‘What was your design inspiration for the Chatwal Hotel?’

The Office of Thierry W Despont, Ltd. has entirely overseen the design of the building, from the front door of the property through each of its 83 guest rooms. Mr. Chatwal chose Thierry Despont to direct the design of The Chatwal New York after meeting him during a high-profile wedding in India. Mr. Despont’s overall design is very American art deco, which was shaped by a fascination with machines and engineering. The rooms themselves continue this theme and the glamour of travel. Thierry Despont embraces the glamour of early 20th Century travel and the tradition of empire art deco to create a unique New York sense of place for The Chatwal New York. Despont also draws inspiration from the masterful craftsmanship of iconic luxury travel trunk designers of the 20th Century, celebrating travel pieces as finely crafted objet d’art. Mr. Despont has blurred the divide between classic and modern, so that upon entering the property, guests will feel as though it has always been there.

‘How were you able to maintain the history of the Stanford White building while undergoing a huge renovation?’

We were able to keep many of the historical elements of the former Lambs Club, including the signature rams heads – a design feature that runs throughout the property. The landmark façade of the building will be restored to its former glory, complete with original marble Ram’s heads and a marble plaque alluding to the glory days of the building’s first inhabitants. Thierry Despont has taken tremendous care to honor the history of the building and the legacy of Stanford White, restoring many of the distinguishing original features and incorporating them into his own design. A prominent floor-to-ceiling fireplace, which was originally a gift from Stanford White to the Lambs club, will act as a striking centerpiece for the hotel’s restaurant. Distinctive elliptical doors, originally part of The Lambs Grill Room, are reinstalled in The Chatwal’s private function room. These meeting rooms will also feature elliptical wine cellars designed by Mr. Despont to match the existing doors and lacquered wood wainscot and ceiling beams that recall the original Grill Room.

Additionally, a signature landmark suite has been named for the original master designer – ‘The Stanford White Studio’. Originally The Lambs Club Library, it has been carefully removed, refurbished and reinstalled. Complete with the original oak wood paneled walls and beams, a working granite fireplace with richly detailed wood mantle and a fully furnished private outdoor terrace, the suite pays homage to the legendary White.

‘What finishing touches or design innuendos allow the guests to know the hotel has been done by Thierry Despont?’

Mr. Despont achieves a classic feel of old New York and the Art-Deco period of the 1930’s glamour and sophistication.

‘What was important about having Frette linens in the property?’

For me the true mark of a great home or a great hotel is a wonderful bed and truly fine bed and bath linens. The comfort of a thick, luxurious terry bath towels combined with the silk touch of finest 400-thread count bed linens next to your skin helps to melt way all worries of the day or the concerns of the world. That is why for my number one priority; my ‘guests’, I selected Frette linens for my private home and especially for my hotel.

‘How does the Frette product add to the design of the hotel?’

The Frette product is very much in line with the hotel’s design aesthetic, creating a luxurious and genteel atmosphere which is also remarkably comfortable.

‘What are the most important decorative elements in your own bedroom?’

My bedroom is absolutely my haven and a place to relax and unwind. I have chosen the walls and drapery to be a deep navy and my walls are complemented with wonderful art from my travels abroad. Needless to say my bed is the most important element and must be made tight with crisp white 100% cotton or linen sheets that are slightly starched, from Frette.

‘What are your three most important elements when designing a bedroom?’

1. Proper lighting and pure darkness when needed.
2. Absolute luxury and comfort.
3. A sense of pure serenity.

‘What does it feel like to get into bed done up with Frette?’

Feels very luxurious and plush. Crisp top sheets, luxurious pillow shams and 400 thread count sateen duvet covers made from the finest Egyptian cotton will ensure all the guests have a well-rested evening.

‘How do you define luxury?’

Luxury is caring for all the details, whether it be creating a sumptuous visual or an intriguing surprise. Anticipating and exceeding expectations without prompting is a true mark of a luxury product or service. The experience should be seamless – guests will not know how we are so hospitable and accommodating, they will just know that we are.

‘What other luxury products will you find in the hotel room/hotel?’

Exquisitely appointed guest rooms continue the themes of New York style Art Deco and the glamour of travel, when travel was truly a luxurious commodity. Each room will feature built in cabinets wrapped in faux leather, designed to resemble beautiful pieces of designer luggage. The walls will be upholstered in luxurious ultrasuede fabric creating a sumptuous visual. All the hotel baths are clad in bands of tinted mirror, providing a unique and unexpected experience for hotel guests. There are three distinct color schemes running through the rooms at The Chatwal. The first scheme is predominantly oxblood red, using oxblood red tinted mirror on the bath, with a light ochre wall fabric in the bedroom. A second color scheme features blue, with navy tinted mirror on the bath and light gray ultra suede walls in the bedroom. The third color scheme features chartreuse tinted mirror on the bath and light brown ultrasuede on the walls of the bedroom. Similarly, the hotel corridors will reflect these different color schemes. Every guest room will feature custom designed furniture designed by The Office of Thierry W Despont. For example, the desks in the guest rooms are inspired by luggage of the Deco era and feature a pop-up lid that conceals both a make-up mirror and writing surface.

Only the finest of amenities will be present in guest rooms at The Chatwal, including 400-thread count Frette linens amongst other luxury items.