How Beautiful Public Spaces Can Inspire Yours
Designing for public spaces means creating an environment that is beautiful, durable, and on-brand.
Written by Deborah L. Martin
THE FORESTER HOTEL & OAKEN BISTRO
LOCATION: LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS
DESIGNER: PIPA BRADBURY, NORR
The reception desk and bar are clad in Porcelanosa porcelain slabs. Carpeting by Shaw Contract Group. Upholstery fabrics by Carnegie and Momentum, also available at theMART.
As the first boutique-inspired Hyatt Place in the world, and the first hotel to be built in 50 years in the North Shore area, the investor-developer Janko Group wanted a “chic and unique” six-story custom project.
NORR collaborated with Hyatt and Janko to create a guest experience that celebrates the city’s founding motto: Naturae et Scientiae Amor (Love of Science and Nature). The lobby is sophisticated and serene with its natural mix of wood and stone. The “log” reception desk, made from a local oak tree, solidifies the natural connection. Behind the desk, an intricate custom backlit glass floral design reflects in the metallic wallcovering. The vibrant bar sits under a tree-like canopy of stylized glass petals in a custom sculptural lighting piece.
CANYON RANCH WELLNESS RETREAT
LOCATION: WOODSIDE, CALIFORNIA
DESIGNER: COLE MARTINEZ CURTIS AND ASSOCIATES (CMCA)
ARCHITECT: JOHN MATTHEWS ARCHITECTS
The Loft is an expansive space that invites relaxing and conversing with friends. Rustic elements such as the stump tables contrast with luxurious seating covered in fabrics from Kravet and Pindler. Dining chairs by McGuire, through Baker Furniture.
Internationally acclaimed hospitality interior design firm Cole Martinez Curtis and Associates (CMCA) reveals the transformation of the newest location of Canyon Ranch in Woodside, California. In collaboration with John Matthews Architects, the restoration and conversion of the wellness retreat includes 14 guest rooms and 24 standalone treehouses inspired by the surrounding redwoods.
“With an extraordinary site to work with, it was imperative for us to bring natural materials such as wood and stone, and quiet tones of moss and slate gray, into the interiors to reflect the majestic surroundings,” says Jill I. Cole, ISCH, Managing Principal of CMCA.
The Hideaway Terrace is a comfortable outdoor room, with furniture by Gloster, covered in weather-safe fabrics by Sunbrella and Perennials, through David Sutherland.
Each guest room is a welcoming sanctuary, with large windows welcoming floods of natural light. Elevated on stilts, the private treehouses face outward toward the forest canopy for full foliage concentration.
The Treehouse guest rooms bring the natural world inside, with murals of the sky and trees, and windows that offer views of the dense foliage. A custom sofa is covered in Garrett Leather through Watson Smith, with shearling pillows.
The dining and common living spaces of the 14-acre grounds include the loft, a two-story room that invites guests to unwind by the fireplace or perch on the wraparound decks. The treatment rooms in the boutique spa feature floral tile patterns and a captivating metal frame mosaic. Intimate nooks throughout the spa cocoon you in your very own warm experience. To fully embrace nature, the interiors of Canyon Ranch Woodside do not compete but complement the enchanting views.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDY GALLIGAN
THE PENN CLUB
LOCATION: NEW YORK, NY
DESIGNER: LYNNE BEYER, LYNNE BEYER DESIGNS
ARCHITECT: DAVID HELPERN
The clubby atmosphere of the Penn Club needed updating, but designer Lynne Beyer wanted to retain the old-world warmth and charm. She turned to Kravet’s contract division for an infusion of luxurious textures and patterns, and updated the furnishings with help from Jonathan Charles, through deAurora.
When the prestigious Penn Club in Manhattan needed a redo, architect David Helpern invited Lynne Beyer to update the interiors. The private club is for alumni of the University of Pennsylvania, and hosts members of other Ivy League clubs for schools such as Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.
Beyer brought a fresh look and arrangement to the original space, while preserving some of the original, luxurious elements. Using her hospitality and high-end residential skills, Beyer partnered with brands including Kravet, Jonathan Charles, and others to create a traditional interior that respects the original design, while meeting the needs of a 21st century private club.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DURSTON SAYLOR