12.10.21 | DIGS.NET 25
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OS ANGELES-BASED interior design firm Beleco recently
revealed the result of an ambitious task consisting of
remodeling a Spanish revival beachfront hotel, which
opened its doors along the coast in 1931. With its five
individual buildings influenced by Colonial architecture
and art deco, the Mar Monte Hotel is a jewel that needed
to be both preserved and revived. Original features such as the
grand staircase and the painted beams were naturally protected
by the Beleco team, who looked at the DNA of the property as the
starting point for their intervention to bring it back to its former glory.
"The rough stucco on the exterior and the textured plaster walls
and ceilings on the interiors made clear that the design had to
embrace the quirky and less refined qualities," says Christian
Schnyder, principal at Beleco. "The material and color selections
were chosen to work with what existed, rather than trying to force
the building into something it could not become."
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Character and authenticity prevail throughout, including in
the guest rooms adorned with Moroccan inspired carpets as a
reference to the Moorish influence of Spanish colonial architecture,
among other elements.
In the poolside Café Lido, the Moroccan zellige tiles also
celebrate the hotel's past while hanging plants introduce fresh
touches. "Located in what used to be the main entrance, the iconic
arches and ceiling are part of the building's original architecture
and now act as a stylish focal point to expose its significant history,"
describes Schnyder, who also used custom hand-painted murals
depicting local flora and fauna, as well as "pencil sketch" floor tile
to evoke an artist's studio.
Situated in what was a dining room in the 1930s, Costa Kitchen
& Bar — an independent restaurant within the Mar Monte Hotel —
was also transformed by Beleco, who took cues from Italy's Amalfi
Coast to "bring a taste of the Mediterranean to the California coast"
as Schnyder says. The space was completely reorganized to
create different areas that connect to each other, a newly designed
patio provides diners with exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean
and a large wine room is now part of the intimate restaurant. "The
wire brushed ceiling paneling, white-washed brick walls and dark
hardwood floor add texture and depth," says Schnyder. The vibrant
yellow chairs and the custom wallpaper with motifs of lemons —
an ingredient often found in Mediterranean cuisine — add visual
dynamism to the whole.
With a combination of influences from several eras, all the public
and private areas of the Mar Monte Hotel hold surprises at every
turn. "The interiors are an eclectic mix of modern, art deco and
Spanish revival," says Schnyder. "The design unifies the hotel and
gave it back its soul, charm and relevance."
belecodesign.com
"The material and color selections
were chosen to work with what existed,
rather than trying to force the building
into something it could not become."
