Hey CHIL Design! Tell our readers a bit about yourself.
We are a hospitality design studio that believes in the power of storytelling. We understand the importance of listening and apply a boutique approach to all our work, translating unique brand stories into unforgettable spaces.
Describe how our teams typically collaborate.
Collaborations happen organically. Usually CHIL will share our design narrative with KBAA and we will bounce ideas back and forth to create an art package that echoes the design of the space.
We recently worked together on The Dorian, an amazing hotel in Calgary, Canada. Describe your vision for the space.
The Dorian’s name references The Picture of Dorian Gray, the iconic 1891 novel written by Oscar Wilde. Our vision was guided by the concept of “Modern Day Wilde” focusing on creating spaces that captured a sense of humor and wit, and the whimsy of his writing.
Where did you find inspiration when coming up with design plans for The Dorian?
Eclectic material and color choices evoke the interiors and fashion of Oscar Wilde’s era, along with his hallmark eccentricity and biting wit were our inspiration.
How did art play a role in your vision? What story did you want KBAA to help tell?
Art plays a huge role in the design of the Dorian. We worked to create many custom art pieces with KBAA to capture the essence of Oscar Wilde’s wittiness and whimsiness without being literal.
Why is art important to helping tie together interior design?
Art is such an important component in a space. It provides great visuals to help designers express their vision enhancing the stories that they wish to tell.
Describe some of the magical & meaningful moments throughout the space.
Staying true to Oscar Wilde’s whimsical & humorous perspective on society, each turn in the hotel is a treasure trove of unexpected features like mosaic tiles that say “Hi” in the washrooms, gold bird lamps, playful wallpaper, etc.
It was also important to play into the highlights of the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, so fragmented stones are strategically placed to create an impressive feature wall behind the reception desk. Custom artwork of a shredded portrait was also created inspired by the novel. We hope all of these details bring joy and a sense of discovery for each guest staying at The Dorian.
Do you have a favorite place in The Dorian now that the project is complete?
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly which place is our favorite as each area has its own story to tell. We love that the Prologue, which is the day-to-night bar located opposite of the lobby with a vintage apothecary aesthetic, is a hangout spot that both visiting guests & locals can enjoy all day on different occasions.
How does the team at CHIL Design look for whimsy and wonder in your day to day?
The CHIL team loves sharing inspirations and being hands on with our collaborations, so there is always magic naturally there. We also fully take advantage of being located in BC and spend a lot of time outdoors in nature which is the real expert in whimsy and wonder!
