GRANDWEST UPS THE STAKES WITH SOPHISTICATED MAKEOVER
Despite GrandWest being the largest leisure and entertainment destination of its kind in South Africa and Sun International’ s flagship, the property is due to expand and present visitors with a fresh new face. In July GrandWest announced that it is planning to build a 22,000m 2 shopping mall. The launch of the R30-million renovation of the Grand Hotel’ s new Salon Privé, lounge and dining area marks the first of the development milestones completed.
Grand Hotel and Privé Lounge The glamorous new makeover was created by interior design team David Muirhead & Associates. David Muirhead said space was created by removing dividing walls.“ Fortunately there was so much already in place that we could work with. The bones were there. The structure was good, but the partitioning between areas was more suited to 2000 when GrandWest was built.
The timber work and wall panelling was magnificent so we kept that, as well as the columns framing the Union Castle dining room. In the newly opened space we created a large central bar that can be accessed on one side from the Privé, and from the dining room on the other. The original nautical theme of the Union Castle dining room was intended as a celebration of Cape Town’ s century’ s old seafaring history, which we wanted to honour.”
The marine theme is now reflected in the panelled walls painted in a deep nautical blue. The panelling was extended across all the walls and a geometrically patterned navy and gold carpet was laid. Magnificent colour combinations of golds and reds were added to introduce mood and capture excitement.
To keep the dining room from being too dark, Muirhead’ s team lit the triple volume ceiling from behind, casting light downward and emphasising the beauty of the original glass panelled ceiling. Decorative details and Corinthian capitals atop each column were painted gold to contrast the navy blue background. The dining area can now seat 94 people on chairs upholstered in velvety pops of gold and blue.
At the opposite end is the Privé Lounge with its cosy couches and seats, all covered in textured fabrics ranging from muted tones to bold jungle prints. At the bar, the marble counter is complemented by blush pink upholstered seating. Gold and red dominates walls in the gaming areas, while the daring use of red in the Chinese-themed private room is only overshadowed by a spectacular, custom-made dragon chandelier.
Muirhead said he and his team,“ set out to create a bold, colourful, glamourous, elegant, boutique-style experience, but a vibrant one that appeals to all the senses. We are pleased by the outcome and believe that although the styling is contemporary and sophisticated, it is well balanced by comfort.”
Interior Watch 125