A 'Grand' Suite

Living room of suite with new draperies and upholstery

Renovating a hotel is a grand undertaking, especially when "Grand" is part of the hotel's name, such as Le Grand Hotel (St. Regis Rome).  Once in a while, though, a designer has the opportunity to 'update' a few, select rooms, something called a soft good renovation.  It is not an overwhelming project wherein you must start from scratch, yet you must still be very careful in adding new pieces (fabrics, furnishings, lighting, artwork and accessories), while re-using some existing pieces.  It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do to update a room, especially when the color is a modern neutral, and then pulling out the colorful, but worn carpeting, replacing it with hardwood planks-- this immediately gives the sense of entering a newly constructed space.  The grandness of this hotel is very traditional and it is reflected in the rooms; while maintaining this distinct high level, there was also a desire to curb the colorful traditionalism and create a simplified elegance, achieved through softer tones and more modern draperies and fabrics.  The result: grandioso. 

Bedroom of suite with new draperies, artwork and area rug

Newly painted walls and new shades for the wall sconces

Original seating with new upholstery

Newly upholstered bench with nail head detail and new area rug

Original parlor chair with new upholstery

New drapery design

Another bedroom suite with the new headboard and chaise lounge

Pillow detail on the chaise lounge

New draperies and parlor chair upholstery

Note: The below photo is taken from the St. Regis Rome website (a Starwood property); the image presents one of the original suites before renovation.