Anouska Hempel has made a name for herself as a hotel interior designer with design assignments all over the world. In London, she has also built her own hotel chain called Hempel Collection. The first hotel she designed was
Blakes in London in 1978, which is one of the world’s first luxury boutique hotels. In addition to the design, the hotel is also known for its excellent service and discretion. All the rooms have their own character with a not-so-little dramatic touch. I have shown pictures of her creations in previous posts, but they are worth seeing again.
Purple bedroom
Gentlemen’s den
Cardinal Suite
Cardinal suite bathroom
Which of these fabulous rooms would you choose? For me, it is completely impossible to pick one of them as a favorite. They all have their charm. I have no idea how much they cost per night. I don’t even think I want to know……
Given the extravagant, richly decorated rooms at Blakes, you might think that Anouska is a full-fledged maximalist, but that’s not the case. Her other hotel, Hempel hotel , was minimalist. Surprising, isn’t it? It’s not that common for interior designers to move so freely between different styles. Note that I wrote where because it has been bought up and is to be demolished (!) to make way for housing.
The hotel had 40 rooms, and was decorated according to Japanese Zen inspiration, a branch of minimalism. There are a few pictures that remain online, here in a selection.
The lounge.
Some of the rooms in Hempel Hotel. Can’t say I’m crazy about any of them. “Boring” is my verdict. But then I’m not particularly minimalist.
It was a hip hotel when it first opened. Both Michael Jackson and Victoria Beckham have stayed here and reserved the entire hotel during their stay. A privilege for celebrities.
Finally, a mix of other things that Anouska has created. She also does private homes and designs clothes.
The talented Anouska had a career as a model in the sixties. She was also an actress, albeit of a modest nature, a bit like a turkey, you could say.
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