When Rydges South Bank threw open its doors to reveal their $30million refurbishment in June of last year, the work of Artistic Flooring was one of the first things the gathered crowd saw.
Our custom-designed Axminster carpets now grace the impressive lobby of the world-class hotel, along with hallways, foyers, and luxurious guest suites. Our work also now features in one of Brisbane’s finest degustation restaurants, Bacchus, on the hotel’s Podium level.
Callum Kennedy, General Manager of Rydges South Bank, said their aim was to create a feeling of refinery and opulence from the first moment you entered the hotel.
“We wanted flooring that was unique to us and created a real sense of arrival,” Mr Kennedy said, “Artistic Flooring created for us a series of bespoke carpets that are distinctly ours.”
For the team managing the Rydges refurbishment, three years in the making, there was never any question about the kind of flooring they would use.
“We were always going to opt for Axminister carpet,” Mr Kennedy said. “You can feel the quality underfoot; you can’t replicate that plush wool feeling with a cheaper product. And a good Axminister also guarantees longevity which is important to us.”
Mays Jajo from the multi-award winning architectural firm, KannFinch was the Lead Interior Designer on the project and worked closely with the team from Artistic Flooring to create stunning floor designs in each of the zones.
“Artistic Flooring was wonderful to work with,” Ms Jajo said, “Their execution of our creative vision was great. What they produced was exactly what we, and the client, had in mind.
“The carpet design in the common areas was very geometric, but in the suites we felt that it needed to be softened, so we developed a design much like a free-hand brush stroke – very organic and relaxed but with a rich, luxurious feel.”
Ms Jajo said the decision to go with a ‘brush-stoke’ design was a subtle nod to the precinct where Rydges is situated – just a short stroll to major art galleries, design schools, museums and major performing arts venues.
“We chose the plum as our hero colour for its richness and sophistication. There’s something very regal about that shade,” she said. “It’s opulent hue can also be found in carefully selected elements around the room, such as soft furnishings, so that the design flows through the whole space.”
Despite winning the Queensland Hotel Association’s Award for Best Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel/Resort in 2016, Ms Jajo said the Rydges refurbishment project was not without its challenges.
“We had a few technical challenges to begin with, but the amazing results we achieved, thanks to the help of Artistic Flooring, were well worth the extra effort.”
Mr Kennedy echoed Ms Jajo’s sentiments.
“Our experience working with Artistic Flooring has been flawless,” Mr Kennedy said. “It was a long, involved processed, however they were very patient and the outcome was outstanding.”
“The end result was exactly what we had envisaged from the start of the design process.”
Artistic Flooring specialises in custom Axminster carpets. View more of their beautiful work here.
For more information on any of the articles or products in this newsletter or to find out how we can help your next project stand out contact david@artisticflooring.com.au.
