Montagu Country Hotel: A Revitalized Art Deco Gem
STYL was honored to collaborate on the refurbishment of this hotel in the Klein Karoo, South Africa's sole original Art Deco hotel, which first opened its doors in 1875. The owners enlisted Lynda's expertise to breathe new life into this unique establishment, embracing its quirky original Art Deco furniture.
The extensive renovation included significant structural changes. Floors were lifted, old tiles were replaced with new ones, dramatically altering the ambiance from old to new. Windows were replaced with doors, and new decks were added. The hotel also saw the addition of an art gallery, an information center, and new restrooms. A brand new coffee shop, Feathers & Flatcaps, was also established. Lynda provided comprehensive advice on floor coverings, paint colors, art, the positioning of objets d'art, and general décor.
Upon entering the hotel, guests are now greeted by beautiful wallpaper that complements the Art Deco theme, alongside a checkerboard floor and lush new velvet curtains. Creating an elegant first impression in the hotel's entrance was a key objective.
The former conference area was completely transformed into the new Feathers & Flatcaps coffee shop. The name "Feathers" links to the 1920s Gatsby theme, while "Flatcaps" references the owner's signature headwear. Exquisite lamps, proudly made in the Western Cape using various feathers, were sourced for this area. The coffee shop's focal point is its wallpaper, featuring a true 1920s look. Custom-built new benches were introduced, and new furniture was added, chosen to complement both the existing Art Deco pieces and the overall décor. The original, worn-down Art Deco furniture was meticulously sanded, restored, and re-upholstered to its former glory. STYL also provided advice on space planning, particularly regarding the new position of the bar counter, which now forms an integral part of the décor. New curtains completed the transformation.
Lubbe's Lounge underwent a remarkable transformation from old and dull to a luxurious hotel lounge, now featuring plush fabrics on the furniture. The fireplace was adorned with stunning Art Deco wallpaper. An understated color palette was chosen for this area, given its adjacency to the wedding venue. The strategic use of texture, pattern, and a careful balance between old and new furniture designs creates visual interest within this monochrome scheme. Beautiful new rugs were introduced, adding depth to the wooden floor.
Charlestons Restaurant, previously an informal area, was restyled into a chic dining establishment. The existing furniture was sanded down, stained darker, and re-upholstered. A true Art Deco design wallpaper was applied to a feature wall, and the new restaurant's name was custom-made for this focal point.
In total, 96 furniture pieces were handled during the project. Of these, 56 were transported to our suppliers and workshops for restoration. Lynda and her team of installers seamlessly completed the transformation of all these areas in just two days.
