The Colony Resort reimagines its lobby during the coronavirus pandemic

Immediately after months ofrenovations, The Colony hotel unveiled its revamped lobby, and a new staff addition, on Dec. 18. The foyer, which will now be named the Dwelling Place, has reopened below the supervision of Megan Brolley as the freshly appointed living room manager. 

The new room caters to hotel guests and the local community alike, serving as a accumulating location for check-ins and a quick prevent for locals to seize cocktails prior to dinner or sip espresso with the morning’s newspaper. Guests will have accessibility to all-day beverage and cocktail support, and soon  the hotel will add a menu so individuals can buy gentle bites in the lobby. 

Sarah Wetenhall, who co-owns the resort with husband Andrew, is driving the renovation. She worked with neighborhood corporations and renowned artists during the coronavirus pandemic to comprehensive the Living Place. When Palm Beach front County ordered required closures for hotels, motels and other lodging institutions back again in March, the Wetenhalls determined to kick-begin the hotel renovations they experienced planned for later on down the street. The lodge didn’t reopen until Oct. 29.  

The Dwelling Room’s major characteristic is its custom hand-painted wallpaper, which was was inspired by old Palm Beach and a mural that adorned the hotel lobby back in 1947.

“I found an previous postcard picture of the mural titled ‘The Early Days in Palm Beach’,” she said. “We worked hand in hand with de Gournay to produce this unique ‘love letter’ to The Colony and Palm Seaside. It was our mission to embody the whimsy and humor of our beloved hotel, brought to lifestyle by means of the meticulous artistry of de Gournay.” 

De Gournay is a London-dependent wallpaper company known for its thorough hand-painted panels and scenic layouts. Functioning with the founder’s daughter, Hannah Cecil Gurney, Wetenhall designed the wallpaper that wraps around the total room.

It options Florida’s native flora and fauna on a tailor made pink Edo Xuan Paper. Among the alligators and diamond-sporting panthers are personal touches this kind of as The Colony’s mascot monkey Johnny Brown, the Wetenhall’s family dog Palmer, and tiny animals in sets of three representing the couple’s three children — Maggie, Drew and Amelia. 

“I have very long adored The Colony and can’t feel of it without the need of smiling,” Gurney said. “The blended enthusiasm The Wetenhalls and I have for our family brands and creating a little something that will be a component of both of our histories is massive.” 

Photos:The Colony Lodge lobby reimagined

The lobby’s décor was designed by Kemble Interiors, which employed its designs as well as vintage finds to decorate the room. Blush pink seating locations, touches of brass sconces, wicker lamps and carved elephant tables sit atop the hotel’s unique black terrazzo floors, which have been revealed and gone through a complete restoration. The Dwelling Room’s focal place is a 10-foot tall pagoda previously mentioned the fireplace greeting attendees as they wander into the resort. 

A historic landmark with a contemporary touch 

Before this year, the hotel was landmarked by the Town Council. The British Colonial fashion building at 155 Hammon Ave. was developed by the architectural company of Simonson & Holley and erected in 1946-47, all through the town’s next developing growth. Back then, it was a winter season roost for royalty and dignitaries alike, which include the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who were recognised to delight in thirty day period-prolonged stays.