When the Wythe Hotel opened its doors in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood in 2012, it was the first of its kind: a reimagined boutique hotel that incorporated the artisan-focused, vintage-leaning surroundings of (so-called) “new Brooklyn”. The once-industrial neighborhood (transformed by a wave of artists and entrepreneurs) serves as the principal inspiration for the Wythe Hotel, whose innovative, thoughtful design continues to strike us today. Conceptualized by sought-after design team Workstead, they looked to the hotel’s building (a red-bricked edifice along Brooklyn's waterfront) and history (it was a turn-of-the-century barrel cooperage) and dreamt up a thoroughly charming, industrial-chic aesthetic that trades on the hotel’s roots. The artful mix retains many of the original features of the building, from exposed brickwork, salvaged timber-beamed ceilings, and cast iron columns, and features a collaborative effort from local creatives who sourced and customized everything from aqua end tables to Russell Wright chairs. With its contemporary post-industrial aesthetic, and mix of luxe and casual details, we’ve pulled together everything you need to achieve the distinct, eclectic style of the Wythe Hotel.
While the hotel may be housed in a former barrel factory that dates back to 1901, the interior design of its lobby (and guest rooms) is brimming with contemporary edge, fusing heritage elements with minimalist furnishings. Part of the Wythe Hotel’s irresistible charm is in its artful mix of Mid-Century modern furniture and clean-lined elements that bring a Zen serenity to the industrial space. A focus on raw, industrial elements such as warm, wood furnishings and bare Edison light bulb fixtures, is re-energized by a muted, fresh palette of sage green and smoky grey. The key to building harmony when mixing old and new elements is through form and palette, cleverly playing up color and the geometry of the furnishings.
You won’t find standard-issue hotel accommodations at the Wythe Hotel. The 70 finished rooms are where the design truly stands out, boasting plenty of art and design cachet within its loft-style suites. Each guest room channels a bit of rustic-industrial flair, with retro-leaning, vintage-inspired details that recall early American design of the 1950s and 1960s. Among the standout details are custom-made beds designed by local Brooklyn furniture maker DHWWD, who utilized the building’s history by using reclaimed pine from the factory’s ceiling. The custom-made wallpaper, inspired by the delicate blue and white, floral designs of glazed porcelain Delftware, is designed by Brooklyn-based illustrator Dan Funderburgh and produced by “not your grandmother’s wallpaper" maker, Flavorpaper. Each room uses mint green side tables (at once industrial and retro-inspired), which is the brainchild of another Brooklyn artist, Sawyer Duveyst. What ties these furnishings together is the clever way it updates familiar elements —a china pattern, a humble table, reclaimed wood— and reuses them in unexpected ways. Case in point, a milk crate repurposed as a service tray. We've selected our favorite elements from the Wythe's guest rooms: from a fresh pop of aquamarine, delicate porcelain patterns, and a shot of high-gloss jet black that grounds the look.
-Kimia Ferdowski Kline, Wythe Hotel Art Curator (via CamilleStyles)
We can’t think of anything better than curling up with a good book in a living room that doubles as a library. The hotel’s lobby and lounge channels a cozy library den that is filled with early Americana charm. Wood plank floors and Quaker-inspired chairs bring a refined restraint to the space, which is updated by a sleek and sophisticated black and charcoal grey color palette. We think brass accents add a bit of alluring shine to the urbane setting.
While framed scenes of pastoral meadows immediately spring to mind, guests’ broadened expectations for distinct local culture and memorable experiences have redefined the role art plays in hotels. For the Wythe Hotel, that means turning hip lodging into a gallery-worthy salon that channels the unique character of its own Williamsburg neighborhood. Kimia Ferdowski Kline, a Brooklyn-based artist herself, curates the Wythe Hotel’s permanent art collection which features original artwork by local emerging and mid-career artists. Paintings, photography, drawings, and woodblock prints fill the walls throughout the hotel’s 70 guest rooms, allowing visitors an intimate way to interact with authentic art.
We love the Wythe’s thoughtful approach to art, and we think approaching your home with this perspective will add vital character and personality to your abode. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve culled our collection for works with an abstract edge (like those found in one of the Wythe Hotel’s bedrooms) to add a healthy pop of color to your walls.
The Wythe Hotel’s stunning ground floor restaurant, Reynard, is the perfect reminder that differentiating details go a long way in transforming a ho-hum dining experience into one that inspires the palette AND the imagination. The Reynard’s singular ability to turn seemingly straightforward bistro decor —such as classic cafe chairs, marble-top bistro tables, and tan leather-upholstered banquettes— into a dressed-up brasserie with authentic Parisian charm is endlessly inspiring to us. With considerable artisan charm, tarnished mirrors and humble wooden crates (used for storing extra tableware and condiments) add vintage charm to the soaring industrial space. Our favorite detail? The high-gloss, midnight blue paint used on the walls of the bar which brings a rich, sophisticated edge to the casual brasserie setting.
For more inspiration, check into our Style Studio for tips and tricks on decorating your home with unique flair.
