At our Design Studio, we embrace the enchantment of the stage. Our interiors are curated like theatrical sets, where every detail plays a role in an immersive experience. With many of our hotels nestled in London’s West End and near New York’s Broadway, it’s no surprise that theatre’s drama, playfulness, and magic are woven into our designs. On today’s blog, we’re taking a closer look at how we’ve brought the spirit of the theatre to life in our spaces.
Let There Be Light
Lighting sets the scene in both theatre and design. Sculptural chandeliers cast a soft, ethereal glow, much like stage lights illuminating a performance. At Knightsbridge Hotel, an oversized wire light fixture sprawls across the foyer, dipping elegantly like the brim of a hat. Beneath it, a sculptural female figure in a farthingale stands poised, draped in hessian and stitched leather, an enigmatic character waiting in the wings.
The Drama of Neon
Unexpected touches, like a mischievous neon sign, infuse a space with theatrical charm. At Ham Yard Hotel, the oversized neon signs in our Dive Bar transform the room into a dynamic stage of light and shadow, evoking the electrifying glow of a grand theatre just before the curtain rises.
Costumes & Storytelling Through Fabric
Just as costumes transform a character, textiles add intrigue to a space. In the Meadow Suite at Crosby Street Hotel, we framed an 18th-century silk christening gown in Perspex, its delicate cherub embroidery and dried flowers reminiscent of a costume preserved in the wings of a theatre. This piece, rich with history, tells a story of beauty and tradition, waiting for its moment in the spotlight.
Quirky Characters Take the Stage
No great production is complete without captivating characters, and our interiors are no exception. Mannequins, one of our signature design elements, bring personality and whimsy, much like an ensemble cast filling a stage with life. At Knightsbridge Hotel, miniature mannequins by artist Althea Wilson, adorned with beads, petals and feathers, stand proudly on the mantelpiece, each a unique persona.
At Number Sixteen in South Kensington, papier-mâché busts, draped in pearls and brooches, evokes the Rococo elegance of Marie Antoinette’s court. Encased in glass cloches, they appear as if frozen in a period drama.
From dramatic lighting to playful characters, sculptural statements to rich textiles, our interiors bring theatre’s magic to life. Step into our hotels, take your place on the stage, and let the performance unfold!