The hotel
Trendy and immaculate, Edmonton's Union Bank Inn is a heritage building in the downtown business and arts district. Once a circa-1910 bank, in 1997 it was transformed into a chic boutique hotel. Its 34 rooms cater not only to business types, but also to globetrotting hipsters. An entire wing of the hotel is dedicated to 14 designer-decorated rooms, ranging from red Victorian-style boudoirs to ultramodern minimalist spaces. Our fave? This glam and restful suite by Edmonton-based Go Design Group.
The look
The key to this fresh look: Soft colours and a mix of modern and contemporary furniture. We love the pendant lights and lamps, the mix of tables, and the comfy neutral slipper chairs. Even the ceiling ties in to the blue of the throw pillows and artwork -- it's a pretty robin's egg hue. What makes the room so visually appealing, according to its designer, Tammy MacKay of Go Design Group, is "the use of textures -- silk, velvet, faux fur and suede," she says. "Also, the use of three small, inexpensive pendant lights together in a cluster, which make a large 'chandelier'-type arrangement."
The inspiration
"The style of the room is 'glamorous comfort.' It's supposed to evoke a '40s Hollywood glamour type of feel," says Tammy, a registered interior designer. "The inspiration came from a Chanel basic wool suit that is timeless -- the texture of the fabric, the sparkle of the buttons and the simple classic lines," she says. "The headboard is a large button-tufted chocolate velvet. The tension between this, the cut-glass mirror and the glass tiles on the fireplace make it interesting by providing a bit of sparkle."
