The bygone age of London’s trading guilds provided inspiration for Vintry & Mercer’s interior design, and its name. Vintry was the hub for wine merchants and Mercer fine fabrics.
Incorporating subtle references to the area’s rich history, we set out to create a lighting experience that would impress first through ambience and then slowly reveal itself through subtle design elements and well-planned focal points.
The first feature is a botanical-inspired light sculpture. The installation and architectural lighting sweep through reception and down a spiral staircase – expertly steering guests from one area to another. In the Library, a large map alluding to London’s merchant trading days covers the ceiling and is highlighted by coffer lighting, which is cleverly concealed behind a border of books.
In the hotel’s eating and drinking spots various lighting design techniques were used to create the right atmosphere. For example, downstairs in the speakeasy-style cocktail bar vintage wall and ceiling lights, coupled with low-level lighting, make the space feel intimate and secretive. Up on the ground floor, the all-day restaurant needed flexibility so we introduced an adjustable lighting system that alternates between cool light for breakfast and a warmer glow at night.
In the bedrooms we decided on a mixture of feature and functional lighting – a coffer treatment washes light across the ceiling and decorative fixtures complement the wallpaper and textiles.
Images: © Amy Murrell
