The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has announced that it is currently undergoing a renovation and redesign of its 375 guest rooms, including 41 suites, to provide guests with what it described as a “chic, oceanfront retreat”.
Diego Gronda, managing and creative director of Rockwell Group Europe, with interior design consultant Linda Zarifi, is overseeing the room transformation, which will pay tribute to the existing historical architecture while incorporating new designs into the South Beach property.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach was originally established in 1953 as the DiLido Hotel by Morris Lapidus, the architect of neo-baroque hotels and “father” of Art Deco who saw Miami Beach as his theater and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach as his stage. Lapidus took a whimsical approach to design, incorporating chrome spheres, curvatures, and other organic shapes into his overall vision. These served as inspiration to the $10 million guest room redesign.
In addition to Lapidus’ gestures, Gronda is said to have drawn inspiration from the “azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami’s golden sandy beaches, and the vigor of South Beach”. Walkways adorned with shimmering platinum glazed walls complement aqua-colored, textured carpets with patterns reminiscent of the reflection of light on water. Ocean blue, sea mist green, and coral tones weave throughout beach-inspired textiles, bedding, upholstery, and décor. Subtle gestures of nature appear in the form of cream and bronze shagreen finishes accenting an entry wall mirror and decorative table top, respectively.
Meanwhile, contemporary furnishings, such as espresso-stained bookcases and desks and nightstands with antique rubbed bronze legs, create a living space. Hanging pendants, orbital lamps, and uniquely shaped lounge furniture play up the circular gestures in Morris Lapidus’ original design approach.
There are also a library of Taschen books, and contemporary artwork curated by The Diana Lowenstein Gallery. Commissioned artists include Polish-Mexican Xawery Wolski, best known for his sculptures, and Peruvian native Cecilia Paredes, a performance artist.
