Nicole Hollis had the Pacific Northwest’s natural colors in mind when creating Palladian, a property recently opened by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (and selected as a finalist in two categories at this year’s HD Awards). “I was definitely inspired by the moodiness of Seattle’s skies, and the materials palette includes nods to Seattle’s history: raw wood in a nod to the timber industry and glimmers of metallic accents in reference to the gold rush,” says Hollis, founder of San Francisco-based NICOLEHOLLIS Interior Design. “The dark blues and greens of Puget Sound were also an influence.”
Set in a building from 1910, Palladian’s 97 rooms look out over the gray-green water and Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. “The hotel is a landmark property that had fallen on hard times,” Hollis explains. “This project is not only revitalizing a historic building, but also has a dramatic impact on this formerly industrial seafront neighborhood. It was also really important to the client to create a lively place where locals as well as travelers would return.”
Hollis played with opposites, juxtaposing light and dark spaces throughout the hotel. A sunny foyer, containing the building’s original terrazzo flooring and a mural based on the marble work at Seattle’s King Street train station, is brightened by a 114-by-164-inch mirror. This luminous space gives way into a dim, iron-hued lobby enlivened by flickering candles, gold-framed mirrors, and playful paintings depicting famous locals such as Bill Gates, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Matthews, and Kelsey Grammer. A nonfunctioning white fireplace from an architectural salvage stands out, its hearth stacked with vintage novels instead of logs and kindling. “It gives a feeling of coziness and welcome to the design,” says Hollis.
Penny Royal, the hotel’s bar, sports similar colors and textures. Dark blue walls are adorned with clusters of gold-framed paintings arranged under antique brass lamps, and beneath them Hollis installed banquettes upholstered in an aubergine velvet. The bar, topped with Carrara marble, is fashioned from reclaimed wood, and glittery touches, such as four gold-tinted liquor cabinets, create the feel of a sophisticated speakeasy.
The Palladian’s long hallways are veiled in smoky shades, overlaid in black and gold frame wallpaper featuring a pattern based on old book covers. Black and white bespoke carpet leads to the jet-black doors labeled with gold numbers. “The corridors are dark, and in a way mysterious, then opening up to light-filled guestrooms that evoke the feeling of an artist’s loft,” Hollis says.
Beds are draped in white linens, which extend from reclaimed wood headboards with brass rivets and inset shelving. Black and bronze carpet is partially covered by antique area rugs in ruby red, while playful paintings by local artists sit on easels near bespoke desks and brown leather sling chairs. Bathrooms are framed by steel barn doors and include classic white hexagonal tiles, brass vanity stands, and vintage-inspired mirrors.
