15th August 2018 | IN HOTEL DESIGN | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedInThis week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a hotel brand with the heart of a boutique hotel and an appetite for adventure. Moxy Hotels, making a much-anticipated U.S. debut, opened the brand’s second stateside property, Moxy New Orleans. Favouring expansive public spaces in lieu of larger guest rooms, Stonehill Taylor emphasises an active, social, and autonomous experience – a hallmark of the Moxy brand – throughout the public space design. Moxy provides an affordable, engaging experience to millennial travellers without sacrificing style or innovation. The main focal point of the lobby area, the bar, is clad in reclaimed wood and topped with textured black stone. Positioned prominently between the library and lounge areas, the bar doubles as a gathering place for drinks and conversation, as well as check-in and reception area. Company: Stonehill Taylor Project: Moxy New Orleans Project Location: New Orleans, LA What was the client’s brief? Moxy New Orleans was only the second US property for Moxy Hotels. The goal was to capture New Orleans’ artistic spirit and bohemian legacy. While an affordable lodging experience targeting millennials, the design team did not want to sacrifice style or innovation. For this reason, Stonehill Taylor approached the project with ideas to infuse a youthful design with modern art, contemporary technology and distinct, local influences. What inspired the design of the project? Located right outside of the French Quarter, New Orleans truly acted as the primary inspiration for Moxy NOLA’s design. It’s industrial interior references the city’s history, with the first floor being stripped down to a raw, warehouse-like space revealed the existing concrete flooring, as well as the exposed pipe and duct work. The space is layered with a faded floor stencil influenced by Spanish tile, and light fixtures with street lamp-inspired metal detailing, adding French Quarter flair. What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project? The toughest hurdle for our team was converting a previously inward-facing, dark lobby into an outward-facing, inviting and exciting bar for both hotel guests and locals alike. What was your team’s highlight of the project? Working with so many local, New Orleans artists, we commissioned Reid Morris to create a large, full-scale mural outside of the fitness centre. Additionally, we worked with artist Margot Couture to paint a different mural within an interior lightwell – a striking, abstract piece spanning ten stories. The mural is not only an exciting visual moment within the overall hotel, but adds particular value and interest to an otherwise challenging view from adjoining guest rooms. Using local artists really helps to breathe the youthful, artistic ethos of New Orleans throughout the interior design scheme in a unique and authentic way. Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards? We were thrilled to work on one of Marriot Moxy’s debut US properties. It was a unique experience to collaborate with various local artists on such large-scale art works throughout and we wanted to celebrate its bold, modern and interactive design scheme. This hotel helped spur the trend towards micro-design in hospitality, and we were proud to be part of it. Questions answered by Sherry Dennis, Senior Interiors Associate at Stonehill Taylor If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring the pristine, paradise destination and beautifully designed luxury resort on the picturesque Vommuli Island in the Maldives, click here to see more. We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire Stonehill Taylor | SBID International Design Awards 2018