James Andrew, the Colony Palm Beach
One of my primary requirements of a hotel is that it capture the essence of its surrounds, and when we read that Carleton Varney’s criterion regarding the re-imagining of the Colony Palm Beach was that “people on vacation in Palm Beach should feel like they’re staying in Palm Beach,” we knew that the Colony would be perfect!
Varney’s mentor, Dorothy Draper, was fearless in her use of color, and imbued all of her work with tremendous personality. Carrying on this tradition, Varney has certainly given his decoration for the Colony loads of Palm Beach personality! Throughout the hotel, Varney’s “Draperization” includes a marvelous mix of Dorothy Draper fabrics and wallpapers. He utilizes a custom designed carpet based on the Brazilliance pattern (a beautiful and exuberant banana leaf motif) combined with fretwork and striped wallpapers, each floor with a different color scheme.
Colony Palm Beach - hallway detail
The Colony Palm Beach
The luxurious lobby revolves around a central seating area, with a custom designed hibiscus and banana leaf motif carpet set against a dramatic black backdrop, providing the perfect contrast for a monumental curved sofa upholstered in aqua velvet with black bullion fringe. The armchairs are upholstered in “Brazilliance” fabric, and the walls are sheathed in Jasper Peony wallpaper by Sebastian Varney of Carleton V Ltd. in a coral colorway with a complimentary fretwork pattern — accents of coral and aqua throughout. All present and impossibly fresh interpretation of bygone Palm Beach glamor!
The Colony Palm Beach
Do secure a suite when you go. Having both a sitting room and a bedroom made all the difference in the world!
I’m photographed (top) in the lovely lobby soaking up endless inspiration. I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Snowdon” suit in a lilac rose silk wool melange twill and royal silk dot pocket square, a bespoke Mark Pomerantz “Liberty of London” esq lavender and blue floral print cotton shirt with fabric covered buttons, Ralph Lauren royal blue suede espadrilles, vintage Rolex, Tom Ford Bronzing Gel accentuating my tan, and Tom Ford’s Mandarino Di Amalfi fragrance with notes of Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Grapefruit, Mint, Thyme. Luminous!
