Design LSM

The 1871 Bar is industrial chic and references the main hotel colour scheme and Grill Restaurant beyond. designLSM created a raw space that would appeal to a diverse clientele. This was achieved through the use of stripped back concrete columns, surface mounted conduit lighting, brick walls and applying a palette of warm worn browns, tans and reds.

The Hilton Olympia hotel was a large-scale project, made up of multiple phases. The brief was a complete refurbishment of the ground floor public reception areas, first floor bar and restaurant to create a flowing, relaxed space.

The initial phase saw the removal of the escalator, which had been the only way to approach the first floor bar. By replacing the escalator with a modern, glass staircase a greater visual impact has been created and the first floor bar is now a destination venue. The bar, which is distinctly visible from Kensington High Street, has an organic feel to it – a deliberate contrast to the orthogonal lines of the building.

designLSM restyled the restaurant interior applying a fresh colour palette, revamped the lighting and introduced a bespoke, display screen. New, decorative lighting was fitted and a private dining room area created.

Simon Spiteri, Architectural Director comments; “Not all structural changes were made at ground level due to a limited budget and timescale constraints. However, the overall brief has been answered and the end result is a distinctive and timeless piece of interior design which flows throughout the reception, bar and lounge areas.”

Introduction to three interior design projects undertaken by designLSM. The first is the award wining michelin star restaurant, Galvin La Chapelle, London with interview from Galvin Restaurant’s Patron, Sara Galvin. Following this is a short film of Goodman, Old Jewry, a popular steakhouse in City, London. Finally, the Quarter Bar & Lounge at the London Bridge Hotel is showcased with comment from the hotel’s General Manager, Nick Cowell.

The Waldorf Hilton, Good Godfrey’s bar and lounge has re-launched having been redeveloped by design LSM and now features a striking, destination bar.

The client’s brief was for designLSM to create a ‘statement’ bar, which would attract residents and passers by. This was achieved by cleverly illuminating the marble, chrome and granite bar with up-scaled lighting to create a bold, visual statement. Existing listed paneled features were retained whilst decorative wallpaper was added to the ceiling recesses and large antiqued mirrors hung from the walls to reflect a sumptuous interior. The lounge furniture has been chosen to encourage guests to relax and a palette of warm grey, gold and burgundy creates a sense of warmth and opulence.

The Lounge and Lobby was minimalist in design with no sense of ‘arrival’ for guests, therefore large chandeliers, feature wallpaper and intricate mouldings were introduced. Heavy, theatrical drapes and grand, antique mirrors add to the sense of theatre. The same furniture was chosen to follow through from the bar in order to create a fluid space and offer guests a choice of seating.

The second phase will see the current, sparse looking reception redesigned to highlight the sophistication and glamour for which the Waldorf Hilton is internationally renowned. Traditional style paneling, plush drapes and antique mirrors will be accentuated by elegant lighting. A library snug will be created and tucked away in the lobby area for those wanting to people watch.  It is expected that the second phase will be completed in May 2011.

The main consideration undertaken by Simon Spiteri, Architecture Director and Karen Mitton, Senior Designer was to ensure that the design was sympathetic to the existing style and image created by The Waldorf. Attention to detail will be paramount when creating an authentic and grand reception area because first impressions count.

What was your aim when designing this venture?

To create a space that provided the option to dine or have meetings across the space at any time of the day.  The existing areas were too defined in terms of function.i.e just for breakfast, lunch or dinner, so therefore they were not utilised throughout the day and consequently revenue losing!  The concept was to create a versatile space, based upon airport lounge feel, with Scandinavian feel and look. Introducing technology was a bit part also. LCD TV’s , laptop hubs’, loads of power points to plug into.

How did you achieve this – for example what fabric, paint did you use etc?

Furniture selection was critical.  Circular tables, high benches and tables for two were combined with formal dining chairs, tub chairs and wing back chairs.  Fabrics varied from suppliers such as Skopos and leather from Andrew Muirhead.  Paints were matched to Farrow and Ball.  Colours used were very much on the fresh organic side with earthy hues.

What would you describe as the key and unique features?

With such large spaces it was important to divide the areas up and create intimacy.  We achieved this by the use of open shelved units which were dressed with object dart.  Some of these shelving units also incorporated technology hubs for plugging in laptops and these in turn linked to recessed LCD TV’s within the shelving units.  Intimacy was also created by making sure that the furniture wasn’t too formal and that furniture styles were mixed with each other…i.e. slightly eclectic feel, but grown up!  I also really like the bespoke benches with the touch button pop up LCD TV’s within them.  Great for meetings of 10 people.

Where did you get your inspiration from?

Scandinavian influences, back to nature.

What is the size of the venue?

560m²

Timetable, how long did it take from start to finish?

About 6 months pre contract and 6-8 weeks generally, with complicated phasing due to maintaining the hotel public front of house areas.

What are you working on at the minute, what are your future plans, ?

We completed Hilton Strathclyde at the same time. We are currently working on the lounge and lobby area as well as the Homage Patisserie at The Waldorf Hilton in London.

What do you like most about the design of the venue? The dramatic design change and update.  The option to use any part of the space, at any time of the day for any food offer available or just to have a simple place to work and have a meeting.  The design is very versatile and flexible.

Overall comment?

Carefully budgeted projects with big impact and great added value. Both Hilton Worldwide and DesignLSM are very happy with the final result. This project was very focused on space and how it was used, and we’re delighted that the feedback has been so positive.

Michael Squire, general manager of Hilton Edinburgh Airport, said: “Our ground floor has been completely re-designed to allow guests, whether working alone or in small groups, to feel part of a larger social space.  We recognise personal space is also very important, and with this setup people can have a level of privacy in an ultimately open environment.”