Design Happens

The Carlyle New York, one of Manhattan’s most celebrated hotels, has enjoyed an eight year relationship with the award-winning design firm Champalimaud. Over the years, the firm has completed renovations of a handful of suites. Champalimaud’s goal has been to satisfy the high expectations of visiting celebrities and dignitaries who often take up the suites as long-term residences. (In the past, rumored guests have included Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, Jack Nicholson, maybe Mick Jagger, but we won’t confirm.)

When designing the suites featured in this month’s tour, Champalimaud ensured that comfort and usability were brought to the forefront of the designs, so these rooms would feel like a home away from home, rather than impersonal hotel rooms. (A quarter of the hotel’s 239 rooms and suites are occupied by long-term renters or co-op owners.) Senior Designer Craig Mitchell, who leads the firm’s ongoing design work for the Carlyle, and President and Principal Designer Alexandra Chamalimaud explain how they were able to keep history and classicisim alive in this Manhattan landmark located on Madison Avenue, while also moving the design into the 21st century.

SUITE: 3001 • Says Craig, “Each suite at the Carlyle is unique in its design. When we were asked to renovate Suite 3001, it was decided the vision for this suite would be to exemplify contemporary classicism. We had 10 weeks to complete it. We searched many antique stores and showrooms. We mixed contemporary art with vintage lacquered furniture in beige and soft grays, with accents of orange. I will never forget frantically installing the finishing touches mere minutes before the guests checked in.

Can You Say Room Service?