Film director Wes Anderson once controversially declared that he does not have an aesthetic. He differentiates this from his distinct way of filming — one that is reinvented with each project. The Trade Boutique Hotel is no different: refashioning its own identity as a heritage building, the hotel settles into its central place in the city.
The Trade Boutique Hotel and its restaurant, The Wes, display a mix of Wes Anderson whimsy and Parisian romance, infused with their own, quirky character — a sense of humour and joie de vivre. This eight-storey heritage building in Shortmarket Street, owned and developed by Rawson Developers, is now an aparthotel providing the best of both worlds: room service on a whim and the ability to cook for yourself, whether you’re staying in the short or long term.
Heritage – the charm and the challenge
The external façade severely lacked soul with its plaster band details and face brick in one solid colour. As the designers chose gradients of corals, peaches, and burgundy to personalise each passage on the inside, they applied new colour to the outside too — in a bold, ombre vision. ‘It scared us a little, but we trusted the process and it became an iconic colour on Loop Street. It shows what an impact some fun can have,’ says Nicola, designer and co-owner of Bone Studio.
The lobby’s red marble tiles and the entrance foyer’s stone were preserved to retain the building’s heritage. But despite its charm, as an existing building, it was filled with surprises requiring onsite problem-solving: walls were concrete instead of brick, beams seemed to have no symmetry, and the hidden services demanded on-site re-coordination. ‘We had to commit and trust the process,’ Nicola says. ‘There was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears along the way, but in equal measure celebration and a sense of pride. We adopted a no-fear attitude throughout the process.’
Ruby, Fred, Ginger
There is a strict complementary system where a duller colour is paired with a brighter one, such as navy with coral… and mint with grass green. The colour range is distinguished in three themes: Ruby, Fred, and Ginger. At the restaurant, powder blues, pinks, and yellows — inspired by Wes Anderson films — form a base. They are brought to life by shrieking brights – the fuchsia pink wallpaper, carefully placed art, and mirrors that are layered with loudness. Luxury is perceptible in textural details: green velvets, Bone Studio’s custom, tiled bedside tables, and modern, Italian tiles.
Despite the overflow of colour, decoration, and patterns, the essential materiality is functional and easy to maintain. Timber look vinyl flooring laid in a basketweave pattern, quart stone countertops, and melamine kitchen joinery were intentionally chosen for these reasons.
It’s a cinematic experience that comforts with its romantic, playful charm. Although the journey to realise this vision was challenging, the architects are content with the result: ‘When the outcome is received so well, by the public and the industry, it adds to the love.’
SUPPLIERS
Flooring: FloorKing | Custom carpeting: Gorgeous Floors | Joinery: Leisure Kitchens | Electrical: TJR Electrical and Building | Lighting: Décor Lighting, ARC Lighting, Luna Lighting | Tiling: Tilespace | Sofas: Wunders | Headboards: ASCOT Upholstery | Beds: Contour Beds | Mechanical ventilation: Coldfact Projects | Décor: Poetry Homeware Steel TV units: Ironstone | Custom mirrors: Architectural Glass Design | Dried floral arrangements: Spinlea Farm | Window treatments: The Best Blind Company | Plumbing: Summit Plumbing
