In the first in a new series where we profile standout stays: Alex Hotel in Perth.
Masters at creating exceptional residential spaces, award-winning Sydney-based interior designers Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke of Arent & Pyke were ideally placed to respond to the ‘hotel as home’ ethos of boutique Perth destination Alex Hotel. Combining forces with Fremantle architects Spaceagency and Auckland furniture and lighting designers Douglas & Bec, they devised a series of inviting personalised spaces that aim to foster a sense of intimacy and domesticity.
Sarah-Jane explains: “When we were first brought on to the Alex Hotel team, the project was well underway on site, and due to open in just six months. The architectural vision from Spaceagency was bold and full of contrasts. With the interior design, we sought to respond to the architecture but also to add a layer of softness and human scale. We discussed ‘Alex’ being someone familiar to us all – an uncle or treasured old friend whose home you love to visit.
“Douglas & Bec were a natural first choice for us to produce the custom pieces for the hotel. Their outstanding craftsmanship and commitment to getting a beautiful result made for a wonderful collaboration.”
Brought to life in myriad materials and textures, Arent & Pyke’s colour palette was informed by the intention to use washed-out versions of strong shades. “We’re known for our use of colour and didn’t want to shy away from it, but we wanted the hotel to feel calmly layered with colour. Muted tones of dusty pink, terracotta, sage and forest green started the journey for us.”
The talented pair’s chosen furniture, bespoke joinery, curiosities and artworks celebrate timeless quality and combine to create a charming sense of informality and leave a lasting impression. For them, though, says Sarah-Jane, the best bits are intangible. “It’s the immersive experience of colour in the rooms and the magic of being there of an evening. The layered lighting elements create such a sense of warmth.”
alexhotel.com.au
Words Philippa Prentice
Photography Anson Smart
