Last June 2019, the Hotel group Okko opened its new hotel in Paris, right inside the iconic “Gare de l’Est” station. One of our favorite interior duo Studiopepe, the Milanese studio founded by Arianna Lelli Mami and Chiara Di Pinto, was asked to design the lobby and common areas of the hotel. At the heart of the hotel, Studiopepe conceived “Le Club”, a 4,300 square feet (400 sqm) open space that faces the station and acts as the reception, lounge and dining area.
The layout is a reinterpretation of a free plan. There are no physical barriers but only light and mobile elements, like curtains and screens, which give Le Club an open and airy feel to it. The breakfast and bar area are inspired by trains, in particular the ’dining cars, with love seats and dividers. A sort of contemporary remix of a dinette.
Inspired by the spirit of the place and its identity, Studiopepe also pays tribute to history by decorating “Le Club” with original pieces from the iconic Orient Express train. These pieces were restored, integrated into the spaces and enhanced as works of art or installations.
Alongside iconic pieces of Italian design – including for example Magistretti‘s Atollo Lamp, Castiglioni’s Sancarlo Armchairs or the Boomerang armchair by Rodolfo Bonetto – most of the furniture is custom designed for Le Club: from the large sculptural chandelier overlooking the living area to the love seats that create intimate but convivial areas.
The color palette is soft and calming, including mainly neutral hues and dusty pink. But many elements add character to the space like the hints of yellow and rust, the black and white pattern of the maxi terrazzo, the neon light installations and the brass details.
Photography by Giuseppe Dinnella
Written by guest contributor Mariana Bettinelli for Trendland.
