2011 proved to be an extremely successful year for interior designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg. The design duo was named two of the “101 People You Must Meet in 2011” by Town & Country magazine, “2011 Hot Interior Design Firm” by Conde Nast Traveler magazine and on Elle Décor’s “A-List”. Their client roster is filled with leading innovators of hotel groups, retailers and top chefs – here’s a look at their latest projects:
NEW DEBUT: St. Regis Bal Harbour (Bal Harbour, Florida) – For the resort and residences of St. Regis Bal Harbour, Yabu Pushelberg utilized rich architecture to create a modern interpretation. Rich textures and fine materials recall old world splendor in theme with the affluence and indulgence of Bal Harbour. The light and fresh palette evokes a sense of comfortable luxury that stays true to the beach, sun, and ocean. The Grand Hallway is flanked with double story faceted mirror screens and invites guest to explore the surrounding spaces – a mirrored bar and lounge, jewel-box wine room, tailored reception area, and a sunlit restaurant lined with gold mirror and etched plaster walls. St. Regis Bal Harbour also has spacious two- and three-bedroom private residences that are aimed at delivering discreet, graceful living. These spaces feature innovative designs, elegant marble bathrooms and state-of-the-art kitchens with European-style cabinetry. With an imaginative approach, Yabu Pushelberg has cultivated an original and created a superior haven of oceanfront sophistication. Opening January 2012.
HOT RETAIL RENOVATION: Barneys (New York) – A Manhattan icon, the Madison Avenue Barneys New York flagship is being transformed by Yabu Pushelberg in multiple phases with its newly designed Co-Op space and café – [email protected] — unveiled to the public early November. Debuting in the Spring of 2012, the layout of the ground floor will be edited into a fluid space creating a natural progression on how to travel throughout the store, ultimately increasing sales. The new look and feel will have a gallery-like ambiance with carefully curated sculptural objects for displaying clothing to look more like art than a clothing rack. Brands will be blended together and men’s and women’s stores will flow from one building to another opening the space up. Integrated into the design is the placement of several iPad stations throughout the space allowing shoppers to locate items faster and with greater ease. Phase two debuting Spring 2012.
LUXE BEACH HOUSE: Viceroy (Maldives): Drawing inspiration from the surreal beauty of the islands and the natural wonder of the surrounding seascape, Yabu Pushelberg opted for a pared-down design concept, reducing the aesthetic to the necessary elements in order to avoid competition with the awe-inspiring location. An intimate 61-villa island resort, the project promises chic spaces and laid-back luxury to its design-savvy clientele, consisting of carefully-crafted interior spaces that frame a moment in time. Throughout the property, subtle nautical references such as rope, raw wood, leather and canvas are used as unexpected detailing in furniture pieces, sculptural divisions of space and textural wall coverings. Using naturally rustic materials in a refined way – a signature of the design firm – allows the space to exude sophistication without being stuffy; casual without being careless.
STYLISH VANCOUVER: The Room at Hudson’s Bay Company (Vancouver) – Fall 2011 marked the debut of The Room in Vancouver, a high-end shopping boutique located in the Granville Bay Store. Yabu Pushelberg and The Hudson Bay Company have teamed up to create the 23,000 square foot space into a shopping location that embodies the interior atmosphere of The Room, Toronto, which the firm designed in 2010. The combination of timeless and modern design of The Room is a true reflection of the elegant city of Vancouver. Its high-fashion collections served as sources of inspiration for Yabu Pushelberg and the shapes present in The Room will communicate the styles of the designers on display. A strong open center acts as the principal space with intimate alcoves and naturally shaped rooms surrounding it. The core space is made up of warm whites, in contrast to the darker neutral tones of the bordering rooms. A Platinum Suite will also be offered to VIP customers that will include a private lounge area with a stylish vibe. The Vancouver lifestyle is mirrored in the natural materials used as well as the artwork featured throughout The Room.
FUTURE EDITION: Yabu Pushelberg has begun work on upcoming properties for the Ian Schrager and Marriott collaboration, EDITION hotel brand, with The London EDITION scheduled to open in winter 2012 and The Miami EDITION debuting in spring 2013.
