Storytelling as strategy: An Art Deco Concept for Resort Hotels

Art Deco Inspired Lounge

I’ve always believed a hotel lounge shouldn’t just be “pretty.” In a resort, it has work to do, it needs to welcome guests, hold them, and quietly become one of the strongest drivers of F&B revenue and brand memory.

With this Art Deco lounge concept, I wanted to create a space that feels theatrical, like a scene unfolding. The soaring arches and chandelier glow set the tone the moment you enter, and the reflective, lacquer-like surfaces amplify that warmth so the room stays energized after dark, even when it’s not at full capacity. It’s theatrical, yes, but it’s also practical: atmosphere that performs through shoulder hours and seasonal shifts.

I’m especially intentional about comfort, because comfort equals dwell time. The curved jewel-toned banquettes create intimate, VIP-feeling pockets without sacrificing capacity or sightlines. Guests naturally settle in, order another round, linger - and people-watch. At the same time, the circulation stays clean for teams, and service can be high-touch without becoming high-friction. And because the mood is built into the architecture and lighting, the lounge is naturally programming-ready for jazz sets, aperitivo moments, Champagne rituals, and late-night transitions without constant resets.

For developers, this is where I get excited: a destination bar concept that reads as luxury at first glance, photographs beautifully, and strengthens ADR storytelling through a clear nightlife identity. The materials and detailing are scalable: lighting, reflective finishes, and inlays can be layered or value-engineered while protecting the signature “wow.”

I strongly believe that design is story telling. This story is unfolding. Let’s create this!

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