Dawson have created a warm interior designed they say to appeal to the ‘arty avant-garde of Belltown’ in Seattle. Whilst making obeisance to the trading traditions of this part of the States (its ocean links were strong with Scandinavia, and it was almost the cause of war with Britain in the mid 19th century when soldiers on the disputed frontier with Canada exchanged shots over the ownership of a pig) this interior combines a contemporary approach with the warmth and comfort of pattern and colour.

Dark whiskey barrel wood floors inset with hard woven area rugs define the Lobby’s two living room style seating areas. The 17-foot tall fireplace wall with bookcases of Scandinavian accessories and art books flank a revolving art collection featured on the built-in plasma screen.

The Loft is accessible by what is described as a ‘decorative stairway’ of blackened, stainless steel and backlit perforated metal panels. The Loft features wrap around sectional and cocktail style seating – all inspired by Scandinavian design. Arne Jacobsen ‘Swan’ chairs are used in reception, reinforcing this influence (see the Review of Copenhagen’s Royal in the archive, the hotel they were originally designed for).

Guestrooms carry the ‘Nordic’ color palette used throughout the Hotel and introduce heavy textures, warm rich colours, and unexpected shapes that are contrasted against brushed aluminium accents. Alpaca wrapped headboards are lit by sleek minimalist blue glass spot lights. Patterns and motifs were all derived from Scandinavian art and prints.

“The original bathrooms, wrapped in traditional 1x1 white mosaic tiles, needed drama. We added dark, Nordic blue paint on the walls and ceilings, sleek new faucets, contemporary leather accessories and frosted, unframed mirrors – all of which are accented by blue and brushed accent lighting” said a spokesperson for Dawson.

In the end Dawson were able to create an entire new attitude and style, with the best of traditional approaches. They have successfully acknowledged the past of the locality in their design, called on historical links and blended them all in a warm environment that is as contemporary as any but warmer than most.