Boutique Design - October 2014 - 14

THE BUZZ

SHANGHAI'S URBN HOTEL
UNVEILS UPDATED LOOK

SAN DIEGO CAFÉ SPORTS
SCANDINAVIAN ACCENT
The third Influx Café locale in California, in the new North Parker
mixed-use development in San Diego, is brimming with a Scandinavian-inspired décor created by Colkitt&Co. Nathan Lee Colkitt,
founder and principal of that architectural/design firm, explains why:
"Scandinavian design to us is about a non-affected authenticity. It's not
about being minimal or functional for simplicity's sake. It's about being
inspired to create something meaningful with only the necessary parts.
Great Scandinavian design achieves soulfulness and perhaps timelessness by being just right: nothing can be taken away or added."
Hence, the glass-enclosed restaurant's interior is home to a
white-and-gray color palette accented by pops of red; succulents
in glass terrariums; polished concrete floors; and variegated strips
of walnut that wrap around the kitchen and front counter. In addition, the café's adjoining outdoor space features dining tables and
benches made of teak strips. Colkitt says those elements add up to
an environment that's "all about the soul, without being contrived."
14

boutiquedesign.com OCTOBER 2014

SAR A NORRIS (INFLUX C AFÉ); COUR TE S Y OF PR NE WS WIRE (URBN HOTEL)

Cachet Hotel Group has taken the wraps off renovations at its groundbreaking eco-boutique URBN Hotel in Shanghai. New interiors at
the six-year-old property were created by Cachet's celebrity fashion
designer, Jay Godfrey.
The updated look features a neutral color palette that complements the natural look of the recycled and reclaimed wood materials throughout the property, which is located in a converted factory
warehouse. Other enhancements include a newly built hotel entrance,
featuring a large stainless steel sculptural ball, and an URBNfit workout
center. In addition, the ground floor will house a new casual dining
restaurant and bar called the BeerGRDN. Slated to open this month, the
new restaurant will feature outdoor courtyard seating and a bistro-style
menu with Italian and American-inspired options.
The hotel's 26 redesigned guest rooms include eco-friendly light
fixtures with sleek lines, customizable preprogrammed remote control
lighting installations, silk and velvet upholstery, new Mayair Technology
air-purification systems and the brand's signature Renewal Beds, which
are made from 100 percent natural materials including cactus and
coconut fiber and seaweed.
The hotel also features a 430 sq. ft. Jay Godfrey designer suite with
black lacquer finishes, modern artwork, Tom Dixon pendant lights, an
indoor-outdoor lounge and a terrace overlooking the hotel's courtyard.
URBN also partnered with Art+, a Shanghai art gallery, to display a
selection of contemporary works throughout the hotel.
"The redesigned and renovated URBN hotel reflects our passion in
providing enriching and healthy experiences for today's discerning travelers pivoted by design, sustainability and comfort," says Aaron Griffiths,
president of hospitality development at Hong Kong-based Cachet,
which was founded in May 2013 and is developing the NANO Hotels &
Resorts, r.Hotels, CACHET and URBN brands.

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Boutique Design - October 2014

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