Location: Ostend, Belgium
Interior Designer: Margit Schmeide Interiors

This project included a complete redesign and reconfiguration of the interior. The initial brief was to create a functional and efficient floor plan that stretched over five storeys. The main characteristic of the building is that it is 7 metres wide but 40 metres deep. Therefore, it was challenging to design a functional and harmonious floor plan for both guests and staff. Balconies were added to each room, with black iron balustrades into which the logo of the hotel is welded. The black metalwork is a typical feature in modern Belgian architecture. On hot summer days, you can create a large space from the breakfast terrace at the back to the bar at the front, through which fresh sea air can flow.

For the interior, the vision was to create a modern but luxurious hotel that is a throwback to the former splendour of the royal seaside resorts, without forgetting the rough harbour character of the city. To compliment the extremely high ceiling height on the lower floor the designer decided to line the entrance with marble for an impactful first impression. The bar and reception area are decorated with dark wood furniture, which consists of straight shapes and golden colours that work well together to create a sensual atmosphere.

The colour scheme for the bedrooms is composed predominantly of light coastal colours and dark elements. All floors are fully carpeted. The carpets of all these floors are made from recycled fishing nets, which is a tribute to the city’s coastal heritage. The spacious rooms have sophisticated and innovative features, including window decorations that consist of black sheers and blackout curtains and are fitted with large wardrobes, which provide plenty of space to conceal all luggage.

The 19th century townhouse dates from a time when Ostend was a very elegant and prestigious seaside town. The hotel is located between the Royal Spa Palace and the harbour. The building has hosted kings, artists and writers who chose Ostend as their summer destination. The interior is inspired by this period and subtly incorporates modern elements of today’s trading city.