Commercial
Veil on Princes
Sydney Inner West
MarbleWalnutVelvetBrass
This project involved designing a boutique hotel within a heritage listed Art Deco building in Sydney's Inner West. The project presented challenges relating to limited natural light, significant road noise and existing structural constraints. The design and branding needed to draw on the area's eclectic, artistic spirit and cultural heritage, creating a destination in itself for young professionals and creative travellers - one that evokes curiosity and a sense of discovery.
Concept Development
The concept for this design was inspired by the nostalgic glamour of the Inner West's historic theatres. Sydney's Inner West has long been a destination for theatrical expression, evolving from early 20th-century vaudeville and picture shows to today's thriving independent and community-driven scene. The essence of theatre lies in its ability to transform the mundane into something magical. The theatre invites you into a world of storytelling, where spatial sequencing, lighting and materiality are carefully curated to evoke emotion, mystery and wonder. Veil on Princes is structured around three connected acts: Entrance, Show and Backstage, guiding the guest from arrival through to retreat.
Design Development
The entrance references the theatre foyer, using polished marble flooring, rich timber panelling and a sculptural reception counter to establish a sense of arrival within a darker interior. Public spaces embrace deeper colour palettes, velvet upholstery and brass accents, drawing on the glamour of historic theatre interiors while supporting a lively, social atmosphere. The guestrooms embody the intimacy of backstage, a space hidden from the audience - designed for privacy, reflection and restoration.
Materials
Materials for the ground floor of the hotel draw inspiration from classic theatre interiors, combining marble flooring, walnut joinery, mirrored surfaces, velvet upholstery and brass accents to evoke warmth and classic glamour. These materials were selected for their rich tactile qualities and durability to support high traffic use, whilst reinforcing the nostalgic, theatrical atmosphere of the hotel. In contrast, the guestrooms use softer, more restrained materials: walnut joinery, linen drapery, and calming dusty pink and neutral palettes layered with tactile accents creating a quiet luxury.
Gallery
