Studioaria Renovates Interiors at Swissotel Krasnye Holmy

Design Team Updates Moscow Luxury Property

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. May 22, 2014

Sydney, Australia - May 22, 2014 - Kate and Paul Greenwood, principals of hospitality interior design firm studioaria, prove that you can 'go home again.' The couple recently designed an elegant renovation to multiple areas within Moscow's Swissotel Krasnye Holmy, which they initially designed eight years ago. Studioaria's scope included a complete renovation of the reception area, lobby lounge, all-day dining restaurant, Executive Lounge and creation of a new Presidential Suite.

“It is gratifying to have the opportunity to revisit a design project and express the ongoing evolution of the Swissotel brand and contemporary Moscow, as well as our thinking about hospitality design,” noted studioaria director Kate Greenwood.

Three new, separate reception desks are staggered to provide more discrete space for staff to serve individual guests. Behind the reception desks is a new wooden artwork that evokes traditional Russian domes. Dedicated Concierge and Guest Services desks now flank the reception area. An updated seating area faces Reception, offering a selection of sculptural seating on a series of three large circular rugs. A series of bronze statues on plinths are displayed along the nearby curved window wall, creating a gallery feel to the lobby space. Millwork elements were stained walnut to match the existing circular columns and provide more dramatic contrast to the space's neutral color palette of pearl grey, silver, amber and charcoal.

New laser cut metal screens define the lobby lounge and create a cozy environment while also establishing a more private identity for this food and beverage outlet. A new glass-framed gas fireplace anchors the lounge, which invites guests to linger in comfortable high backed sofas and Tom Dixon chairs. Studioaria redesigned the bar back to incorporate sliding decorative panels that allow the hotel to display alcohol in the evening and conceal it during the day. Two small 'grab and go' counters, opening to the lobby between the new screens, offer light fare for guests.

Studioaria completely reconceived Acapella, the hotel's all-day dining option located on the second floor. Connecting the previously disparate spaces provides multiple benefits: creating a buzz throughout the day; increasing activity at the top of the grand star that animates the lobby below; enabling a new open kitchen to overlook the lobby; and expanding the restaurant to overlook the lobby provides additional dining space during busy times. The contemporary design combines clean lines with layers of texture, muted tones with dramatic accents and lighting. Flexibility is built into the cafe, with spaces flowing into one another that can also be subdivided for private events.

The Executive Lounge, relocated to the third floor, greets select guests with a rich residential ambience evident from the gracefully curved custom reception desk to the comfortable seating groups to the casually elegant dining area. The Lounge's open plan incorporates three zones: living room, dining area and library. A private room can be closed off with sliding screen doors or opened to the larger space.

Studioaria designed an entirely new, 265sm (2,852sf) Presidential Suite on the 19th floor. The suite features an expansive terrace for outdoor entertaining, sleek and contemporary style in the living, dining and bedrooms. The dramatic master bathroom incorporates, a private sauna, sculptural egg-shaped bathtub and a walk-in shower defined by both a full wall of windows looking onto the city and boldly veined Silver Wave marble.

Studioaria was founded in January 2010 by international hospitality design industry veterans Kate and Paul Greenwood. Long-time collaborators, they are united by a shared passion and commitment to achieve design excellence while celebrating the distinctive culture and heritage of each project location. Since establishing the firm, they have been commissioned to design several significant new landmark hotels worldwide.