Over two years, from conceptualisation to completion, a series of executive suites at The Darling in The Star Sydney have been reimagined with an Art Deco aesthetic. Amidst peak season, the hoteliers and designers navigated the tumultuous factors and restrictions of the pandemic to minimise disruption to guests, suites and hotel facilities. International design practice Fender Katsalidis led the redesign and inaugurates the suites, which are now open to the public.

Located within The Star’s tourism and entertainment precinct in Pyrmont, The Darling is a premier boutique hotel acclaimed with a prestigious Forbes 5-Star rating. The project scope began as a light-touch FFE exercise, before expanding significantly to include renovations of the sleeping, dwelling and corridor areas, showcasing an oeuvre of art curation and bespoke furniture.

The team at The Darling and Fender Katsalidis worked together intimately to redefine the essence of luxury accommodation, uncovering the connection between guests, the establishment and the interplay of design and experience. “We are proud to continue investing and expanding what we offer at The Star to drive visitation and attract even more people to our beautiful city of Sydney,” says Mario Naim, Director of Hotels at The Star Sydney.

The suites prioritise the opulent essentials of hotel living, providing a restful and restorative stay. Placing the clientele at the forefront shaped the design direction for the team, which is exemplary through the enhanced acoustics and optimisation of the suites, ensuring utmost privacy and exuding luxury.

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The grandeur of The Darling’s suites is epitomised by the layering of design decisions, delicately positioned for guests to foray as they journey through rooms and corridors that meld playfulness with a refined aesthetic.

The suites frame panoramic harbour views and boast luxurious height and scale accentuated by rich red hues woven throughout the furniture, artwork and focal areas. There is an overarching seductiveness to the interiors, heightened by the selective use of marble finishes, notably in the skirting and benchtops, alongside occasional curved surfaces that harmonise with the textural palette, elevating the overall sensory experience.

“Our goal with refurbishing the two levels is to offer captivating experiences and one-of-a-kind memories through design. With this intention, each guest suite is reimagined to have its own unique visual and sensory journey creating distinctive moments that oscillate between playfulness and respite,” says Catherine Allington, Fender Katsalidis associate principal.

Fender Katsalidis
fkaustralia.com

Photography
Rohan Venn

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