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Interior Designer: Michele Hilton, Studio Hilton

Architect: Drawing Room Architects

Construction: Rihoy & Sons

Photography: Nick Despres

The Oak Bar & Restaurant at Rocquettes Hotel has undergone a striking transformation, courtesy of Studio Hilton. This comprehensive interior renovation brings new life to the establishment, integrating rich period colours and patterns into a redesigned bar, restaurant, sunlit bistro area, private dining annex, and an opulent cocktail lounge.

The Sarnia Hotel group enlisted Studio Hilton to rejuvenate their brown and taupe dining room and bar, last updated over 15 years ago. Situated in a prime island location with private parking, the aim was to attract a wider customer base and enhance the venue’s appeal for events. Following the initial concept review, the project expanded to include the annex rooms, previously only used for breakfast. Studio Hilton reimagined these spaces, transforming them into versatile areas for private events, dining, and more.

Studio Hilton drew inspiration from the Oak’s original nameand tree’s evolution of seasonal colours, blending classic interior styling with contemporary fabrics, lighting, and modern botanical artworks. This fusion was designed to attract a broader audience while retaining the original customer base. Contemporary lighting, innovative textiles, and a fresh colour palette seamlessly connect each room, creating a cohesive yet dynamic environment.

The redesign cleverly balances the masculine aesthetic favoured by existing patrons with softer colors and botanical art, which have successfully attracted more female customers. This broader appeal has led to increased business traffic, including breakfast meetings, cake and coffee sessions, cocktail reservations, tea events, private gatherings, and pre-dinner drinks.

The renovation celebrates the original architecture of the property, with interior colours, furnishings, and finishes, as well as aged brass metallics and eglomise mirroring details, that harmonize with the historic structure. Collaboration with a local architect ensured seamless integration of bespoke bar fittings and bar back features for an expanded drinks offering, the best teams to integrate modern fittings for the restyled “fresh traditional” bathrooms, and Crittal glazing for enhanced natural light connecting all the redesigned bar and dining rooms.

Studio Hilton’s redesign of the Oak Bar & Restaurant at Rocquettes Hotel stands as a testament to their ability to blend classic and contemporary elements, creating a vibrant, multifunctional space that appeals to a diverse clientele while honouring the building’s heritage.