The Residences of Royal Connaught Go Art Deco
By Lucas on Sep 25, 2013
By Penny Munoz
So long ago that many of us can’t even recall, the Royal Connaught Hotel was as socially relevant in Hamilton as the King Edward has been in Toronto. It was where local elites, visiting tourists, celebrities and athletes would dine, dance and host parties. Established in 1916, this historic building founded 88 years of memories. After nearly a decade of being neglected, developers Valery Homes and Spallacci Homes have committed to breathe new life into the building with help from interior designers at LB Design.
Recognizing Hamilton’s potential for growth, the team has drawn together plans to create 135 residences within the Connaught and another 700 new condominium units in the historic core, located at King Street East and John Street South by 2015. Sales for available condos/apartments start in the high $100,000s for units ranging from 530 to 1,190 square feet.
“It will be a really chic and eclectic space,” says Lisa Boyer, the principal of LB Design about the lobby plans. Staying consistent to the building’s traditional roots, founded on extravagance and timeless art deco, Boyer’s designs are strongly reminiscent of this rich, over-indulgent, Great Gatsby-esque era that originally embodied the legacy hotel.
Boyer’s plans to renovate the three-storey lobby preserve the integrity of the 1920’s lavish architectural designs while introducing modern stylistic use of geometric patterns, reflective surfaces, exotic woods and glamorous lighting.
Listed below are a few pieces that served as inspiration for Lisa Boyer’s lobby design:
Anzio venetian mirror from Korson furniture, korsonfurniture.com
Art deco pattern from Dana Decals at danadecals.com
Brighton four-door storage cabinet from Korson furniture, korsonfurniture.com
Dakota End Table Gold from Sunpan Modern Home, sunpan.com
Meurice rectangle chandelier by Jonathan Adler from Robert Abbey Furniture, robertabbey.com
Boyer reveals some of her expert tips and tricks by breaking down modern art deco in five simple steps:
1) Geometric patterns: Bold wallpapers have made a comeback on featured walls or statement rugs, carefully laid down under symmetrical seating furnishings. Boyer suggests bold chevrons, zigzags, exaggerated herringbone and linking patterns.
2) Reflective surfaces: The 1920’s emanated glamour; try lacquered consoles, glass tables, mirrored chests and steel wall decor to achieve extra glitz in the living room.
3) High-contrast colour schemes: For adventure seekers, Boyer dares painting interior doors Benjamin Moore’s Black Jack 2133-20 against soft, cream coloured walls.
4) Exotic Woods: Looking to bring a room roaring into life? An exotic wood can help contrast art deco inspired polished items. A clean and classic Madagascar, ebony or walnut furnishing can provide a look that would even draw Daisy Buchanan’s attention.
5) Glamourous and romantic lighting: Look for pieces that radiate light upwards and downwards to create that low-light, extravagant glow. If placed correctly, dimmers and layers of lighting can accent room décor while casting a sultry mood on the room.
What do you think about the decoration scheme so far?
