“We wanted to achieve a significant enhancement of the rooms’ appearance and practicality – but in a way that honoured Spier’s commitment to sustainability,” says interior decorator Barbara McGregor. “This involved reusing as many items as we could, and using local workshops rather than importing. We also used natural materials wherever possible.”
Bright and botanical
The rooms received a fresh lick of paint, with each having one of three colour themes: chartreuse green, denim blue and rosy red. The hotel’s five suites, however, were each individually decorated to ensure a unique character.
“Cotton throws dyed with vegetable dyes were added for colour at the end of each of the beds which all have lovely new white linen,” McGregor adds. “We also explored our floral theme through cotton scatter cushions featuring flower designs, including proteas.”
Supporting local industry
Tall fabric headboards made and upholstered at Johanna's Curtains (a small workshop in Observatory) were added for comfort. Swains Soft Furnishings in Woodstock made the new curtains using a linen cotton blend of fabric.
New chairs were made or old ones reupholstered at the nearby Dexter Furniture, while existing furniture that could be reused was resized and refurbished by a team of mostly women at The Furniture Repair Centre in Claremont.
Art and antiques
Each room also now has a stylish new desk mirror and round table made by the renowned Allan Lutge {www.lutge.co.za} using reclaimed antique yellowwood.
Artwork from the Spier Collection – one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art in the country – have been hung on the walls. These include pieces by Mandla Vanyaza, John Murray, Cathy Layzell.
Other changes include new showers and marble vanity tops in the bathrooms, new TVs (with an even wider range of channels) and energy-efficient minibar fridges.
Hospitality to remember
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