Four years ago it was ladies first, but this time the men are taking centre stage. Following up on the success of the room Sarah Richardson created for Toronto's Park Hyatt hotel, with proceeds going to breast cancer research (featured in Home & Country's October/November 2005 issue), the designer was invited back to work her magic on a second designer suite-this time to benefit prostate cancer research. “Men are notoriously bad at seeking medical help,” says Sarah. “I think it's our collective responsibility to raise awareness and do everything possible to keep our loved ones healthy.” This time the entire overhaul was done as a fund-raising initiative. “Not only did Design Inc. donate our time and creative services, but all of the proceeds from the room will go to the cause during Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, and most of the furnishings, fabrics, even the plumbing and artwork were donated,” says Sarah.
“We thought it might be tough to do but we were amazed at the outpouring of support!”
Her vision was to create a room that was bold, crisp, fresh and modern. “I wanted it to have a ‘wow' factor - I think hotel rooms should make an impact, but be welcoming and somewhat neutral at the same time.” Sarah took blue, the official colour for prostate cancer, as a jumping-off point, and ran with it-carefully. “When working with blue, it's important to avoid creating a room that looks like it was designed for a 12-year-old boy,” she says. Sarah and her team avoided this trap by using some strong blues against creamy neutrals for a nautical feel, and then punching things up with plenty of fabrics, pattern and texture: chenille, silk, linen and twill playfully mix with stripes, graphics and prints. To finish the room, reflective surfaces like glass, mirror and chrome were added to help open up the space and make it feel brighter. The lamps, in particular, were key to making the room feel cool and refreshing. “I love the perforated chrome shade on the floor lamp, the texture of the desk lamp and the trophy cup motif of the two bedside lamps,” says Sarah. “I always say that no room is ever complete without some sparkle, and this room has plenty!”
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