Rashi Bothra and Ruchi Gehani, the Principal Designers of Raipur-based Azure Interiors added a feather to their cap when they were given the responsibility to carry out the interiors of the new Clarks Inn Suites in their hometown.
Spread over an area of 50,000 sq ft, the 52 key suites hotel is located in one of the bustling areas of the city and surrounded by many other hotels. Therefore, with Clarks Inn Suites, it was imperative for Rashi and Ruchi to create an exclusive, spectacular and out-of-the-box space that would make a statement – that of luxury, style, drama all wrapped in one.
One gets a glimpse of their innate sense of design, eye for detailing and modern refined approach when one enters the hotel itself. The double-height lobby features striking triangular patterned black and white Italian marble flooring, columns latticed with brass strips and a gorgeous gold-toned front desk. Bold, beautiful and oozing with sophistication, this front desk positioned opposite the main door, has been given a fluid wave-like form. Made from wood and flexi ply, it is enveloped in gold leafing giving the table an opulent look. Behind the desk, a huge 10-ft wide painting hangs proudly on afluted wood panel with black PU and brass edgings.
The hotel also comprises of 2 restaurants on the ground floor itself. The black and white flooring continues throughout the floor with a different pattern for each space balanced out with jewel toned furniture, bespoke light fixtures, finishes and spurts of green. The designers have laid out checkerboard flooring in the fine-dine restaurant and contrasted it with pink leather upholstered chairs and sofas having metal legs.
A circular private dining area encased in metal bars stands in the centre of the restaurant. Creepers hanging from the metal crate on the pillar, the wall with metallic texture and glass ribbed lights fixtures emanating a sun-like pattern are some beautiful elements that make the space truly unique.
On the other hand, the all-day diner adjoining the lobby has a warm appeal, achieved through the use of wood on both the floor and ceiling. Exuding charm and richness in equal doses, the green and blue furniture here add pop of colour while the custom made light fixtures and brass jaali are the well-etched out details that amplify the design quotient of the space.
This yin-yang theme is continued in the look and feel of the restrooms on the ground floor as well. Zig-zag stripes adorn the floor and one half of the walls here. The other half gets a back painted glass covering. Green planters and a red leaf painting bring some relief to the monochromatic space.While the thoughtfully planted greenery on the lower floor is for the guests to experience a fresh-outdoorsy atmosphere in an indoor otherwise monotone setting, a dedicated indoor herb room called “SabzBagh” has been created to lay emphasis on the fact that the hotel uses its own freshly-grown herbs in the restaurants.
In direct contrast to the very expressive, contemporary lobby and adjoining areas on the ground floor, a more pared-back design approach is taken in the bedrooms at Clarks Inn Suites that exude a warm and comforting vibe. A harmonious colour palette through shades of grey along with elegant furniture and no over-the-top trimmings make these rooms a perfect example of understated luxury. The bathrooms too have been done up in white with a similar ethos.
The designers focused strongly on form as the major element of expression in the interiors, choosing elegant materials to build up layers of patterns, ultimately expressing a unified message throughout. The bespoke reception table, bathroom vanities, light fixtures, varied finishes on the walls using paint, metal foil and glass are elements that give each space in the hotel its own characteristic appeal while also being part of the larger, truly inspired design scheme.
Fact File
Project: Clarks Inn Suites
Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Client: Mr Rakesh Agarwal
Area: 50,000 sq ft
Design firm: Azure Interiors
