A feature wall clad in natural Carrara marble sits behind sliding cabinet uppers. Heron counter stools by Paola Lenti in ‘verde scuro’ coordinate with custom cabinet fronts, which are accented with Spinneybeck leather pulls.

Interior designer Holly Hulburd of Hulburd Design closely collaborated with the team in assembling a design palette that would complement—not compete with—the home’s unique architecture. It was important that the interior design “grow with the house, not in addition to the house…to respect and address the strength of the architecture,” says Hulburd. Throughout the home’s interior, materials and furnishings have clean lines and a minimal aesthetic. Every piece was chosen with intention. Bold texture and color (mostly green hues) were added strategically for depth and visual intrigue.

The home’s private spaces, taking a back seat to the more expansive public spaces, have “everything you need and nothing more,” says Conomos. The rear-facing master bedroom, not exceptionally large, was designed that way intentionally. They didn’t want to make the room so spacious that they wouldn’t want to leave. “The whole point of the house was to be among people—no hiding away,” says Conomos. The adjoining master bathroom features Marmorino plaster walls, a custom concrete sink, and Pipe faucets from Boffi, offering a quirky and industrial touch.

The master bedroom, modest in size, features a Stark area rug and a wicker PK22 chair by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen.

“The whole point of the house was to be among people—no hiding away.”

– John Conomos, builder/resident

With a blank slate for the home’s non-historic and dilapidated rear facade, there was creative freedom to push the envelope. The Jensen team pitched the unconventional idea of a rear facade composed of metal. The cladding would be a subtle connective thread to the front facade’s metallic hue, but the similarities would start and end there. The elaborate composition took final form as a series of laser-cut aluminum screens that would be movable on motorized sliders. The team wanted to take advantage of the great views from the back of the home, and the addition of the screens would allow further privacy, light, and control. The idea, says Jensen, is that “you can re-tune the interior by moving the sliders.”

The home’s dramatic rear facade is composed of perforated metal screens by Flynn & Enslow, which are attached to Fleetwood windows. The second-floor bump out is cantilevered with no structural post below.

As functional as the concept was, it was also a “playful thing” that would allow residents to interact with the building. The impressive rear facade also features a cantilevered bump out that appears to float in suspension with no structural post below. In the third-floor sun room, the cantilevered projection includes two walls of glazing that come together at a seamless corner for maximum enjoyment of unobstructed views.

The team made the most of the “postage stamp-sized” backyard with the help of landscape architects Surfacedesign, who assembled a pattern of pavers that would be graphically interesting to look at. The living wall, by Habitat Horticulture, helps green the backyard in an organic and graphic way. “It’s simple, but it transforms the space,” says Jensen.

Boasting sweeping downtown views, the roof deck reconciles complex geometry to accommodate a staircase, elevator, and usable social space. A fireplace is surrounded by outdoor seating designed by Paola Lenti.

The vertical projections of the new stair penthouse and elevator penthouse were well within the height limits dictated by the city. The restored parapet on the front facade helps obscure the modern additions from public view, which is necessary for the project’s compliance. The outdoor space on the roof, however, was tricky to lay out within the context of the home’s surrounding programming. The challenge stemmed from the vaulted ceiling on the third floor, hitting a penthouse that’s square. “The view is great, but the geometry is complicated,” Jensen recalls of the roof deck. “It was like a 3D jigsaw puzzle.” The complexity required push and pull, and some of the decisions about placement of windows and openings happened live during framing. Eventually, the elevator, stairs, and an inviting rooftop social space all came together in harmony.

“The view is great, but the geometry is complicated. It was like a 3D jigsaw puzzle.”

– Mark Jensen, architect

In the end, the Alamo Square Residence is seemingly a house of contradictions: new and old, traditional and contemporary, muted and bold, simple and innovative. Beneath the surface, however, the disparate elements are woven together with a cohesiveness that allows it to be, at its core, a warm and functional family home. The genre-defying design (whimsically dubbed “Victorian fantasy” by Skeeter Jones) manages to push boundaries in the most beautiful way possible. With a reverent hat tip to the past, it quietly and confidently fits into the vibrant urban fabric of San Francisco, a city both rich in history and ever-evolving as a beacon for creativity and innovation.

Text by Sarah Akkoush  https://www.dwell.com/article/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects-143c21a0

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

While the specs for a pre-war apartment in Manhattan by Pembrooke & Ives didn’t flag the project as unusual, they belied its true nature. “It’s definitely a maximalist approach,” says studio director Rendell Fernandez, who spearheaded the architectural renovations. While the clients had come through word of mouth, “they were adamant that we not do anything that was like their friends’ homes,” remembers Jessica Iwaniec, the company’s design director, who handled the interior design.

Fernandez understood they’d be operating well outside the firm’s wheelhouse when the wife vetoed the use of downlights. “I’ve never had a client say that,” he says. “And I’ve been doing this a long time.” That directive, Iwaniec remembers, came with the request that the decorative fixtures be “bright enough to do surgery under.” There were other parameters: Though the apartment’s original floor creaked, the clients didn’t want to update it; they rejected anything stock or standard (even the closet’s hanging rods were custom); and gray and brown was to be avoided, though the wife loved the entire spectrum of blues. Apart from these mandates, “they were up for anything,” says Iwaniec. “Not many clients want to go this far,” adds Fernandez.

While Iwaniec scoured the globe for furniture and accessories, Fernandez manipulated the apartment’s spatial limitations. He converted a bedroom into a closet that would encompass the wife’s vast wardrobe. He deftly hid air conditioning and audiovisual equipment. He carved a spacious kitchen and breakfast area out of a series of intricate rooms. New millwork—“None of the moldings are original,” Fernandez notes—adeptly hides drapery elements and re-proportions rooms. Most importantly, it creates a classical backdrop against which the clients’ art and the singular pieces Iwaniec discovered take flight. “We definitely pushed them in directions they’d not gone,” says Iwaniec. That experience was a two-way street. “I got to explore materials and resources I’d never used before,” she says.

The client’s art collection clued Iwaniec into their pop sensibility and appreciation for irony. Those ideas weave their way through the home’s premise. That begins in the entryway, where Betil Dagdelen’s custom alloy bench, shelving by Jim Zivic sourced through Ralph Pucci, a mirror and neon sculpture by Iván Navarro, and a painting by Caitlin Keogh, hung upside down (“We liked it better that way,” says Iwaniec), are poised against the lush topography of the glossy white walls and the herringbone floor.

In some cases, like in the dining room, a bold find led the design. “We identified the Frida Fjellman chandeliers and then made our way to everything else,” says Iwaniec. That includes Pierre Yovanovitch’s Monsieur and Madame Oops dining chairs and a bright turquoise wall installation by Brooklyn-based ceramicist Peter Lane. In other cases, function was the driver. Witness the enormous closet, a sugary confection of bleached oak, brass fittings and pale leather. In the twin daughters’ domain, a dresser by artist Khaled El Mays and a voluptuous hand-painted Gracie wallcovering confirm the level of high-end detail that went into this address. “I think that was part of its success,” Iwaniec says.

Fortunately, effort doesn’t displace the sly sense of humor Iwaniec managed to slip into every room. In the kitchen, a custom, hand drawn Fornasetti monkey graphic over a sink imparts levity to the impeccably controlled puzzle of walnut and white lacquer cabinets, glass countertops and black and white patterns. In the breakfast room, that job is performed by a jocular quintet of Murano globes from the 1950s. In the living room, six overscale brass flush mount lights by Roman and Williams Guild play with candy-hued artworks by Josh Sperling and Austin Lee and a polka dot glazed ceramic table by Hun-Chung Lee. That ebullience is anchored by the strong shapes of the vintage Theo Ruth lounge chairs, a custom Francesco Perini Incontro coffee table and a bespoke wine-red couch in the style of Royère. “It was important to everybody that there was nothing cookie cutter,” says Iwaniec. “I think we achieved that.” Pembrooke and Ives, pembrookeandives.com

Published as: Eclectic Company

Interior Design: Pembrooke & Ives

Text: Erika Heet

Photography: Genevieve Garruppo

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

Hotel Britomart has 99 rooms and is located in downtown Auckland, New Zealand. For the remodel, Cheshire Architects and Lucas Design Associates restored the existing century old building and constructed a new ten story building. The goal was to use as many local materials and craftspeople as possible on the project.

Above is one of the rooftop suites.  The walls are lined with wood paneling.  The surrounding area is a blend of historic and contemporary projects.  The interiors reflect the mix of the old and new that surrounds the hotel.

The rooms were designed with three different color schemes. Each room’s color theme was based on the orientation to the sun and light levels in the room.

Three of the five rooftop penthouse suites, in the new building, enjoy private terraces that overlook the harbor. Many bespoke objects were made for the hotel. Some of the most notable items are the timber bedside lamps and lanterns, tree branch bronze handles, and the moulded glass chandeliers.

In the main lobby, above, the reception desk has a Totara tree growing up though one section of the desk. The Totara tree is native to the area. The desk is made from sandblasted oak.

Across from the reception desk is a bench crafted from recycled kauri wood, also found only in New Zealand. Below is the seating nook in the lobby that features a blue stone coffee table sourced from the port city of Timaru and a wall of black cracked plaster made using Auckland clay.

The hotel features an open kitchen which is located directly between the two buildings. The kitchen windows are surrounded by logs adding a cozy feel.

The NZ Green Building Council, a voluntary sustainability rating system for buildings in Australasia, awarded the Hotel a five green star rating. The hotel is the first in New Zealand to earn a five green star rating.

DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!

Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.