Mercure Luxury Industrial Hotel Lighting with Owen Associates

Experience the intersection of industrial heritage and modern luxury in the newly designed Mercure Hotel by Owen Associates. We are thrilled to sit down with Suzanne Owen, to discuss their recent project in Newport city centre.

Suzanne, along with her husband, founded Owen Associates in 2017 and have since been delivering exceptional hotel and luxury residential projects in South Wales, Bristol, and Bath area. With over 20 years of experience in the industry and having studied interior design in Cape Town, South Africa, Suzanne has been making waves with her impressive portfolio.

In this blog, we'll explore Suzanne's approach to the Mercure hotel project and how she incorporated our lights to enhance the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the space.

Welcome Suzanne, tell us more about the Mercure Project and what inspired your design?

This was a great project to be involved with as it was part of the re development of central Newport. The project has made a huge difference to what was the tallest redundant building in the city centre. It was a pleasure to deliver the interiors throughout the hotel and working closely with the Accor Group to achieve the high standard they strive for in their hotels.

The Accor Group were keen for the hotel to have a significant local link. We decided to use the Newport Transporter Bridge as inspiration which was used throughout the fabric of the hotel. With the use of historical photos / artwork of the bridge being built in 1905, perforated metal screens, exposed ceilings, industrial materials, and the extensive use of Industville lighting pendants brought this project together beautifully.

What made you choose to incorporate Industville lights in the scheme?

With the exposed services in the restaurant and bar area, the Industville pendants fitted perfectly. We used a mix of brass and gunmetal lighting which gave the industrial feel we were looking for but added warmth with the use of brass and amber bulbs. The beautifully shaped amber filament bulbs and multi coloured flex brought an added dimension to the interiors.

What was your rationale behind the design of the project?

When we embarked on the project, we knew we wanted to create a space that honoured the Newport Transporter Bridge's unique character and history. To achieve this, we carefully considered every aspect of the design, from the choice of materials to the layout of the fitted furniture and the lighting scheme.

Our goal was to create a cohesive, integrated design that seamlessly blended old and new elements, paying homage to the bridge's past while also creating a functional and comfortable space for modern use. By incorporating elements like wrought iron and rustic wood, we were able to echo the bridge's industrial heritage and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

We also paid close attention to the layout of the space, making sure that each piece of fitted furniture served a specific purpose and contributed to the overall aesthetic. And when it came to lighting, we knew that we wanted to create a warm and cosy ambiance that would make the space feel welcoming and comfortable.

How does the quality of light affect the feel of the space?

The lighting design was carefully considered to complement the industrial theme of the project. By using amber bulbs, the space is given a warm and subtle glow that enhances the overall atmosphere. The shape of the pendant lights was also selected with the industrial theme in mind, resulting in a cohesive and well-thought-out lighting design.

What did you make of the Industville lighting fixtures?

When considering lighting options for the project, I was impressed with the quality and flexibility of the Industville products. In particular, I loved the different coloured flex options that are available, which added a beautiful touch to the finished design.

The cluster pendants were also easy to install, making the process of incorporating them into the space a breeze. Overall, I was very happy with the quality and performance of the Industville lights, and would definitely recommend them for other similar projects.

How important is sustainability in design for clients at the moment?

In today's world, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in design. Our clients are particularly conscious of the need to conserve energy and reduce their carbon footprint, so they frequently request LED lighting products wherever possible.

They are also keen to support local manufacturers, to minimize lead times. We have found that incorporating sustainable practices into our design process is an effective way to reduce costs for our clients, while also promoting a healthier and more environmentally responsible way of living.

What Interior design trends in hotel industry or hospitality in general do you predict for the future?

As the hotel industry continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of modern travellers, the demand for sustainable and luxurious interiors is becoming increasingly important. With a focus on multimedia and technology, hotels are constantly updating their design to cater to the demands of their guests.

The Mercure hotel project in Newport city centre is a testament to the exceptional talent and expertise of Suzanne and Owen Associates. The incorporation of historical local inspiration with the use of industrial materials and high-quality lighting, particularly the Industville lights, has created a warm and inviting ambiance for guests.

The importance of sustainability in design is also emphasized, reflecting a growing concern among clients to use eco-friendly products and support local manufacturers. Looking towards the future, the trend of sustainable luxury will likely continue to dominate the hospitality industry, as designers seek to balance environmental concerns with the demand for high-end experiences.

Overall, the Mercure project is a shining example of the innovative and thoughtful approach that Suzanne brings to every project she undertakes.

Visit the Owen Associates website here and their instagram @owenassociatesinteriors.