DESIGN

Modern vintage.

Described as “today’s rough luxury”, Belgraves is a new addition to London’s boutique hotel scene. Thomson Carpenter spoke with lead designer Tara Bernerd about the stylish re-vamp.

A joint venture with The Harilela Group, Belgraves is the first UK opening from Thompson Hotels, an elite portfolio of design-driven hotels in major cities including New York, Los Angeles and Toronto. Boasting 85 exquisite rooms and suites, bedrooms are handsomely decorated with palettes of natural grey, hues of aubergine and deep-pile carpets. Think the elegance of Tom Ford’s A Single Man combined with the urban bohemia of a NYC bachelor pad. Slick marble bathrooms finished with smoked glass and brass-beaded curtains add a luxurious finishing touch.

Entering through an imposing pair of heavy wooden doors, guests are welcomed to Belgraves by an enormous fireplace and an open loft-feel lobby housing avant-garde art installations, overstuffed sofas and the latest Taschen coffee-table books. Adjacent is Pont St, an 80-seat restaurant serving an eclectic selection of contemporary seafood dishes created by TV chef and author, Sophie Michell. Up on the mezzanine level is The Bar, offering the finest cocktails east of Manhattan and home to one of central London’s best kept secrets, an intimate, ivyclad roof terrace, perfect for an early evening rendez-vous...

more: Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel is located at 20 Chesham Place, London, SW1 8HQ. Prices start from £309 (+ VAT) per room per night for a King Superior. thompsonhotels.com/hotels/london

DNA: What is your earliest memory of ‘design’?

Tara Bernerd: I was always visually led and, allegedly, from a young age I was caught rearranging rooms in our home. However, it was a little later on that I sensed I had an “eye” which started with a focus in film and led to an ambition and taste for working in the interior design field.

How did this develop into a career?

Over time, as design evolves fundamentally through experience, practice and skill; and I was fortunate to work on a number of projects that were recognised. In addition, I spent time working for the design legend Philippe Starck, which proved invaluable.

How would you describe your signature look? Has it changed over the years?

My style has matured, much like myself ! My look is often referred to as bold yet warm and this has always been affected by the many layers of a project. As ever, I focus first and foremost on the interior layouts and efficient space planning in advance of any finishes and I believe this combination of practicality and style still reflects my values.

What has been your greatest achievement in terms of design?

Belgraves has been an exceptional project. It demanded intelligent space planning in the reconfiguration of the building, yet leant itself to a warmer, more boutique feel. It was my aim to find the hybrid between modern and vintage and create an atmosphere that feels like a home-away-from-home in an informal yet luxurious setting.

What was the property like when you were first engaged on the project?

The building demanded a complete internal reconstruction as well as refurbishment throughout. Suffice to say, the final product is an enormous departure from where we started.

Did you visit other Thompson Hotels to see their vibe?

Of course I was aware of the brand and their other hotels, however Thompson recognised that this particular London property was to move up a gear, conscious that it was to be the brand’s European ambassador.

And what has been the result?

From the moment you arrive, the clear doubleheight facade and green walls have given the building a completely new identity. The introduction of brick walls, combined with grey stones, smoked wood flooring and vintage furniture has an informal, edgy, yet welcoming style that gives a taste of New York with fabrics, books and art of eclectic London.

Finally, what has been your greatest source of inspiration over the years?

Travel. Without a doubt, the hotels I have stayed in over the years and cities I have visited. Plus my continuous admiration for architects and designers from Tadao Ando to Pierre Chareau and Alberto Pinto to name but a few – and of course my team.

thompsonhotels.com/hotels/london