When Anouska Hempel's minimalist design vision was realised in 1997 in the form of her eponymous London hotel, The Hempel was hailed as a pioneering icon of modern design. Max Bentheim's latest project has been a refurbishment of the 43-room property, which was sold to a group of Irish investors for a reported £16.5 million in 2005. The London-based interior designers faced the challenge of reinterpreting the hotel's public spaces without overshadowing its acclaimed interior architecture. According to Stephan Oberwegner, director at Max Bentheim, "the brief was to take it further without compromising its integrity, yet adding comfort and sophistication." The dramatic results include clear Perspex stools at a black marble bar counter shot with gold, long pendant lounge lights with black silk drum shades, and walls covered in hand-woven Chinese grass cloth and silk. While the lobby has remained relatively neutral in stone and suede, colour is used boldly in the strong shades of red and yellow which appear in the lounge and bar. Much of the furniture was custom designed by Max Bentheim, with further pieces from Italian supplier Casamilano. Fabrics were selected from Paris-based Nobilis Fontan and Sina Pearson of San Francisco. Over the course of 2006, The Hempel's new owners intend to continue its refurbishment, focusing next on rooms and suites. Plans are reportedly also underway to open additional hotels under the Hempel brand, possibly in the London area.
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