The collaboration between Architects, Interior Designers, and artists often captures the charisma of visually captivating spaces that seamlessly blend functionality and spatial organization with artistry. A cohesive and balanced approach is adopted to make the space or element responsive towards its users. One exceptional example is the collaboration of Interior designer Kelly Wearstler with multiple artists. Combining artistry elements whether related to colours and textures of arts with the principles of design is her bailiwick. She frequently integrates these two practices, involving custom pieces or directly engaging with the artists to create astonishing experiences that elevate the space.
The collaborations are not limited to the designing of spaces but accessories, upholsteries, products, and cutlery, which are pushed and experimented by the creativity of Interior designers and artists. For instance, Los Angeles designer Brigette Romanek collaborated with Bob William and Michelle Gold to create a series of minimalist lighting fixtures. Elevating a simple form with a sculptural touch, the warm antique brass Luce chandelier, sconce, table (SIERACKI, 2023) lamp, and floor lamp add a bit of comfort and intimacy to any interior.
Similarly, Archibald chairs are designed by the collaboration of designer Poltrona Frau and the artist Felipe Pantone. An Argentinian-Spanish artist translates the digital work into kaleidoscopic sculptures and paintings. He adapted his narrative in Archibald chairs. With 110 pieces produced to celebrate the company’s 110th anniversary. Chic. Isn’t it?
The projects developed through these collaborations highlight the ability of artists and interior designers to create thought-provoking and experience-oriented products and details. However, the following text explores and explains projects developed with the collaboration of artists and interior designers. So keep reading…
Marcel Wanders and the Arabian Nights Tales
Mondrian Doha Hotel: Artist: Llardo and Studio Job
The maximalist design approach can be a risky initiative. It has the potential to make or break a design. However, in the Mondrian Doha Hotel, the architect executed maximalism beautifully, resulting in a serene and chic atmosphere. The collaboration between interior designer Marcel Wanders and artists such as Llardo and Studio Job created a whimsical and eclectic design that sets a new standard for integrating art and design in hospitality spaces.
This collaboration has resulted in an exceptional experience and top-notch facilities that combine luxury and comfort for guests.
Mondrian Hotel suites are crafted with the Arabian Nights Tales in mind. The interior designer Marcel Wanders designed the rooms and suites of the hotel evoking the look and feel of modernism that also incorporates the culture and tradition of the Middle East. The design and the outcome celebrate the best of the Old and New worlds.
Marcel Wanders designed the hotel’s interiors with immersive designs throughout. These designs include local patterns, Arabic writing, and historic souks. The hotel offers a complete experience with intricate mosaic tiling, ornate stained glass, giant columns with golden eggs, and a ‘tree of life’ made of flowers.
The Hotel has a range of rooms from the Royal penthouses to Bridal suites and fascinating residential guest rooms. All rooms are design with stunning details. The combination of Benjamin Moore white and neutral tones are visible in textures and colour theory of bedroom designs.
Kelly Wearstler and Maximalist Approach
Downtown LA Proper: Artist: Judson Studios
Kelly Wearstler layout philosophy is rooted in maximalism, however, she manages to keep away from creating spaces which are cluttered or puzzling (Wearstler, 2014). Instead, her approach specializes in storytelling, and because of this, each space she designs is meant to convey a sense of love and comfort to the user. She uses large, artistic pieces as focal points, carefully arranging the other design elements around them to create an engaging atmosphere. Wearstler often collaborates with contemporary artists to create custom pieces for her clients. She is highly skilled in designing hotel interiors, commercial spaces, products, and residential interiors.
The following project is her magnum opus. Kelly Wearstler Downtown LA Proper is a blend of mood and festive energy, it is located in a historic California Renaissance Revival Building. The hotel features 147 rooms that reflect the diverse cultural influences of the city. The design is a blend of Mexican modernism infused with French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Moroccan elements. The hotel’s vibrant atmosphere and cultural authenticity make it a landmark in the city.
The Caldo Verde restaurant and bar is an inviting space that combines Mexican modernism with warm, earthy Portuguese and Spanish influences. It’s a timeless space including a tapestry of rich elements. The monumental stained-glass installation created by renowned local glass artisan Judson Studios serves as the iconic portal of the space. This installation is reminiscent of the trompe l’oeil glass entryways found in the Roma district of Mexico City.
Local artisans in Los Angeles have created a blissful blend of vintage and modern styles through hand-carved furnishings, handcrafted rugs, and ornate tiles. The original architecture features strong sculptural detailing in rich woods. The eclectic design includes custom-made pieces, creating a subtle and fresh atmosphere.
The Guest rooms and suites are designed as transformative spaces enclose with custom furnishings and delicate fabrics decorated with handicrafts and arts created primarily by the local artist. The DTLA Proper spaces configuration are encompassed with interesting proportions. These spaces provide diverse option for designing of ultra-residential guest rooms and suites.
Interior designer Kelly Wearstler in the Pool Suite uses a 35-foot-long indoor swimming pool as the centrepiece. It is a historic move indeed. On the seventh floor of the building, this suite has an ethereal feel. Local artist Ben Medansky decorates the living room pool with a custom ivory ceramic mosaic mural. The mural’s artistic expressions flow along the length of the pool and reflect gracefully in the crystal-clear water.
The grand suite was once a two-story half-basketball court but has been transformed into a beautiful living space with original painted court timber and high ceilings. The living room walls are decorated with blocks of charcoal, ecru, moss, and smoky blue showcasing a large-scale abstract canvas. The sculptural hooped lighting is a dedication to the suite’s history as a sports court, adding character to the space.
So, this project has undergone design, renovation, and restoration processes, which in French we say Le Renascence… Downton LA Proper not only has the potential to provoke luxury and balance in its guests but the collaboration of designers with local artists has created space with layers of curated artwork and design elements.
“Whether you’re going to a museum or a flea market or flipping through a book, always be on the lookout for something special.”
(Kelly Wearstler)
Kit Kemp: Adding Character into Your Interiors
The Whitby Hotel, New York City:
Artist: Kate Blee Hermione Sky and Joe Tilson
“Just one little seed of an idea can create a whole new way of looking at interiors.”
(Kemp, 2021)
Kit Kemp is a stalwart of custom-made designs and bright colours that can add character to one’s interior. She profoundly admired the characteristics and likings of her clients in their interiors and designs rather than imposing her identity. A nudge of empathy is distinctive in Kit’s Interiors and Design works. Kit Kemp expertly balances textures, colours, and materials to create a cohesive look.
Kit believes in doing the interiors that speak about her users. Interior designing is a fascinating journey; they are a reflection of our thoughts that are constantly evolving. Similarly, one of her eye-catching projects is a Whitby Hotel.
Located in Upper Midtown Manhattan, the Whitby Hotel was designed by interior designer Kit Kemp as she had a clear vision for hospitality appearance and ambience. It is two blocks away from the Central Park. It has 16 floors. The lobby of the Whitby Hotel is spacious, what the space lacked was brightness and she did it profusely with additions of colours and wit.
“We feel that a Midtown can be a little bit too serious”. (Kemp, 2021)
The hotel lobby is decorum of colours and wallpapers, designed by renowned artist Kate Blee. The artwork of Joe Tilson further accentuates the beauty of the lobby. Tilson’s work revolves around mythology, ecology, and symbolism. He was a well-versed artist of the 70s, creating works ahead of his time. Hermione Sky loom work decorated the reception area. It is a kaleidoscope of colours achieved through meticulous labour and creativity. (Figure 19)
The rooms on the ground floor of the Whitby Hotel are interlinked, but each has a unique atmosphere. The designer wants to create a calm and cosy feel in the Drawing Room, evident with the inclusion of fabrics to insinuate feelings of warmth for guests. One of the most striking fabrics utilized is “Friendly Flowers”. This fabric is profoundly used on curtains, creating the experience of being surrounded by falling spring flowers. The transition of different experiences is creating a space that is both dynamic and harmonious in Whitby Hotel.
“The Whitby Hotel is a breath of fresh air. When you open the doors you should be able to say “Wow I’ve arrived” and it’s something that I’m going to remember but somewhere that you want to return to time and time again.’’ – Kit Kemp
The bar and the restaurant are visually accessible from the lobby. Above the bar, there is an installation from New Craftsmen. They are a collection of 52 baskets from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. All these baskets, which were not in use, are carrying stories of their origin. Isn’t it creative?
The Whitby bar may seem to have clashing colours and patterns, but they surprisingly work together. Breaking the rules can sometimes be satisfying. Opposite the bar is a painting by Ramiro Saus, a Spanish painter who exhibited a sight that immediately makes one think of going on holiday. The painting depicts a spacious sofa, little birds, and dogs overlooking the sea. Saus was a lyrical artist who defined this scene as poetry.
Another transition of experience is created as the designer incorporated cultural and family values by displaying a collection of dishware used for carving meats by our grandfathers. The dishes are framed in Perspex with a black background, making the collection a piece of art.
Creating different environments is fascinating. Within the ground floor, there are areas with experiences. The bar leads to the Orangery area, a long room for intimate gatherings. The Orangery back wall is accompanied by the pièce de résistance of Martha Freud’s pot in all the niches. The artist etched well-versed buildings and bridges of New York in each pot. The space through lightning accentuates the overall form. This architecture and artist contribution develops an inviting space that asks its users to come again. The Whitby Hotel is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air.
Conclusion
This synergy elevates creativity and emotional impact, developing environments that inspire, captivate, and leave lasting impressions on occupants. The collaboration between artists and designers in architectural and interior design integrates artistic elements seamlessly, enhancing spaces with visual richness, cultural resonance, and experiential depth.
