The lodging’s 121 rooms were refreshed with a mix of international influences, plus cozy fabrics and nautical elements that nod to the city’s landscape.
By Lauren Mang
Photographed by Laure Joliet
Above the bed is a tapestry created with dip-dyed fringe by Dallas-based mixed media artist Lauren Williams
Earlier this month, the Kimpton Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle revealed the finishing touches to its $14-million-guest-room-and suites overhaul.
The renovation, led by Portland-based firm designstudio ltd., transformed all 121 guest rooms to clean-lined havens layered with nautical- and Northwest-inspired hues (think forest greens, moody blues, and deep grays). For an additional twist, the designers added a blend of European, Scandinavian, and Asian accents to emphasize simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature.
“The Alexis Hotel is a historic building with a strong sense of place, and the redesign is meant to be a reflection and celebration of Seattle and the newly revitalized waterfront,” says Tom Waithe, regional vice president of Kimpton Hotels for the Pacific Northwest and mountain region. “The look is clean, sophisticated, and modern, but there’s so much to be discovered with little nods to [the city’s] European influences and its culture.”
According to designstudio founder and principal designer, Sharilyn Olson Rigdon, each room is meant to resemble a European apartment, with tall ceilings, large windows, and wall-to-wall draperies. Furnishings, including the classic Wishbone chair by Danish designer Carl Hansen and Scandinavian-designed tables and lounge chairs, play up Nordic influences and help complement the overall color palette. A smoky pendant lamp suspended via dark rope over the mini bar resembles a Japanese glass float, while black oak finishes throughout recall the Japanese wood-charring technique shou sugi ban. Black walnut headboards, designed in a style inspired by architect and woodworker (and Spokane, Washington, native) George Nakashima, feature integrated niches, drawers, and reading lights. In the bathroom, wave-like tiles mimic flowing water.
Rounding out the Alexis Hotel’s spruced up rooms are additional luxe touches such as marble-topped tables, aged leather stools, and brass accents. And for those lucky enough to nab one of its suites: a super-deluxe deep soaking tub.
Kimpton Alexis Hotel, 1007 First Ave., Seattle; alexishotel.com