Maintaining Historic Charm with Curated Hotel Interior Design

At GrecoDeco, we specialize in meticulously researched interior design in historic spaces that play with various design eras. One of the best examples of this signature approach is our project Inkognita, a neoclassical-house-turned-hotel located in Oslo, Norway that takes inspiration from Classic Norwegian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Arts & Crafts, and Japonisme. The end result is an elaborately layered yet balanced pistache of color and style. Featured in AD’s 2023 Hotel Awards, Villa Inkognito was named one of the 21 Best New Hotels Around the World. 

In this article, we are exploring our unique design approach and the various custom features that make Villa Inkognito stand out from your run-of-the-mill hotel interior design.

 

But First: Why “Inkognita”?

The name “Inkognita” comes from the street it’s located on, Inkognitogata, which means “Incognito Street.” The name was given to the property by its owner, P.H. Barclay, when he bought the land for his summer home in 1752. Barclay appreciated the peace and seclusion of the area that contrasted busier parts of the city, and today, guests can experience that same sense of peace at this luxury four-story villa that is the sister property to the grand hotel Sommerro (an extensive project that our team at GrecoDeco also had the pleasure of designing). 

Our Project Goals

During the beginning phases of the project, we outlined a multifaceted set of goals for Inkognita, which included among other things: 

  • Creating a luxuriously layered, intimate feel for the hotel’s guest experience.
  • Restoring and accentuating the building’s existing layout, paneling, and extensively decorated plaster ceilings, using the interior design to help these details shine.
  • Including locally sourced antiques that commemorate and celebrate various time periods in Oslo, Norway.
  • Curating a unique feel for each of the eclectically themed quarters, which include a music room, library, bar, dining room, and open kitchen–while creating a cohesive overall experience for guests.

 

Special Features: A Closer Look

Details are everything at GrecoDeco. We’re passionate about layering details together to create delightfully unexpected pairings for an elegantly eclectic look. We also love incorporating custom pieces that can’t be found anywhere else but are created with each space’s unique aura in mind. Inkognita contains a multitude of special features that highlight our commitment to this approach, but a few of them include:

  • Handmade Details in Every Bedroom: GrecoDeco designed a custom wallpaper layering many different styles and evoking the late 19th century love for all things Japanese. The beds are also specially designed by our team to ensure they are comfortable yet still contribute to the curated aesthetic of each room.
  • Lamps from Hadeland Glassverk: We included lamps from this notable Norwegian glass-blowing company, known for their artisanal pieces that are considered some of the best in the world.
  • The Poppy Library: In the library–appropriately named for its floral motifs–we included hand-blocked French wallpaper printed with a 19th-century Euro-romantic gaze on Asian motifs, complete with pagodas and cherry blossoms. Other colors in the room include cherry red, tobacco, dusty mustard yellow, and Robin’s egg blue accents. Whether guests are stepping inside to read a book or simply relax, we wanted them to feel as if they were becoming a character in their own fairy tale.

 

The Final Result

This private hideaway offers guests a rare experience of escapism–not just through the secluded hotel experience, but also through the whisk-you-away-into-Norwegian-fantasy interiors designed by our firm. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to provide guests with an atmospheric journey of the senses.

Learn More About GrecoDeco

Founded by Adam Greco in 2017, GrecoDeco is a Manhattan-based firm that designs thoughtfully layered commercial and residential spaces worldwide. Our passionate team of designers specializes in research-heavy historic projects that capture and celebrate the essence of various iconic time periods, guiding guests through an elegant and emotional journey of the senses.

Interested in learning more about how GrecoDeco can create an immersive guest experience through our beautifully layered, bespoke hotel interior design? Please don’t hesitate to inquire with us.