Colony Hotel renovation: jungle and flamingos on the lobby walls

The lobby of the iconic Colony Hotel, a Palm Beach icon, received a new look in late 2020 thanks to the efforts of hotelier Sarah Wetenhall and Kemble Interiors, who brought back many 1947 elements, transforming the space into a “living room.” Pink lacquered armchairs, brass palm tables, huge tropical plants and a tall handmade Chinoiserie fireplace were combined with hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper.

The company’s craftsmen worked to create a unique pattern on the Palm Beach theme depicting local flora and fauna. The wallpaper features Florida’s rich nature on custom pink Edo Xuan Paper. Among the toothy alligators, graceful flamingos and imposing panthers, there are personal themes such as the Colony mascot monkey and the owner’s cuddly dog.

The British Colonial style building was designed by the architectural firm Simonson & Holley and erected in 1946-47. The hotel has 89 guest rooms over five floors and three penthouses with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Worth Lagoon, Everglades Golf Course and Worth Avenue. The new decorative space is aimed at both hotel guests and the local public: it is a pleasant place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or morning coffee.