Hospitality Design - November 2009 - 35

news Book Nook: Slow It Down SLOW LIFE (Editions Didier Millet, $55) the latest book from resort company Six Senses, takes readers on a journey through the brand’s core philosophy of SLOW LIFE—an acronym that encompasses a holistic approach to individual and environmental health (Sustainable, Local Organic, Wholesome, Learning, Inspiring, Fun, Experiences). It is about being at the forefront of environmental sustainability and offering the support, knowledge, and a simple message on how to rediscover a responsible lifestyle. SLOW LIFE is full of practical tips, inspiring case studies, and insightful analysis to guide readers through the how-to’s and benefits of a slow life; a sustainable planet; local knowledge; slow food; slow style; slow parenting; the slow home and office; slow arrested development When it came time to redo exclusive nightspot Level V in New York’s Meatpacking District, B.R. Guest Restaurants decided to take it in the opposite direction. “I wanted to create a space that was accessible to all, at anytime of the day and a place that I would love to hang out in,” says Tara Oxley, the company’s design director. “There really are no bars in New York City that capture all the items that were interesting from other venues into one joint. Level V had seen its day and with so many other clubs in that area, it seemed like a good time to change things up a bit.” Enter 675: an eclectic, yet comfortable space that feels like it has been there for years, complete with games for every guest’s taste. “Every piece of furniture, accessory, art was hand-picked and every corner of the place feels like home,” says Oxley. “We really wanted to capture a spirit; a casual cool that wasn’t too exclusive or ‘designed,’” adds Philadelphia-based designer Chris Sheffield, founder of SL Design, who Oxley brought in for the project. “It’s not about a particular place or time, and I think that gave us the freedom to mix mid-century modern with early 20th century industrial and vintage found objects. People are reminded of a friend’s parents’ basement from the ’70s.” The space was already outfitted with stone, brick, and concrete, so they added reclaimed barnwood panels for the ceiling and walls, painted some of the brick white (distressing some by using a wire brush), and added vintage wallpaper and large scale patterned upholstery to play off the existing finishes. The library space is all about color and pattern: books are arranged in gradient colors from left to right and every other shelf is done in black or white and abstract paintings by local artists hang on the walls. And the pool table room features chalkboards with hand-stained belting canvas frames, a vintage barber’s chair, and life-size horse lamp from Moooi. And this isn’t the only B.R. Guest-Sheffield collaboration. He just designed the company’s newly opened affordable hotel Post Card Inn on The Beach in St. Pete Beach, Florida, with a chic surfer vibe. www.brguestrestaurants.com; www.sldesign.com travel; and eco experiences. Written by Kate O’Brien, who previously wrote BALANCING SENSES: The Six Senses Spa Book and is regularly featured in lifestyle, well-being, and travel publications of note, SLOW LIFE also includes many leading-edge contributors in their fields. For instance, highly acclaimed photographer Jorg Sundermann captures the fragile beauty of the environment and the resort experiences created by Six Senses with his signature style and unique perspective. In keeping with the book’s message, it is printed on 100 percent recycled paper using soy-based inks, printed in Singapore, and shipped slowly (via boat) to keep the carbon trail to a bare minimum. www.sixsenses.com www.hdmag.com November 2009

http://www.brguestrestaurants.com http://www.sldesign.com http://www.sixsenses.com http://www.hdmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hospitality Design - November 2009