Rashi Bothra
and Ruchi Gehani, the Principal Designers of Raipur-based Azure Interiors added
a feather to their cap when they were given the responsibility to carry
out the interiors of the new Clarks Inn Suites in their hometown. Spread over an
area of 50,000 sq.ft , the 52 key suites hotel is located in one of the
bustling areas of the city and surrounded by many other hotels. Therefore,
with Clarks Inn Suites, it was imperative for Rashi and Ruchi to create an
exclusive, spectacular and out-of-the-box space that would make a statement -
that of luxury, style, drama all wrapped in one.
One gets a
glimpse of their innate sense of design, eye for detailing and modern refined
approach when one enters the hotel itself. The double-height lobby features
striking triangular patterned black and white Italian marble flooring, columns
latticed with brass strips and a gorgeous gold-toned front desk. Bold,
beautiful and oozing with sophistication, this front desk positioned opposite
the main door, has been given a fluid wave-like form. Made from wood and flexi
ply, it is enveloped in gold leafing giving the table an opulent look. Behind
the desk, a huge 10-ft wide painting hangs proudly on a fluted wood panel with
black PU and brass edgings.
The hotel also comprises of 2 restaurants on the ground floor
itself. The black and white flooring continues throughout the
floor with a different pattern for each space balanced out with jewel
toned furniture, bespoke light fixtures, finishes and spurts of green. The
designers have laid out checkerboard flooring in the fine-dine
restaurant and contrasted it with pink leather upholstered chairs and sofas
having metal legs. A circular private dining area encased in metal bars stands
in the center of the restaurant
Creepers hanging from the metal crate on the pillar, the wall with
metallic texture and glass ribbed lights fixtures emanating a sun-like pattern
are some beautiful elements that make the space truly unique. On the other
hand, the all-day diner adjoining the lobby has a warm appeal, achieved through
the use of wood on both the floor and ceiling. Exuding charm and richness in
equal doses, the green and blue furniture here add pop of color while the
custom made light fixtures and brass jaali are the well-etched
out details that amplify the design quotient of the space.
This yin-yang
theme is continued in the look and feel of the restrooms on the ground
floor as well. Zig-zag stripes adorn the floor and one half of the walls
here. The other half gets a back painted glass covering. Green planters and a
red leaf painting bring some relief to the monochromatic space. While the
thoughtfully planted greenery on the lower floor is for the guests to
experience a fresh-outdoorsy atmosphere in an indoor otherwise monotone
setting, a dedicated indoor herb room called “SabzBagh” has been created to lay
emphasis on the fact that the hotel uses its own freshly-grown herbs in the
restaurants.
In direct
contrast to the very expressive, contemporary lobby and adjoining areas on the
ground floor, a more pared-back design approach is taken in the bedrooms at
Clarks Inn Suites that exude a warm and comforting vibe. A harmonious color palette through shades of grey along with elegant furniture and no over-the-top
trimmings make these rooms a perfect example of understated luxury. The
bathrooms too have been done up in white with a similar ethos.
The designers
focused strongly on form as the major element of expression in the interiors,
choosing elegant materials to build up layers of patterns, ultimately
expressing a unified message throughout. The bespoke reception table, bathroom
vanities, light fixtures, varied finishes on the walls using paint, metal foil
and glass are elements that give each space in the hotel its own characteristic
appeal while also being part of the larger, truly inspired design
scheme.