Wimberly Interiors has completed the design of the Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown in Tennessee. The hotel blends the city’s Southern charm and rich musical legacy with refined Art Deco-inspired interiors.
Rooted in storytelling, the design concept is built around Mary Louise, a fictional muse imagined as an iconic 1970s figure with a love for Art Deco aesthetics. Through this lens, the hotel’s interiors capture the glamour, confidence, and soulful elegance of Nashville.
Entering the world of Mary Louise
The lobby sets the tone with a plum-hued palette, intricate floral wallpaper, and jewel-toned velvets that echo Mary Louise’s imagined evening wear. Chandeliers nod to statement earrings, while custom brass, bronze, and black metal accents add to the visual nostalgia.
“Working with the rich context of Nashville and the narrative of Mary Louise allows us to take guests on a journey through interior design,” explains Joon Kim, project manager at Wimberly Interiors. “From the second they walk in, guests are transported into this fictional character’s world, where everything is elegant, warm, and historic yet fresh. The result is something that is distinct to Nashville and the Tempo by Hilton ethos.”
At the heart of the hotel, a grand bar showcases meticulous design details, including a custom mural recreated through textile prints on the backs of barstools and a brass-framed alabaster panel installation that reinterprets classic Art Deco motifs.
A nod to Nashville’s musical roots
Nashville’s musical heritage is also woven into the hotel’s ethos. Lighting fixtures take inspiration from vinyl records, and guestroom headboards mimic the undulating forms of soundwaves. The influence of Hatch Show Print, a historic letterpress print shop known for its handcrafted posters, extends to fabric-wrapped desk chairs in the guestrooms, too.
Sustainability at Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown
Sustainability is a key focus as well, with eco-conscious materials, local craftsmanship, and energy-efficient technology integrated throughout the property. Low-VOC paints, degradable vinyl seating, and reclaimed millwork reduce the carbon footprint, while low-flow plumbing fixtures and smart technology enhance the hotel’s environmental efficiency.
“Nashville is a city with such a rich story to tell, and Wimberly Interiors did an extraordinary job of capturing its essence in the unique design of our Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown,” says Michael Coolidge, chief investment and development officer of HRI Hospitality.
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