Having designed some of the most delectable hotel interiors from London to Hong Kong, Tara Bernerd is no stranger to creating spaces that feel like home, even when you’re abroad. But what exactly does it take to make a memorable property that has people coming back time and time again? We loved sitting down with the designer and founder of Tara Bernerd & Partners to find out more about her approach to hotel interiors and what she looks for in a good hotel.

An interview with Tara Bernerd

Tell us how you got into the niche of designing hotels?

When I first opened Tara Bernerd & Partners, we were originally known for our commercial residential projects. However, it was always an ambition of mine to design hotels as well. My first office overlooked the Sheraton Belgravia and I dreamt of redesigning this hotel, so it was something of a wish come true when I met Jason Pomeranc and Aron Harilela and they asked me to design Belgraves London (since rebranded as The Hari London), this really launched us into this arena and we haven’t looked back.

The Hari London
Rooms at The Hari London blend textures and colours, with the odd ode to the city’s heritage (Photo: Philip Vile)

The project was a really great and formative experience. The building itself was quite challenging with low ceiling heights and a restrictive layout, but we worked closely with both the client team and EPR Architects, who were such a joy to partner with on this project and the final design has really stood the test of time.

You recently completed The Hari in Hong Kong too. Tell us a little about the inspiration for each property?

It was important to us to infuse some of the design DNA into The Hari Hong Kong, which brings the charm and elegance of The Hari London, while simultaneously delving into the energy and dynamism of bustling Hong Kong. Both hotels have a laid back, relaxed, approachable luxury that makes them feel like a home away from home and it is this spirit that we have brought home to Hong Kong.

The heart of both properties is the lounge, which in Hong Kong is on the first floor and is lined with bookcases and booth seats. These are familiar themes seen in The Hari London, but they have been reimagined with a Hong Kong twist, using a different palette and fabric finishes more in keeping with the locale. A signature petrol-blue lacquer and fabric can be seen in both the entrance lift lobby and in the reception of the hotel.

For The Hari Hong Kong, we looked at its locale in Wan Chai, which has a rich and vibrant heritage. As with so many of our projects, we have drawn on this culture and history of the area as inspiration for our design. The area has such an eclectic and layered mix of old and new architecture and it is known for its commerce, with a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, that is also intermingled with arts and culture.

What special factors do you need to consider when creating spaces for hotels rather than residential or commercial design?

Entrance The Hari Hong KOng
The entrance experience at The Hari Hong Kong wows with a combination of high ceilings, bespoke furniture, and unique art (Photo: Dennis Lo)

Layout is key and is the starting point for all our designs. We always consider the customer journey through the hotel. The surprise and delight of the arrival experience must be matched with the operational needs of the hotel itself. It is important to remember that good design in hotels really has to be practical as well as beautiful. We always look to our designs to stand the test of time; to be beautiful, as well as durable.

What are some of your most memorable design challenges that you have overcome during the years?

The biggest design challenges we have had to overcome was completing five projects last year in the midst of a global lockdown! We had to do so much of this remotely via video call and WhatsApp messages. Happily, each of our client teams were as passionate about the projects as we were and were endlessly patient.

We love that you’re not afraid to use colour, pattern, light and texture in your designs. Do you have a certain design philosophy around creating unique spaces?

Four Seasons Downtown
The Four Seasons Downtown New York blends coloured contemporary furniture with classic elements (Photo: Joe Thomas)

We tend to take a very holistic design approach to each of our projects, envisaging the key elements of a design in our first brainstorming meeting. Our design philosophy is very layered, taking into account many different influences and we try to ensure that each project we undertake is indigenous to the surrounding environment, and we therefore find each one has its own unique identity. Drawing upon the local culture, the history, the climate and the atmosphere of a place, we seek to create a design DNA that completely embraces the character and identity of the place it is set.

With that said, there is a thread that runs through our projects from the considered layouts, to the choice of finishes and bold use of layered materials.

What are the major changes you’ve seen in the industry since you first began designing hotels?

There have been many changes in the hotel industry over the years, however one of the most enduring changes has been the move to make hotels feel like a home away from home. Happily our residential design experience comes into play here and really helps inform our designs.

How do you factor social media into your designs (if at all)?

Zentis Osaka
The guest reception at Zentis Osaka (Photo: Stirling Elmendor)

We don’t design to suit social media per se, in all our designs we look ultimately to please the end user, so we always keep in mind how they are going to use and live in the space. This has proven to translate well into social media, however whilst you can show a snippet of the design ethos on a small screen, nothing quite matches the real life experience.

You’re obviously an intrepid traveller yourself. What do you look for personally when you check-in to a hotel for the first time?

I remain constantly curious, particularly with regards to design, so whilst I do have favourite hotels that I return to year after year, I do still love to try new hotels that I haven’t stayed at before, or “old friends” that have recently been refurbished. I prefer an alluring, intelligently designed, spacious room, with a good bed and great bed linen, and a bathroom with plenty of shelving space. However, great design alone is nothing without friendly, efficient service, the people and the characters who work in the hotels are often the main attraction of my favourites.

Restaurant dining or room service?

I love restaurant dining as it’s always a joy to see new interiors and discover new dishes, but I must confess that room service is something of a guilty pleasure.

Pool or spa?

Both – pool to relax by, spa to be pampered in.

And finally, how do you celebrate when you see your design finally come to fruition?

This is a moment to celebrate with my team, without whom none of this would be possible. So a fantastic opening party, with the entire team joined by my family and friends is an absolute must.

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