The Trafalgar St. James Curio
Services | Hotel Interior Design
Crimson Hotels had acquired the prestigious Trafalgar St. James in Central London, adding to their impressive existing portfolio. Positioned as a high-end premium five-star offering, the hotel required a re-design of the front of house spaces (including the reception, lounge, washrooms and The Rockwell Bar) to elevate the overall guest experience in line with the Curio by Hilton brand, as well as developing six new exciting basement suites to increase commercial opportunities.
DLSM Studio (formally DesignLSM) were appointed to deliver a full interior design service, and created a compelling overarching design narrative was inspired by ‘Exotic Ports of Call’.
Inspiration
The Cunard Shipping Company was formerly headquartered in this historic building and offered travel around the globe for goods and passengers alike.
As ports of all over the world opened up as tourist destinations, the Cunard line docked at the likes of New York, the Bahamas, Cuba, Panama, West Indies, the Far East, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean.
This golden era of travel presented a glamorous lifestyle on ships with complimenting opulent and elegant Art Deco interior aesthetics, which inspired the detailing in our own concept.
The overall redesign for Trafalgar Hotel incorporates rich textured fabrics, layered materiality, earthy colour palettes, bold patterns and dramatic planting - taking influence from the cultural contrast and tropical landscapes from the Caribbean islands.
Details
The overall redesign for Trafalgar Hotel incorporates rich textured fabrics, layered materiality, earthy colour palettes an bold patterns - taking influence from the cultural contrast and tropical landscapes from the Caribbean islands.
Beautiful sculptures, bespoke artwork and dramatic planting layer the spaces further, communicating the design narrative wherever your eyes take you.
Luxury Guest Suites
The basement, previously underutilised, has been converted into a vibrant commercial asset, featuring innovative lightwells that emulate natural sunlight throughout the day, luscious planting and a striking aesthetic, offering a unique over-night stay experience in Central London.
The suites feature bespoke joinery, bold wallcoverings and intimate lighting to create an immersive guest room setting, offerings a cosy escape from the busy London streets. With custom-designed carpets, a curated collection of artworks, and sculptural features that add depth to the design, the narrative is creatively communicated throughout the spaces in the hotel, transforming this hotel into a high-end destination.
Outcome
Having previously collaborated with Crimson Hotels on the successful redesign of the five-star 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel (Kensington) and DoubleTree by Hilton London – Victoria front of house areas, being part of this latest venture was both a privilege and an exciting challenge. This project allowed us to push the boundaries of bold design, creating seven new basement bedrooms, refresh the striking Rockwell Bar, and create an inviting and opulent reception/lounge area.
Given the competitive nature of the hospitality landscape in central London, it was crucial to craft a confident and distinctive design that would allow this elegant five-star hotel to stand out. This opportunity was more than just another project - it was a chance to redefine luxury and innovation in a way that resonates with both the brand and its guests.
