Hotel Design Inspired by the Unique Atmosphere of Rome

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

DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti is interiors and decorations and the lushness of an internal lobby garden – where guests can immerse themselves in the light of the eternal city from morning to evening.

The main entrance is located on the main façade of the historic building overlooking Piazza Esquilino, on the corner with Via Urbana. The hotel features a rooftop bar and terrace, bar and café with an entrance on Piazza dell’Esquilino, three meeting rooms, a fitness centre and Mamalia restaurant, serving reinterpreted traditional cuisine.

What was the client's brief? 

To convert the two pre-existing buildings, with the aim of combining the Roman rhythms and lifestyle with the functionality of a hotel and establishing a continuous dialogue with the city.

What inspired the design of the project?

Rione Monti, once popular and dilapidated, today it is a place to discover, a central and young meeting point that live in harmony with the ancient, made of narrow medieval streets and hidden trattorias, alternative shops, and trendy bars. Without a doubt a cosmopolitan area where the atmosphere of an ancient community and the boutiques and clubs not to be missed during your stay.

The Monti district is an authentic area where working-class Rome once stood, where the elderly maintain tradition and where young entrepreneurs open trendy galleries.

This atmosphere with a retro flavor, combined with the climbing on the terracotta facades, the pots of plants left simply along the sidewalk of the streets with the typical Roman San Pietrini, was the greatest inspiration for the interior design concept, created by the THDP studio with Italian roots and designers.

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

Designing case good furniture by carefully sampling all custom finishes for the project and project managing the execution on site was challenging during 2020 because of the first Covid lockdown.

Another challenge was planning the entrance of the hotel, which follows the Esquilino hill, gently rolling down. The lobby and the bar are at two different levels, which required to insert staircases and a lift.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

This was the first THDP’s project in the Italian Capital. It was also a new way to push the boundaries of the Double Tree brand, by creating a more authentic experience for the guest where there was an accurate research of the neighbourhood areas, thanks for part of the internal local THDP team.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID awards are unmissable, as they select original projects from around the world. It is quite an exciting award as there is a combination of projects and a very glamorous award ceremony in London, where our company is.

Questions answered by Manuela Mannino, Partner and Founder, THDP.

In an increasingly competitive post-COVID, more financially cautious Interior Design market, it is important more than ever to have a USP that sets your business out from the crowd, and creates more opportunities to gain contracts based on something offered that is greater than a simulacrum of the previous project. The increasing reliance on fully bespoke work or ranges designed either for commercial roll-out or for a specific project is becoming well-trodden. Clients are increasingly knowledgeable but also demanding in terms of the quality-to-cost ratio, which as we all know can really start to eat into margins. While manufacturing in the far East or more obscure parts of Europe can certainly help to protect the profits, there is also another way, certainly not as frequently used as it might be.

Eco-friendly, Green, Renewable, Socially conscious – these are all phrases that more and more come into the planning of a build or a fit-out, and the environmentally astute designer will understand that many clients will be now building this into their considerations (though by no means all of them - to whom these concepts would be entirely alien..). One of the easiest and quickest fixes to this is to use antique, classic design, vintage and “retro” furnishings, underlining your green credentials but also opening up a world of other opportunities and ultimately, greater profitability. After all, no new materials are being used or manufactured, and items that already exist are being re-employed, repurposed and in many examples, aesthetically reconsidered and reaccommodated.

While the phraseology and terminology surrounding this concept can often sound trite and a marketing nightmare (“upcycled”, “preloved”, “retrostyle”) it is just the other side of a coin that has on the obverse “fine art”, “design” and “antique”. With over 30 years dealing in both new and old furniture and art, I would postulate that in general the quality of manufacture in particular of older furniture and design objects is considerably higher than that of today. As an additional bonus, many things were made in small or even unique numbers – equivalent to the dream phrase “Limited Edition” that is a gilt-edged chance to increase sales.

The very best classic design and antique pieces carry unique possibilities to the curious and canny Interior Designer – the layer of intangible “softness” that comes from years of patina on wood or glass for example, is almost impossible to reproduce with newer items. Who can resist a pier mirror of old mercury glass compared to a harsh modern example – it’s even more flattering in soft lighting. Finding and placing quirky, unusual or unique items opens up a world of choices, as well as adding a story to each individual item, at the higher end of the market, even remarkable provenance on occasion. These are the kind of objects that invite conversation, not just act as a backdrop or support.

With the rise of identikit interiors with a restricted palette and furniture and accessories that seem to disappear into the background, the bold and individualistic client will revel in this concept of “uniqueness” and this is most certainly a selling point for certain types of customer. The well-curated interior will speak of the owner’s intelligence, taste (if such a thing exists) and idiosyncratic approach. More often than not though, they will need some assistance with this, or certainly a collegiate approach.

Best of all for the canny client though, is the huge investment potential for their interior choices to become a sure-fire investment. The area of Fine Art is well covered and well-evidenced, but increasingly, Design and Decorative Arts are becoming (or already are!) a rich seam of capital gain. A case in point for example is the famous Jean Prouvé Chaise “Tout Bois”- a set of four in 2019 sold at Christie’s for 23,750 Euro, but in 2021 a similar set sold for 50,000 Euro – doubling the value in only two years. The joy of investments like this is that the individual items carry great value but lend themselves collectively to creating stunning and meaningful interiors.

Many Designers are cautious about introducing these elements into their schemes as they often lack the knowledge or confidence to utilise items from eras unfamiliar to them or are unsure of the market. I don’t believe that they are not employed simply because they are inappropriate. The subject is large and potentially complex, and it is absolutely possible to make errors. However, perhaps the biggest problem of all is knowing where to find these items and at the right price for the business and the client.

I would argue that there is actually huge potential to make greater margins or certainly to protect margins, by introducing a higher percentage of such items into a project, whether it is residential or hospitality. The integration of reclaimed or salvaged architectural elements is seen frequently in hospitality, and many of the very best projects in Europe and the USA at the highest level of residential are populated with exceptional examples of classic design – it must be impossible to move in California now without bumping into a Corbusier Chandigargh chair (original of course!!).

It is possible to create large margins with informed and intelligent purchasing, while also offering the client the possibility of a return on investment, something that is impossible with a bespoke site-specific sofa for example. Older pieces can even be bespoked of course, through reupholstery, readjustment and gentle intervention. Clients will be aware of the market prices of brand new standard items but won’t necessarily know the price of classic design, and in certain instances may be pleasantly surprised. There are rich pickings in the market still for undiscovered gems and unappreciated designers to become household names. The value for instance of Eames, Wegner, Juul has all absolutely rocketed as they take their place in the Pantheon (or “Premier League”) of design stars, but there are plenty who are brilliant but considered “1st Division” It's important to find new avenues for increasing profitability and a few well-sourced items will add character and interest to a project as well as increasing value to both the client and the business.

All images courtesy of Modernforms.

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Italian design is matchless, its inventiveness legendary. Signature and Tosca are the latest additions to premium bathroom retailer, C.P. Hart’s portfolio of exclusive furniture.

Sourced from inspirational makers in Tuscany, Italy and renowned for its high-quality and chic designs, Signature and Tosca are created for bathrooms of all sizes.

Signature Bathroom Furniture

Carefully selected by C.P. Hart, Signature is a highly versatile range, making it the perfect storage solution for both large and small bathrooms. The collection of clean-lined and contemporary wall-hung vanity units and wall cabinets come in various shapes, allowing you to configure your bathroom furniture to optimise space.

The Signature range is crafted with exceptional attention to detail. Vanity drawers are internally painted in Anthracite Gray and come equipped with soft-close and push-pull mechanisms, accessible through recessed handles that are subtle yet practical, offering a comfortable and secure grip.

Cabinet tops and finishes are available in natural and timeless shades, including glossy and matt lacquers and wood finishes. A range of stunning marble stoneware tops with integrated basins or countertop ceramic basins are also included in the collection.

The Signature range offers a selection of sleek LED mirrors and towel holders to complement the furniture, all available to purchase from C.P. Hart.

Tosca Bathroom Furniture

The Tosca range, designed by Italian architectural designer Enzo Berti and hand-picked by C.P. Hart, breathes its classical heritage in a thoroughly contemporary way. The collection showcases a statement display of modular wall-hung and floor-standing vanity units, cabinets, and benches, available in various sizes allowing you to configure your optimal bathroom set-up.

The units feature simple, elegant lines enhanced by an Anthracite Grey frame and spacious, soft-close drawers. The front panels and tops can be crafted from wood or stone for a natural textured effect, or they can be lacquered or made of glass for a sophisticated feel. Please speak to a C.P. Hart sales consultant to discover the breadth of finishes available.

The Tosca range comes with washbasin options for maximum customisation, including blown glass countertop designs, integrated basins, undermounted or countertop solutions, and freestanding designs for an eye-catching and highly individual result.

“The use of age-old Tuscan materials, such as traditional terracotta, blown glass, and marble, introduces a timeless appeal to these collections, while the natural colour palette adds softness to minimalist design.”
Yousef Mansuri, C.P. Hart director of design.

Signature and Tosca are currently displayed in C.P. Hart’s flagship Waterloo showroom.

Visit A C.P. Hart Showroom here.

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Some spaces lend themselves particularly well to a generous injection of moody hues and this kitchen in Hackney, London, is one of them. Wall-to-wall bi-fold doors drench the space in natural light, allowing designer Charlie Smallbone of Ledbury Studio to dabble in a decadent mix of dark materials and bring a sense of drama to the bright space.

Typically for Ledbury Studio, metal punctuates the design, most notably on the front of the tall fridge-freezer, which is clad in aged verdigris copper panels. Subtler touches range from a strip of aged brass that runs along the top of the stained oak cupboard doors on the base run to a brass undermounted sink and aged brass handles on the island cupboards. Bringing the metallic elements together is a Stone Italiana Ambra worktop that combines the beauty of natural stone with the performance of hard-wearing quartz.

Continuity is essential when a kitchen is part of an open-plan space, and to strengthen this kitchen’s connection with the adjacent dining area, Charlie’s distinctive Choppy Water design is hand-carved onto the end panel of the island and on the cupboard in the dining area. As a side note, the cupboard comes complete with a built-in wine cooler, wine rack and a fluted-glass cupboard for glassware, making it a super-handy addition.

Storage is a crucial aspect of all Ledbury Studio kitchens. In this one, a large larder cupboard fitted with doors, racks, shelves and drawers offers a wealth of space for everyday cooking essentials. Open shelves above the sink serve a more decorative purpose, letting the homeowner showcase some of her favourite accessories to personalise the space.

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

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In this week's interview with SBID Awards Product Design judge and Founding Partner of Oliver Burns, Sharon Lillywhite shares her approach to creating unique design narratives, enhancing user experience through design, and talks about finding the balance between beauty and functionality.

What impact does the power of good design have on user experiences?

When we are designing a space, I spend time getting to understand what environment and atmosphere the client wants to create. As Coco Channel once said, ‘An interior is the natural projection of the soul’. To achieve this, our design studio always uses a multi-sensory approach to enhance any surroundings. A powerful design tool to achieve this is colour, which plays a central role in influencing our moods and the atmosphere within a space. In one of my projects for ‘Veterans Aid’ I used colour psychology to transform the existing space into a warm and inviting home for 55 former members of the British military who were in crisis. The result was a warm, welcoming space with elements of discreet luxury that inspires confidence in the residents.

When designing for the luxury market, how do you approach the product specification? What are your top considerations?

Our designs are born out of a story that either the property or the client wants to tell, making it a space with a unique narrative. This concept drives the requirement for bespoke pieces with the highest level of craftsmanship and design. Our clientele are seeking exclusivity and exceptional quality, and this is where we enlist the skill of artisans and craftsmen to create something extraordinary. From hand-painted wallpapers to embroidered linens, we feel very proud to work alongside these specialists to deliver something truly outstanding.

Can you describe the concept of Thoughtful Luxury? How can this be achieved through interior design?

At Oliver Burns, our ethos is ‘Thoughtful Luxury’, where design goes much deeper than just the aesthetic to reflect deeper values and meaning. The concept of Thoughtful Luxury underpins everything we do. It is reflected in our designs, from the concepts we develop, and is demonstrated in the unique understanding we have of our discerning clients and translated in our vision of client care. From concept to completion, this approach ensures that all of our projects are thoughtfully designed, thoughtfully built and thoughtfully finished.

As a designer, how do you strike the perfect balance between beauty and function?

A space is to be enjoyed and lived in and I don’t believe that there should be a compromise when it comes to beauty and function. If there is a piece that I know will work well aesthetically but may not be the most functional, then I will always try to work with designers to create something bespoke that I know will deliver on both elements.

Finally, what advice can you give to designers entering the SBID Awards?

Make sure that your project stands out and has a unique element to it. It needs to be inspiring and innovative, presenting something that we have not seen before. I am always looking for attention to detail, so make sure that every product and finish counts.

Questions answered by Sharon Lillywhite, Founding Partner, Oliver Burns.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a complete refurbishment of a family home by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Novo Design.

Abbie Smith, Founder and Creative Director of Novo Design: We started discussing this project back in 2018, the masterplan was designed and the planning applications commenced. Knock back after knock back and 2 years later approvals were finally given and we could start working on developing the interior concept and specification. The family would be moving in with clothes and toys only and everything from bed linen to champagne flutes and potato peelers had to be specified and procured. The building was stripped back to the shell and then put back together meticulously, no corner was cut on quality of finish and the client continuously pushed for unique bespoke items so the home would be truly unique.

What was the client's brief? 

To create a beautiful family home and maximise the potential of the space by reconfiguring the internal layout, converting the unused loft space and adding a large kitchen extension and orangery to gain more space that can be enjoyed and utilised.

What inspired the design of the project?

Contemporary styling fused with lots of texture and natural materials. Vibrancy was brought through in artwork and furniture to represent the characters of the family living there.

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

Obtaining planning permission. 2 years of rejected applications were hard for morale but the client wasn’t willing to compromise so kept persisting and it finally paid off.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The grand reveal, welcoming the family back into the home once we had completed (they didn’t come to site during the build). There were lots of tears of joy and disbelief around the transformation and finished results. It exceeded their expectations and they couldn’t have been happier.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We feel this is by far our most considered and most beautiful residential project we have ever delivered. The client gave us complete ownership of the design so it represents our company style perfectly. A great project to showcase what we can deliver and would be amazing for the team to get recognition for all the hard work that went into this project.

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

With the aim to turn this apartment into a truly luxurious gentleman’s private office, Juliettes Interiors was commissioned to design a working environment that wasn’t only practical and professional for Zoom and in-person meetings, but a space that was also strikingly beautiful and sophisticated. The option to stay late at the ‘office’ as well as provide an overnight base was also required, with a living-style zone added for maximum comfort.

Due to the apartment’s compact size, spatial planning was not an easy task, so Juliettes Interiors chose to introduce customised pieces of furniture to ensure the right flow was achieved throughout the space with each piece working in harmony together. In one small living space, Juliette and her team needed to create three zones: a living area, kitchen/dining and office.

With detail at its core, the design scheme needed to be cohesive. Dark tones and luxurious fabrics have been skilfully layered, paired with a variety of textures and bold brassware accessories – from the striking pendant light above the table to the dressing table in the bedroom. The large windows allow for plenty of natural light to flood the rooms, adding depth and interest to the dark décor.

The living area has been designed with a strong entertaining social element in mind, with a variety of different zones. Each zoned area was as important as the other. Bang & Olufsen equipment has been installed for a high-tech finish, ideal for meetings, and the client wanted a perfect backdrop from behind as a Zoom screen for international meetings. The office is set up in the living space at the centre of the apartment. A premium Italian leather desk and chair complement the dark wood and brass detailed designer desk, blending together for an incredibly opulent final product.

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Lorenzo Tondelli Collection have brought on stage six ambiences, retracing the history of the brand and integrating the first bestsellers mixed with the latest Hyperborea series.

The tour begins with Umami: the 100% customisable kitchen produced by Lorenzo Tondelli in every detail, from the cabinets to the handles and hinges, from the drawers storing cutlery and plates to the wine cellar for preserving refined wines. The leathers are stain and water-repellent and every aspect from aesthetics to the layout can be customised step by step with the customer.

We then proceed to the TV area. The screen is installed on the Argema console. Guests can sit comfortably on the curved Hula Hoop sofa upholstered in silk velvet, on the iconic Dune or on the Ulla rotating armchair.

The display continues with the living room dedicated to Kela: a family of bestselling seats consisting of sofa, chaise longue and armchair.

The scene is illuminated by the Carapace lamp, featuring a cast bronze reproduction of a tortoise shell. Next to the sofa the Ebe glass lamp stands with its sculptural dome.

The reading area is characterised by red silk boiserie and hosts a setting of pieces from the Hyperborea series including the Levare coffee table, the linear Hula Hoop sofa accompanied by its pouf, the Aura lamp that reproduces a chiaroscuro effect on the walls reminiscent of the aurora borealis. The specular bookcases, Alda, hold precious volumes.

In the study-office area we find the Pico desk, upholstered entirely in leather with legs in bronze in silver finishing. The top is equipped with a convenient socket compartment. A leather-upholstered drawer completes the desk. The chairs in the setting are Maua upholstered in orange leather in the version with and without armrests.

The conversation area is centred on the Nirmal sofa, here arranged in a corner version and equipped with a chaise longue and customised engraved bronze armrest. Nirmal is a modular sofa: the customer can compose the desired arrangement to suit the space.

"On the occasion of Design Week - explains brand CEO Lorenzo Tondelli - our aim was to allow visitors to immerse themselves and walk through the history of our Collection.

The idea was to show how our bestsellers created in the early years of the Collection and the ultimate Hyperborea series have a timeless taste and can be combined together in a fluid and elegant way.

One of our strengths is the work that has been done over the years to give aesthetic continuity to the products, eschewing passing fashions, and designing furniture that lasts in terms of quality and taste.”

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Arteriors core collection of luxury furniture, lighting, wall décor and accessories incorporates products from a number of design aesthetics. A key trend that remains popular with interior designer customers for trade and residential projects alike is a tendency towards pieces that will help create and complement a monochrome scheme.

A timeless palette, monochrome décor palettes can highlight the art of duality, with each product created as a statement piece in its own right but with elements that allow it to co-exist and complement additional items within a room. This is a collection of items that are intended to work alongside one another and unify the space.

Bright white and pale cream tones pair with varying tones of greys and black as the core colour theme, where texture and tactility take centre stage - drawing the focus away from colour towards the materials used to create depth and interest in the room’s design. Tactile materials such as soft plush boucle, and luxurious velvets work particularly well to soften a monochrome space.

Visual interest can be added through the use of graphic, geometric lines whether seen in the design of Arteriors’ products or in additions such as wallpaper and rugs. By combining strong accents with soft, textured fabrics, marble detailing and rounded edges, a scheme can transform from feeling cold and stark to warm and inviting.

This collection from Arteriors creates a sense of understated glamour, with all focus placed on the expertise of design. The variety of items seamlessly blend in with one another and transcend seasonal trends layering perfectly into multiple settings and styles.

Arteriors’ exclusive collection is available to view online or at the UK showroom at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour.

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In this week's interview with SBID Awards Product Design judge and Creative Director at Casa Forma, Carolina Sandri defines contemporary luxury, and shares how approaches to design differs around the world to compliment client lifestyles.

You originally launched your architectural studio in Brazil before moving to the UK. What did you learn from this transition, and did the cultural differences play a role in influencing your design approach?

All nationalities have their own culture that shapes their lifestyle preferences, while in university to get my architecture degree I enjoyed reading about people’s history and their cultures, how they lived and worked.

In my studio in Brazil, I learned that Interior Design and Architecture is about much more than designing for aesthetic appearance. It has to consider communication and the key user experience - from how people move around space and interact with objects or people, to how the spaces work according their cultural choices.

When I moved to London, which has been home for me for the past 17 years, I was very proud to be working in the centre point where international design and vision comes together. London is the place where the biggest window to design is!

Most of our clients are global citizens and have homes in many different places, the majority have the same “international” taste when it comes to design, but what we always take in consideration is that, despite having a taste that focuses on unique items of high quality, they are also individual people that have their own cultural preferences that need to be taken in account.

In the context of luxury interiors, what key characteristics do you look for in the products you specify?

During the years we developed a well-selected supplier database of the best craftsmen and artisans that can bring things from different parts of the world to help us transform our visions into reality. We live in a world where you can go all over and come back with the most amazing materials and fabrics - its remarkable of what we can do.

The most important characteristics that we look for in a product is the superior quality, intrinsic durability, and uniqueness that the product has.

How can the power of good design influence user experiences and compliment client lifestyles in the residential market?

One of the most important steps in the design process is to spend time with the client at the beginning of the project to fully understand the brief, listen to the client’s journey and history so we can be assured that he design decisions that we will help them make along the way are the correct ones.

These decisions are very important as they have the power to influence the users’ experiences and compliment their lifestyles. Through furniture choice and layout, lighting, finishes and acoustic design, we can influence how people will be using the spaces.

What does contemporary luxury mean to you? Do expectations of luxury differ globally, and how do you ensure a client-driven approach to your projects?

Integrating elegance and technology in a well-resolved balance that culminates in a space that is both stylish and usable is contemporary luxury to me. I believe that expectations of luxury are very individual, as each person have their own taste and style, so they also have their own definition of luxury. What may be considered as luxury for one person may not be for another.

Everybody is unique and to ensure a client-driven approach to our projects, we focus on fully understanding the life and needs of a particular space, concentrating entirely on what’s important to the client and their lifestyle.

Finally, what advice can you give to designers entering the SBID Awards?

Trust your vison and listen to learn. We live in a world of inspiration and creativity and if you work with passion, you can create a design that is truly special and will be well recognised.

Questions answered by Carolina Sandri, Creative Director, Casa Forma.