Botanical Inspiration: Olga Polizzi Discusses Design at The Charles Hotel
Sowing the seeds of a new look
The lush canopies and flourishing beds of Munich’s Botanical Garden have long proved a source of interior inspiration at The Charles Hotel, and the refreshed appearance of its spacious rooms builds on this rich horticultural legacy. Polizzi and her team explain, “We continue to use the greens and verdant colours that you see in the flowers and foliage. However, we have expanded upon this, bringing accents of yellow and turquoise, which add an element of brightness to the spaces.”
Polizzi emphasises how a continued evolution is key to success, even for designs that are considered ‘timeless’: “A designer's work is never done. We can still excite and surprise guests with thoughtful developments and embellishments. The simple additions of wallpapers or reupholstering furniture in more contemporary designs, these are the essence of timeless design.”
Designing for the future
When envisioning any space, sustainability plays a crucial role for Polizzi – beyond the positive impact of her designs on the guest experience, there’s a broader consideration for the planet. She explains, “We consider sustainability, not just in the high-quality materials, which we want to be sure will stand the test of time, but in importing materials. All upholstery used is sourced from Germany and any additional fabrics are European.”
An enduring appeal
The Charles Hotel’s charm lies partly in its ability to seamlessly blend the city’s outdoors with its elegant interiors, “It remains imperative to ensure our hotels reflect their surroundings, capturing the essence of the location. The Charles has always told the story of Munich, both through design and the building itself - the new design hopefully takes this a step further, blending the interior with the view of the Old Botanical Garden.”
Polizzi explores the inclusive appeal of The Charles Hotel, with its balance of contemporary style and traditional Bavarian hospitality. “The hotel has always attracted a range of guests, both young and older, and the new design lends itself to both.” After all, the enchanting beauty of nature is something to be admired and appreciated by all.
With an array of new details to uncover, guests are invited to enjoy The Charles Hotel’s central location overlooking verdant surroundings
You may also like
The Italian Influence: How the Renaissance Shaped London’s Scene
The Italian Renaissance didn’t just transform Italy, it cast a spell over London too. Even Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled over England and Ireland during this great period of growth, embraced the fascination, calling herself demi Italienne, or “half Italian”. Today, in certain pockets of the capital, the artistic, intellectual, and architectural influence of Renaissance Italy can still be felt.
Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael: The Men Behind the Art
Inspired by the Royal Academy of Arts exhibition Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence, c.1504, dive deeper into the lives of these masters and explore their most iconic works in Florence, Rome and Milan.
With Rocco Forte Hotels in the heart of each city, we’ll guide you on a truly immersive journey through the Renaissance.
Secret Florence: The Unseen Haunts of Botticelli
A cornerstone of the Florentine Renaissance, and widely considered one of the most influential artists of all time, Sandro Botticelli's legacy continues to impress over half a millennia since his death. His captivating depictions of mythological themes, characterised by graceful lines and pale hues, have inspired generations of creators across art, film, and fashion. Today, along the walls of the Botticelli rooms within the Uffizi Gallery, crowds queue ten-deep just to catch a glimpse of his most iconic works, The Birth of Venus and La Primavera.