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JOI-Design has recently completed the interior design of the first Starwood hotel in the Ukraine. The flagship Four Points by Sheraton Zaporozhye is a stylish new hotel located along the banks of the Dnieper River in one of the Ukraine’s largest cities. The designers’ aim was to honour and interpret the region’s rich heritage through a fresh, contemporary lens fit for the booming economic and cultural growth of this important industrial centre and transportation hub. As a result, natural materials such as warm timber and locally-sourced stone are prevalent, and traditional patterns have been implemented from a modern perspective.
Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by the sunflower, a folklore symbol representing the Ukraine’s fertile lands. Overhead, an abstraction of this motif shines down in the form of a chandelier crafted from glass balls in both clear and golden hues, while underfoot, a magnified reflection of the flower’s petals appears in the pattern of the cream marble floor. Overall, the lobby sparkles with a sophisticated elegance.
Following the lines of the lobby’s curved shell are two sweeping staircases with lit marble steps that cast an ethereal glow to create drama and intrigue. And the traditional Ukrainian colour pairing of blue and yellow has been harmoniously translated in the design of a sleek reception desk graced with backlit frosted panels and a gilded woven screen reminiscent of the compact florets within a large sunflower blossom.
This colour duo also extends to the other public areas through accents such as the cushions on the plush, tawny leather sofas and lounge chairs in the library, wine bar and cafe.
“Flavors” restaurant has a natural feel, using contrasting tones of light and dark walnut timber to create a connection with the Ukraine’s moniker as the “Bread Basket of Europe”, earned due to the region’s rich soils and abundant agricultural harvests. The sunflower shape appears again, at both the frosted glass entry door as well as in the marble inlay in the oak planks which elegantly wind through the restaurant to form the circulation areas. Fresh celadon green cushions, flaxen wallcovering and glowing pendant lights all help create a warm and relaxing dining atmosphere. Modern paintings illustrate folkloric figures, tying together the design’s overall concept and demonstrating once again how tradition and modernity can be stylishly merged.
In the guestrooms, this interpretation continues. A traditional Cossack pattern has been transformed into the carpet’s contemporary diamond design, forming a crisp contrast to the room’s warm oak timber finishes. In the bathrooms, blue mosaic glass tiles allude to the nearby river.
The architecturally impressive Presidential Suite is a small residence located within a bridge between the hotel’s two main buildings. Inside, the ambiance is comfortably elegant thanks to the warm and sophisticated palette. Fitted with white marble and rich timber floors, the Presidential Suite has a smart and refined character. Here, individually detailed embellishments, such as the small cream-coloured porcelain tiles on the mirrors, are the true stars and give the suite a unique style. From the opposite vantage points of the large in-room spa, guests soaking in the freestanding tub or reclining on the chaise longue are treated to either a panoramic view of the Dnieper River or the vibrant buzz of the city life of Zaporozhye.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
