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Inspiring Designer – Marcel Wanders

Marcel Wanders is a product and interior designer known for his bold and stylistic signature style. Some fondly call him the “peacock-like prince of Dutch design”.

We discovered his recent work at The Kameha Grand Zurich and couldn’t wait to share it.

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His style has mesmerised the architecture and design community worldwide since he became popular for his Knotted Chair Design in 1996.  He is the Art director at one of our favourite design brands, Moooi which he co-founded.

Marcel Wanders has made it his mission to “create an environment of love, live with passion and make our most exciting dreams come true”.

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Who are the designers you think have a unique style? Share with us.

Story and images via Dezeen

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Boutique Hotels Inspiration, Part Ten

The final instalment of our hotels inspiration feature takes us to Japan and the Claska Hotel.

Being primarily concerned with design innovation, the hotel divides rooms into thematic categories: ‘Japanese Modern’, ‘Contemporary’, ‘Tatami’, and ‘Weekly Residence’. These various design concepts present guests with contrasting spaces which range from traditional Japanese, wider Asian influences, welcoming comfort, East-West fusion, and even to more conceptual artistic spaces.

Photo: one of the ‘Weekly Residence’ rooms. ©Claska 2015.
Photo: one of the ‘Weekly Residence’ rooms. ©Claska 2015.

We feel most inspired by the imaginative décor which, though contemporary, still maintains the Japanese style and sensibility. The interesting exterior also makes this hotel a visually engaging space which emits a vibe of creativity. They also have a shop to spoil design fans rotten; fantastic focus on detail!

Photo: one of the Tatami rooms available at Claska. ©Claska 2015.
Photo: one of the Tatami rooms available at Claska. ©Claska 2015.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the hotels we’ve shared with you over the past few weeks. Check out our other blog features where you can see which designers we can’t get enough of!

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Boutique Hotels Inspiration, Part Nine

We’re staying further afield again this week with the Limes Hotel, Brisbane.

First opened in 2008, this hotel actually forms part of a group of hospitality and entertainment establishments made up of bars and restaurants.

Photo: Contrasting textures lend subtle intrigue to this understated guest room.
Photo: Contrasting textures lend subtle intrigue to this understated guest room. ©Damian Griffiths, Limes Hotel 2015.

Though the interiors, designed by Derlot, deliver exceptional contemporary style, what we really admire is building’s façade (pictured below) which presents a large-scale graphic pattern that also doubles as a feature for the windows of the guest rooms. This statement architecture lets you know upon first glance that the building is a design hotel.

Inside, patterns are more subtle with contrasting surfaces and a mixture of different materials. It seems the design subverts expectations by reversing the usual order of things: bolder prints as a pattern for the exterior, and a more architectural approach to the interior.

Photo: the hotel's impressive exterior. ©Damian Griffiths, Limes Hotel 2015.
Photo: the hotel’s impressive exterior. ©Damian Griffiths, Limes Hotel 2015.
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Boutique Hotels Inspiration, Part Eight

This week’s inspiration takes us to South Asia and the beautiful La Villa Hotel in Pondicherry, India.

Architects Tina Trigala and Yves Esprit wanted the hotel to welcome it’s guests into a space that provides non-ostentatious luxury. Their use of the building’s original colonial architecture and plenty of natural materials has ensured they achieved their target of understated opulence; the space is simple yet undeniably elegant.

Photo: ©La Villa Hotel 2015.
Photo: Elegant tranquility. ©La Villa Hotel 2015.

Having come from Indonesian roots where our designer, Eliza, was familiarised with colonial architecture and interiors, she has a particular fondness for this style of décor. The design of this space, however, seems to strike an agreeable balance between the colonial and the contemporary; mixing more modern shapes with natural finishes and contrasting surface textures gives the hotel a restful, sanctuary-like atmosphere.

Photo: ©La Villa Hotel 2015.
Photo: Clean, contemporary rooms with natural finishes. ©La Villa Hotel 2015.
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Boutique Hotels Inspiration, Part Six

This week’s hotels inspiration can be found further afield in the Luna2 Hotel, Bali.

This tastefully eclectic hotel is the work of interior designer and founder of Luna2, Melanie Hall, who has skilfully married contemporary chic with zany patterns and Pop Art. The result is actually two spaces: the Studiotel and the Private Hotel, which cater to those who thirst for adventure with a twist of opulence.

Photo: Studiotel Lobby.  ©Luna2 2015.
Photo: Studiotel Lobby.

Each space combines bold colours with statement prints to create a fun yet fresh style which is stimulating and keeps the eye alert. The contrast in design between the interior and outdoor space is very complementary – the poolside area sees the same themes toned down ever so slightly to let that sense of relaxation to settle in; though the ‘Shoot the Moon’ feature (pictured below) at the Studiotel pool ensures that the sense of joviality is maintained. The furnishings are equally interesting, making good use of slick shapes and rich colours which maintain the feel of contemporary luxury with polished metal framing.

Photo: ©Luna2 2015.
Photo: ©Luna2 2015.

Overall, the Luna2 makes us think of a playground for adults – in the best way possible. It’s funky yet chic, edgy yet playful; think Space Odyssey meets Roy Lichtenstein.

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Boutique Hotels Inspiration, Part Five

This week’s inspiration comes from Le Royal Monceau, Paris; a beautiful hotel with a true passion for the arts.

Part of the Raffles Hotels and Resorts group, Le Royal Monceau boasts divine opulence at every turn. Much of the interior inspiration comes from 1940s and 50s period style, the influence of which can certainly be seen in the classic glamour of both the Prestige and Signature Suites. Another design treasure is the Presidential Suite 241 which is the epitome of classic Parisian style: sophisticated, understated, just plain beautiful.

Photo: the Art District gallery. ©Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Hotels and Resorts 2015.
Photo: the Art District gallery. ©Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Hotels and Resorts 2015.

The conservative glamour found throughout the hotel is brought into contrast by the Art District, the hotel’s own in-house art gallery (pictured). The work which features in the gallery showcases the contemporary artistic culture of Paris, adding an extra dimension to this otherwise understated decorous space.

 

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Boutique Hotels Inspiration, Part Four

This week we’re in Switzerland at the 25Hours Hotel, Zurich (West).

Designed by Alfredo Häberli, the interior of the 25Hours Hotel is bursting with colourful graphics that combine to make a delicious treat for the eyes. Inspired by the city’s artistic culture, the space is coloured by intricate prints, details that echo urban graffiti art, and dashes of bold furnishings.

Photo: the Living Room. ©25Hours Hotels 2015.
Photo: the Living Room. ©25Hours Hotels 2015.

Häberli’s design concept makes for an  overall experience of wonderment and vibrancy which showcases the spirit of Zurich’s creative district.

We adore the continuation of graphic shapes and bold colours which form the surface patterns of the Living Room (pictured). The use of colour to accent particular furnishings is also a great touch.

 

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Boutique Hotels Inspiration, Part Three

This week we feature the Mainport Hotel, Rotterdam as our design inspiration.

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Photo: Lounge. ©Inntel Hotels 2015.

Mainport Hotel is presented as the epitome of modern luxury. Designer Feran Thomassen was keen to produce interiors which showcase an international influence yet maintain notes of traditional Dutch styling.

Credited with a five star rating, Mainport combines stylish interiors with intricate prints  and colourful accessories to create a space which is at once elegant and inviting.

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Photo: Waterfront Spa. ©Inntel Hotels 2015.

 
As fans of patterns, we really enjoy the contrast between simplicity and outbursts of patterns and textures strategically placed around the space. The mixture of surface textures is also compelling: smooth and uneven, natural and artificial, polished and rugged finishes. This touch really highlights the designer’s focus on contrast, and brings opposing elements together in a pleasing way.

 

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Boutique Hotels Inspiration, Part Two

We continue with our selection of boutique hotels inspiration with the Qbic Hotel, London.

A sister hotel to Qbic Amsterdam, Qbic London’s interior flair is the work of  Blacksheep design company. This eclectic space is intended as a kind of ‘urban oasis’ which provides its guests with a place of respite from the bustling surroundings of Brick Lane and trendy Shoreditch.

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Photo: The Kitchen. ©Blacksheep 2015.

The design concept seeks to create a feeling of welcoming and comfort, in addition to delightfully quirky communal areas which invite guests to interact and socialise at ease.

Here, Blacksheep have managed to defy convention by creating an edgy yet warm interior that is bursting with imagination. Their use of colour alongside natural surfaces helps to achieve this unique blend, and the playful, vibrant atmosphere mirrors the creative community that surrounds the hotel. To us, the space feels like a hybrid of industrial design, postmodern design, and surrealism; contrasting elements which, in this case, come together to produce something very special. We especially like the use of accessories, such as the chair-lamp entangled in wire (pictured).

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Boutique Hotels Inspiration

Here at Moody Monday, we’re always on the lookout for inspirational ideas and design concepts. As our designs cater to luxury interiors, bespoke spaces such as boutique hotels offer a wealth of creative inspiration for our designer, Eliza, to draw on.

Over the next few weeks, our blog will feature particular spaces which we feel showcase the best of design imagination and innovation.

The first of this inspiring selection is the Mira Moon Hotel, Hong Kong.

This spectacular space is the product of a design collaboration between Dutch designer Marcel Wanders and hotel and residential design company Yoo. Inspired by Chinese mythology, the design aims to bring traditional ideas into a contemporary setting. Guest rooms are opulent yet welcoming, marrying sumptuous floral patterns with  stylish, modern finishes to bestow a feel of creativity throughout the property.

Photo: Full Moon Residence. ©Miramar Hotel and Investment Company Ltd 2015.
Photo: Full Moon Residence. ©Miramar Hotel and Investment Company Ltd 2015.

We particularly admire the mixture of textures and bold graphic prints, which add an extra dimension to the shapes and surfaces they fill. Many of the patterns have a sculptural edge which help to emphasise the contemporary treatment of the traditional surface pattern design. Treating traditional shapes with modern processes certainly makes the Mira Moon seem like an innovative space as this approach echoes recent and emerging interior design trends (such as the use of 3D prototyping machines).