BDNY’s signature Designed Spaces allow attendees to experience dozens of hospitality design elements in the context of buzzing lounges, cafes, and other gathering areas created on the fair floor. A collaboration between innovative designers and multiple BDNY exhibitors and sponsors, here’s a peek at some of the unique concepts that were in the works for BDNY 2020—and will appear at BDNY 2021. Save the date for November 14-15 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York.
Read more from Boutique Design’s Fall 2020 issue.
By Katie Kervin
Voyage Into…
The Design Firm:
Jeffrey Beers International
The Design Team:
Nikoletta Stagias, Associate;
Rene Quickle, Interior Designer;
Masako Fukuoka, Principal, Design Director;
Vince Stroop, Partner, Executive Design Director
Featured Sponsors:
Valley Forge Fabrics, Lodging Concepts, Forbo Flooring Systems
Supporting Sponsor:
Pioneer Professional Audio
“The design reflects JBI’s embrace of project-specific narratives in combination with our current thoughts on our present situation,” explains associate Nikoletta Stagias. The space takes inspiration from a deep-sea landscape, with colorful, organic forms set in a moody backdrop to invite visitors to explore the sensory-stimulating furniture pieces, artwork, and lighting. “Maintaining the ethos of our design approach—custom fixtures, artisanal techniques, and elegant proportions—in such a temporary environment is a unique challenge,” adds interior designer Rene Quickle. “We worked closely with our sponsors to create unique, versatile pieces that create an innovative, yet inviting, atmosphere. Though it’s not meant to last forever, the space has a strong sense of belonging. As we move forward, we must consider—more than ever before—how we interact with the world around us, both natural and manmade. We are choosing to dive boldly in, turning this awakening into a thing of beauty.”
Bijou
The Design Firms:
Sims Patrick Studio, Might and Main (branding), and Studio E4 (renderer)
The Design Team:
Sims Patrick
Libby Patrick, CEO;
Jenny Rutledge, Vice President, Principal;
Melissa Wylie, Vice President, Principal
Featured Sponsors:
Eunoia|Modern, Brand Standard, iWorks, Ceramic Technics Ltd, Delos
Supporting Sponsors:
Stylelab and Pioneer Professional Audio
This “box of curiosity” explores design concepts of a new-age, futuristic speakeasy bar. The fully enclosed box has an exclusive entry experience and will create a sense of wonder and curiosity. The nondescript exterior contrasts the unexpected, whimsical interior space. Once guests enter, they will be transported into a surreal monochromatic refuge with dramatic lighting, ceiling, and focal interactive artwork. The patterns, graphics and elements of the iconic 1920s are implied with a futuristic twist. “The design process has paralleled the process of an intimate lobby lounge space in a boutique hotel,” explains Sims Patrick principal Jenny Rutledge, “including a storytelling narrative, programming and sketching, branding identity, collaboration with vendors, 3D modeling, and more.” The space will be full of contrast and juxtaposition of organic flowing forms against rigid linear lines. This box of curiosity and wonderment will provide opportunities for guests to interact, create lasting memories and stand out as the “out of the box” booth design.
La Villa Le Méridien
The Design Firms:
Marriott International and Saguez & Dash
The Design Team:
Marriott
Linda Laucirica, Senior Director, Design and Project Management;
Tracy Smith, Senior Interior Design Manager;
Joanna Sohn, Interior Design Manager
Saguez & Dash
David Ashen, Partner;
Boris Gentine, Creative Director;
Isabelle Dufieux, Senior Interior Designer;
Katrina Vikmanis, Senior Interior Designer
Featured Sponsors:
Fairmont Designs, Kenco, Ulster Carpet Mills, Source Direct
Supporting Sponsor:
Pioneer Professional Audio
Welcome to a midcentury-inspired New York penthouse with the ambiance of a fashionable party on the French Riviera: timeless, glamorous, and festive. This oasis transforms from a café by day to cocktail lounge by evening. “Our goal in creating this lounge is to share the core values of the Le Meridien Brand: chic, cultured, discovery,” says Linda Laucirica, senior director, design and project management, Marriott. “The concept and design direction for La Villa Le Méridien was originally inspired by the photography of Slim Aarons and the idea of hosting a chic house party.” With a structure evocative of a villa with an open plan under an extended roof, the white metal frame is offset by the warmth of French walnut slats and a palette of a “crisp neutral base with strategic pops of color [to] create a timeless balance,” explains Saguez & Dash partner David Ashen.
