Hospitality design truly has my heart and soul.

My Training

Though I may wander through commercial, nightclubs, bar, and high-end residential, I will never waver from the one that initially got me hooked. My first professional job right after grad was with a 4-5 star resort hotel firm designing international venues around the world. Having been trained to detail everything from concept to installation, from public areas to private guestrooms, from drafting in CAD to specifying in fixtures and furnishings, I always yearn for that ONE project to come along and sweep me off my feet as a reminder of WHY I really love this game. It’s the challenge y’all. And this one was no easy feat.

The Backstory

My client first approached me to completely gut and remodel his franchise hotel chain that’s fixing to go “boutique.” He needed a new image, a new concept, basically a WHOLE new direction to help amp up the ordinary and push it into overdrive. The result: A global bazaar that glams up traditional inns and short-term stays, one where guests can relax and unwind in lush surroundings devoted to the historic fittings of an old town in our modern time. Here’s my little excerpt that pretty much sums it all up:

The Vibe

Old town Pasadena is infamous for its eclectic downtown area with a mix of businesses, entertainment, museums, galleries and music events alike. In keeping with this iconic landmark, we’ve recently renovated the lobby of the Quality Inn to reflect a sense of place, one that is completely grounded in the city’s history and roots. Design and décor has been curated from antiques and accessories from the famous Rose Bowl Flea Market as well as local vendors who have served the city for decades. Old world furnishings updated with modern day textiles create a contemporary global environment fit for the everyday traveler in need of posh accommodations.

Amenities

We’ve outfitted the space with state of the art LCD screens as well as a fully stocked library to accommodate the range of guest needs. Whether lounging around in the newly renovated lobby or taking a dip in our completely upgraded pool and spa area; One night at the Quality Inn and you can call us your home away from home.

Designed, styled, and photographed by me, Julie Khuu Interior Design.
Peep out more projects from my portfolio HERE.
Join me all week as I detail all the design steps, show you some before and afters (readers’ FAVE!), and source some of the décor and accessories so you can shop the look and bring modern, global glamour into your very own home.
Happy Happy Monday!
Author

51 Comments

  1. OMG!! I love this reveal all the details and fabulous pops of color, have me dreaming of a visit to Pasadena.. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I am loving your BLOG!!

  2. its amazing! You have outdone yourself. Really beautiful and colorful. It doesn't look like a hotel at all. ANd your photographs are wonderful as well. Even the styling of the bookcases is flawless. COngrats!

  3. Hello, I'm a new follower. I love what you've done and the colors you chose to work with. I agree; those colors look FAB with that shade of blue!

  4. Congratulations, it looks amazing! What an awesome feeling that must be! I am loving those dining chairs an all of the rich colors. Such great attention to detail. Congrats again! 🙂

  5. The image with the flat screen prominent. The dining room I think- I am so digging the rustic contemporary asian feel of earth tone oranges and golden. finally found my living room colour inspo. Thanks Julz!

  6. I love what you have done, LOVE it! and i really mean it. Being a designer myself, I am aware off what it takes to pull off such a project, especially with all the layers and details. One can tell that you put your heart and soul into it.
    Hospitality is my passion. I work more for residential but get involved with hospitality with my lighting and furniture. It is so interesting that the roles are reversed and the residential industry is now looking to the hospitality world to be inspired by new trends and ideas.

  7. I can't wait to see your DIY Julie! You are very talented, and to have the opportunity to start redesigning 4-5 star hotels, impressive!

  8. This is the Quality Inn??? Unbelievable. Julie, thanks so much for visiting the Queen City Style so I could find you. I am a closet decorator… obsessed with design, but no time for that now as a full time stay at home mom and writing this blog. I am so looking forward to following along your fab world of design! Hope to see you again on the Queen City Style! Best, Whitley

  9. OMG, LOVE it! I had no idea this is what you do! You totally nailed the "boutique" look. I'm so impressed! I wish you lived in my town so I could hire you to do a future apartment or condo!

  10. Holy sh*t. You were on HGTV too? What friggin' rock have I been under? Added you to my reader and pinned your hotel project. Dang, I've been missing so much good stuff over here!

  11. WOW! This hotel is stunning! I adore the turquoise chair with the yellow cushion…..that is a banging color combo! Great design Julie!

  12. Can I come with you to work!? Amazing job! I'm both inspired and motivated to join your profession! 🙂

    Too bad we don't live closer 😉

    Xx

  13. Wow, you did an amazing job on this! I wish you lived closer so we could do all sorts of shopping and you could help me with baby's nursery!

  14. Beautifully done! I'm always amazed at how people like you have such an eye for interior design. I'm a new follower of your blog, and will totally be looking to your posts for inspiration as my husband and I purchase our first home later this year!

    -Jamie Lynn

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