Kieran Wagner Photography & Moti
Reflecting Pool
I became inspired by architecture and interior design from watching the A&E show America’s Castle. I was enamored. In college, I was introduced to hospitality design and later realized that was something I wanted to specialize in.
I enjoyed reinterpreting the historic period design of the Williamsburg Inn with an eclectic modern approach. It’s a challenge to take a beloved place and update it without losing what makes it special. Here are some ideas to try at home if you are looking to update a room based to be a modern classic.
WALL SPACE
The lobby of the Williamsburg Inn was repainted gray to freshen the space. We wanted a more inviting look, and we feel that the color has helped that. You can modernize any room with a new coat of paint. Neutral tones showcase a more sophisticated look.
You can also reproduce or reinterpret artwork in a different way. Move a print into another room, or find a different way to display artwork. At the Inn, for example, we’ve hung black and white drawings of English estates to match the carpet and gray walls in the hallways in the food and beverage area. (The prints had previously been hand colored but that didn’t work as well.)
FURNISHINGS
The rearrangement of furniture within the room can give the perception of a different room. We’ve kept some of the original furniture in the lobby of the Inn. The sofas are the same as well as the chandeliers and some of the décor, but we also added some new touches. At home, try reusing a piece of furniture in another way. Adding a new fabric or finish to a piece can bring it back to life. You can also try to rearrange or multiply the furniture like we did in the Rockefeller Room, where four curved couches, alternating to make an “S” shape, create a comfortable and visually appealing centerpiece.
ENTERTAINMENT SPACE
The Social Terrace is a patio extension behind the Inn, adjacent to the lobby with a fountain and outdoor bar. This space is now one of the most used spaces at the Inn. People come out to eat or to just sit and relax. It’s a great outdoor space—and you should never underestimate how much people enjoying being outside. Raw materials like wood are trendy right now and something to consider when redoing a bar or dining area. Tie in the interior with a few touches, like the style of furniture or the fabrics.
My favorite part of the job is during the concept stage when we fulfill our client’s requirements and open their horizons to new ideas. Remember that you can always add a few changes to make a big difference—keeping the essential bones of the place but making it feel a bit fresher.
Jessica Ramos is Senior Designer of Puccini Group, the hospitality design firm who worked in partnership with the Williamsburg Inn on renovations.