To describe a place a modern can mean a variety of things. For one person, it can mean clean lines and minimal clutter; to another, a room bursting with color can feel fun and playful with a modern twist. Whatever modern means to you, these five hotels ranging in location from Portland, Oregon to Palm Springs, California represent a cross section of the diversity of happy modern options when looking for an all-American get a away this summer. Obviously this is a small selection, so feel free to add to the conversation and let us know about your favorite cheerful spot.
1. The Avalon, Los Angeles, California
2. The Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, Texas
3. Bungalow Hotel, New Jersey Shore, New Jersery
4. The Juniper Hotel, Portland, Oregon
5. The Saguaro Hotel, Palm Springs, California
(Images: as linked above)
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Neat! I'm so used to chain hotel/motels with beige and burgundy everything, and Starbucks coffee house wall art. This was nice.
I'm not a modern lover but man I LOVE that first one. Decorating with 2 or 3 muted colors just makes for such a serene look. 5 stars!
I get that modern means different things to different people. But am I the only one that feels like the first pic is more 80s/early 90s than modern? Those lamps and side tables? The "ruched" upholstered bed? Green carpet!? anyone?
OK, i do kinda dig the chairs.
@CK8GO, yes, looking at that first photo I can't make up my mind if it's 60s or 80s decor. The light blue/green reminds me a lot of the blue suitcases popular in the 60s.
I dunno. I can see 80's but I think modern can be applied to all time-periods. So maybe we can call the 1st one, 80's modern? Just like there is mid century modern. I think the meaning of modern in design terms refers to general characteristics (ex. smooth clean lines, geometric shapes, minimalist).
Modern, but not contemporary modern.
@ CK8GO, yes that is not modern. I'd say it is 80s post modern.
And @LittleMissSunshine, Modern can apply to all periods but it is a pretty specific style. An example of 80s modern would be the work of Richard Meier and the houses seen on Miami Vice.
You are all right. The Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills has a mid-century style that was updated in 2010 by designer Kelly Wearstler. Her inspirations derive from a variety of eras including 60s, 70s and 80s, with an intended modern twist. You can check out more of her work at kellywearstler.com
That first Avalon pic is a bit blobby/miami for me. Actually, the Bungalow pic is as well. Would not stay at either place.
@CK8GO, I had the same reaction...isn't that early 90s? It was never a look i cared for, the rounded corners on things, the washed out colors, the limed wood effect.. I stayed at a resort in Hawaii several years ago that stll had (very tired) decor from that era. It comes across as dreary and dated here as it did in that hotel.
Also thought eighties in the first one. Re #4, AT, don't think it's the Juniper Hotel; unless the Jupiter Hotel snuck a little publicity in the room.
Nothing ruins a vacation faster than staying in a decor challenged hotel room. You know the hotel cares about you as their customer when they update and keep their rooms stylish and clean. Great spots!
I am really impressed with the level of intelligent discussion on this topic (and the absence of trolling that i see way too often)!
Way to go AT readers!
I knew that was Kelly Wearstler!
Does anyone know the name of the style of chair that is at the desk in the first photo?
I'd really like to buy some but haven't ever seen one in person or at a resale shop (let alone new in a store).
Good discussion!