I love upscale hotel designs because I think they’re really trend setters. I can always find a lot of inspiration in both the public and private spaces.
So I was excited to see photos of the newly renovated lobby of the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown hotel, which was designed by Dallas design firm Looney & Associates.
The space is modern but still warm and cozy and it looks like a perfect spot for groups of friends or business colleagues to meet.
"The re-concepting of the lobby engages our guests and is as vibrant as the neighborhood we are located in," says Brad Edwards, general manager, Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown hotel. "From the moment they walk in, guests will see that we have evolved beyond being termed a convention hotel. Our new lobby will provide our guests memorable experiences and opportunities for new discovery upon each visit."
The former lobby had been vast and more traditional in design. The new look breaks the space into areas that feel more intimate while still providing plenty of seating for guests.
The central focal seating area in the lobby is called Mingle and is surrounded by a cherry- blossom inspired steel and hand-blown glass sculpture, entitled "Contemplative Space" by sculptor Brad Oldham (shown in the photo below).
I love the combination of chairs in the lobby photo above. You’ve got the formality of the high-backed wing chairs and the tufted leather arm chairs but the copper loungers bring in the modern, lounge feel that makes the space seem relaxed.
I love all the reflective pieces – on the backs of the arm chairs, the lamps and the sculpture.
I also adore the library, which has an amazing 24-arm Murano glass chandelier above a curving, white leather sofa. The fixture is absolutely stunning and I can imagine a much smaller version as the focal point of a residential dining room.
I adore the contrast of the bright yellow, reflective wall against the dark wood of the bookcases and all the textures from the floor pillows, damask chairs and accessories, like the coral.
The hotel commissioned modern art for the lobby, including an LED juxtaposed series of historic and modern DC images.
“Other pieces include modern odes to presidents such as Lincoln and Washington, enlarged money printed on wood blocks, and pop-art takes on the Smithsonian institute,” the hotel says.
There’s also a lobby bar called Mixx. I’m crazy about the cool pattern on the back of these low-back stools.
What do you think? Are inspired by hotels like I am? And what do you think of this one?
This post is part of a link party at The Inspired Room.
