Thompson Hotels has completed the redesign of the Smyth hotel in New York. Inspired by the history and culture of Tribeca, Smyth relaunches with interiors by locally based Gachot Studios, along with Little Park and Evening Bar from restaurateurs Chef Andrew Carmellini, Luke Ostrom, and Josh Pickard.
“As with all Thompson Hotels, Smyth is designed to inspire guests from the outside in,” says Niki Leondakis, CEO of Commune Hotels & Resorts, the international lifestyle hotel management company comprising Joie de Vivre Hotels, Thompson Hotels, and tommie. “Reflective of the neighborhood, Smyth breathes Tribeca in every element of its redesign, which is why we turned to local partners exclusively for this project.”
The public spaces of the 14-story, 100-room Smyth hotel are divided into the Living Room, Den, and Library and Evening Bars. Mixing Scandinavian and American midcentury furniture with rich textures and a neutral color palette, the spaces are punctuated by original, local art, books, and photography. Furniture and finishes are almost entirely sourced from local designers, and oiled white oak floors brighten the space.
Adjacent to the Living Room, the Den features a fireplace clad in Guastavino tile, a structural terracotta material previously used on the vaulted ceilings of many New York landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal and Carnegie Hall. Tucked behind the Den is the Evening Bar. The setting’s showpiece is a four-panel frieze mural depicting archetypal scenes from Tribeca’s history by Brooklyn-based artist Matthew Benedict. Low-slung sofas, midcentury chairs, and finely upholstered vintage settees make up the seating.
“We set out to create a welcoming and familiar environment, which inspired us to approach the project as if it were a private home,” says Christine Gachot, co-founder of Gachot Studios. “It has become a special project to us because we worked with friends and family to produce everything from the furniture to the lighting to the curated selection of art and books. The space is a personal reflection of ‘our New York’ and the creative family we’ve developed over the years.”
In Little Park restaurant, white marble mosaic tiles are hand-laid in a fan pattern across the floors. Expansive windows and leather banquettes accented with custom-woven textiles wrap around Chambers Street to West Broadway, while Guastavino tiles frame the 10-seat bar.
Debuting in early 2015, refreshed accommodations will include marble bathrooms with rain showers, handcrafted furniture sourced from New York-based millworkers, and original works of art. Inspired by residential loft living in Tribeca, the penthouse and specialty suites will also undergo interior and exterior renovations.
