Project Team

interior design: In Design International
builders/cabinet makers: Mynt Interiors

Suppliers

carpet: Whitecliffe Imports
manufacture/supply of all imported furniture: Furn-Niche
fabrics: Warwick Fabrics, Wortley Group, Crowson Fabrics, Castle Trimmings, Zepel Fabrics
wall & floor tiles: Rockson:
bathroom fittings and fixtures: Caroma Dorf
wall paper: Unique Fabrics
shelf lighting: Hettich
lighting: Bretnall Lighting

Grand Mercure Melbourne is a newly refurbished, modern “all suite” boutique apartment hotel. The hotel presents a contemporary range of sophisticated one bedroom suites that infuse modern design philosophies with the architectural heritage of this Parisian inspired building.

Just saying the title of the hotel the “Melbourne Grand Mercure, Flinders Lane”, pre-empts an idea of class and superiority.

In Design International’s philosophy on this refurbishment was to play up on the chic inner city location and create a expression of sophisticated elegance. Foyer & Reception
Existing marble floors were stripped and repolished maintaining tradition and grandeur along with all the old brass hardware which matches that of the old Gold Volt across the street.

A cluster of three sparkling chandeliers is now the centre piece and focus of the foyer surrounded by large high back wing chairs with decadent velvet lumbar cushions.

Club Lounge
This was once the gathering place for Melbourne’s rich and famous back in the day and it is rumoured that many a rock start had a secret passage to enter and exit the building without the hype of media or raving fans.

Over the years it has worn a few hats and now has returned to its’ former glory. Lush deep buttoned back sofas and fully upholstered leather wing back chairs and oversized conversation chairs collectively achieve a very sophisticated ambience. The bar is available to special guests and private functions upon request and it makes a fabulous wedding reception area or small business function gatherings (up to about 40 people). It also boasts two large screen flat TV’s for sporting or current affairs event updates.

In Design International have continued the old world theme by including historic archival black and white photographs of Melbourne and its patrons over the years which guests are finding to be a great conversation starter.

Corridors
Sensational custom made carpet and boarders creates all the impact through the long winding corridors. Walls have been left quite plain in order to feature the sensational black and white photographic images of Melbourne Street scapes.

Suites
The general ambience is set as soon as you step through the door and realise the intricate detail of the contemporary carpet which was created by idi and manufactured in Germany specifically for this hotel.

In Design International have incorporated luxurious sized full leather chaise end sofas and dramatic chandeliers complemented by stunning black and white photographic night pictorials of Melbourne’s most iconic land marks to really set the scene. The use of rich dark timber veneer teamed with polished stainless steel and 60mm thick stone are equally refined and sleek. Even the kitchen splash back has been considered in this process and been manufactured from grey tint bevelled edge mirror to add a touch of bling to what would typically be a “work zone”

One of the most striking pieces of furniture is the custom made stainless steel desk chair upholstered in lush black calf skin. But close on its tail is the impressive oversized fully upholstered king bed head which literally appears to span from floor to ceiling.

The look is definitely “wow” with a surprise factor in every corner you can be sure to feel you have stepped up a notch in the world of hospitality.

In Design International selected Whitecliffe Imports HTW AP900 550 Filz for this project.

“Having already had some experience with the product I was keen to follow up and further develop the possibilities,” commented Penny Del Castillo, director of In Design International. “We were pursuing a plush 5 star finish – at the same time mindful of the expenses that can occur with carpet weaving techniques. This product gave me complete control over the design. So often we (interior designers) are compelled to start with the flooring, typically restricted by budget and availability with a limited range of pattern, scale and colour to choose from, then work our way up! The HTW system allows me the opportunity to “truly design” the entire space with no restrictions. I can start with the wall paper, fabrics and artwork and then design the perfect carpet knowing that Whitecliffe Imports/ HTW can produce it within budget and a fantastic turnaround time.

“The speed of service in which we receive our trial samples and the enthusiasm of the manufacturers to supply the variations I insist upon to present to my clients makes the process highly efficient and left no doubt in my mind that the projects specification will be fulfilled perfectly.”