From Concept to Completion

During London Design Week, Victoria & Albert Bathrooms held an event at Chelsea Harbour and invited G.A London’s Senior Designer Jessica Morrison, along with interiors journalist Claudia Baillie and Jenny Lindsay-Fynn of home staging company Decoroom, to talk about how to weave narrative into interior design.

The first G.A project discussed was the award-winning Belmond Cadogan, framed as a ‘home away from home’ on Sloane Street, Belmond Cadogan is rich in heritage and history. The concept for the hotel’s suites drew upon characters that influenced the original Cadogan Hotel, people such as Sir Hans Sloane, the creator of Kensington and Chelsea was also a physician, explorer and collector. This translated into a palette of soft greys, reds and browns with coral patterns in the carpet, a reference to Sloane’s large botanical collections and explorations of the Caribbean. Sir Hans Sloane’s large collection, acquired from across the globe, formed the beginning of The British Museum.

The Penthouse Suite takes on a far more feminine palette, a nod to another historically important member of Cadogan’s history, Lilley Langtry. The suites bathroom is made of soft lilac coloured marble with a stone curved wall within which a freestanding Victoria & Albert bathtub sits. It was important that this hotel felt simultaneously luxurious and homely, mismatched furniture throughout adds quirkiness and gives the feeling that these are pieces that have been collected over time.

The second project spoken about by Jess at the V&A talk was Corinthia Hotel Brussels, winner of the 2018 Creative Spark Award. Built in 1900, the refurbishment of the Grand Hotel Astoria in Brussels was met with fantastic reviews. The central focal point of the property is the ‘Palm Court’; a double height space with historic stained glass rooflight and listed belle epoque details, a space where breakfast through to afternoon tea and cocktails are served. The design of this hotel oozes decadence and luxury, with craftmanship of care at the heart of this project, the whole guest experience focussed on providing a sense of the aspirational.

A modern reimagining of the ‘Palm Court’ called for a fresh and light palette that lets the historical features take centre stage. Contemporary chandeliers add drama to the space while also creating a luxurious welcome. To ensure absolute comfort, discreet cable-free phone charging options are integrated into consoles and side tables. The furniture has been thoughtfully considered to cater to the rooms many changes throughout the day.

The third project detailed by Jessica was Park Hyatt St Kitts, sustainably designed with local materials and unique water features throughout, Park Hyatt St Kitts echoes the island’s rich culture, and seamlessly intertwines contemporary architecture and colonial design.

The interior design of Park Hyatt St Kitts lets the views of this island paradise speak for themselves. Locality was the heart of this project, both public and private space draw on contemporary Caribbean design and simplicity to bring the inside outside, neutral interiors with pops of colour influences by the lush natural landscape create a fresh and relaxed atmosphere.