The Dorchester in London has unveiled 22 new suites designed by Alexandra Champalimaud. “I have always been fascinated by the way the English live in their homes and wanted to capture that certain quirkiness found in beautiful English properties while building on the history and quintessentially British nature of the Dorchester,” says Champalimaud.
Each of the suites boasts an eclectic array of furnishings, inspired by a cosmopolitan collection of influences echoing the British fondness for filling homes with mementos from a lifetime of travel. Craftsmen from a variety of British firms created furniture, mirrors, and textiles for the suites.
The 14 Dorchester Suites grandly welcome guests with large marble lobbies that open into spacious and light living rooms with open fireplaces lit up by opaque crystal logs, dining rooms with seating for up to eight guests, and three bedrooms offering views over Hyde Park that can be connected as one suite. A collection of artwork adorns the walls, including signed prints by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Champalimaud’s bespoke bedroom carpeting design was inspired by an architectural detail from an antique mirror housed in the hotel, while beds are made of hand-sprung mattresses, pure British fleece wool, and natural materials.
Offering striking views over Hyde Park, the eight Park Suites showcase hallways with wallcoverings by Soma Silk and painting by Fromenthal to create works of art around individual black marble-topped Irish side tables. Living rooms are outfitted in oak plank flooring; chimneypieces adorned with bronzed flame sculptures; a hand-tufted, handmade rug; marble white tables designed by Champalimaud; and hand-forged wall sconces.
Bedroom highlights include antique chairs and linens fashioned with embroidery by the designer’s daughter-in-law Sandrine Champalimaud. The mini-bar is styled in verre églomisé, a technique of gilding the reverse side of glass with gold or metal leaf, while a bronzed lamp is pressed from a single piece of coral.
