Atrio Design Blend Artistry and Historical Significance with Modern Luxury

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features historically themed hotel bedrooms by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Atrio Design.

Atrio Design was commissioned to design six uniquely themed rooms at Baloci Hotel in Birmingham, each celebrating a significant historical figure or era. The rooms—Alexander the Great, Rumi, Taj Mahal, The Persian Room, Babylon, and Marco Polo Suite—blend artistry and historical significance with modern luxury. Each space features distinctive designs and cultural motifs, providing an immersive and enriching experience. Guests can enjoy opulent furnishings, custom art, and themed decor, ensuring both comfort and a deep connection to history. This project marries historical storytelling with high-end hospitality, creating a unique and memorable stay for all visitors.

What was the client’s brief?

The client envisioned a luxury hotel that offers guests an immersive journey through history. Each room was designed to narrate a unique story, blending authentic historical elements with contemporary luxury to create a distinctive and memorable experience. The interiors needed to be visually striking, historically accurate, and rich in storytelling, all while maintaining high-end comfort and elegance.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our inspiration stemmed from world history and cultural heritage. We carefully selected themes that celebrate Alexander the Great, Rumi, the Taj Mahal, and Babylon, among others. Each room was crafted to embody the essence of its theme through intricate details, materials, and craftsmanship. To enhance authenticity, we incorporated custom finishes, bespoke furnishings, and artisanal decor, ensuring that every element contributed to the immersive experience.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the biggest challenges was achieving a seamless balance between historical authenticity and contemporary luxury. Integrating modern amenities into historically themed spaces required careful planning to ensure they complemented rather than disrupted the overall ambiance. Additionally, sourcing specialized materials and artisans to create authentic textures and finishes added complexity. To address this, we collaborated with ELF Decor UK to develop decorative plaster and stucco feature walls, enhancing the character of each room while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the standout moments was designing the Babylon Room, inspired by the grandeur of the Ishtar Gate. Featuring deep blue and gold tones, intricate bas-reliefs of mythical creatures, and opulent textiles, this space truly captures the splendour of ancient Mesopotamia. Seeing the final execution, complete with detailed craftsmanship and artistic wall finishes, was a proud achievement for our team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards represent the highest standards of excellence in interior design. We wanted to showcase how the Baloci Hotel pushes the boundaries of historical storytelling through design while maintaining uncompromising luxury. This project reflects our passion for immersive, detail-driven interiors, and entering the awards was an opportunity to share our vision with a global audience and gain recognition for our craftsmanship.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist is a prestigious acknowledgment of our commitment to exceptional design and innovation. It has reinforced Atrio Design’s position as a leader in luxury hospitality interiors and has opened new doors for future collaborations. This recognition fuels our passion for creating unique, story-driven spaces and motivates us to continue elevating interior design to new heights.

By thoughtfully integrating historical themes, artistic details, and high-end finishes, the Baloci Hotel offers guests a unique and enriching experience, making every stay a journey through time.

Questions answered by Andrii Yeksarov, Founder and Creative Director at Atrio Design.