10/03/2010 STYLE AND COMFORT ...HALLMARKS OF THE NEW OYSTER BOX
“From the first day we bought the Oyster Box it was obvious the important role that this property played in so many people’s lives,” says designer Toni Tollman, who together with her mother Bea Tollman, created the interiors of the new Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban.
“The property was run down and ‘past her prime’, when the Red Carnation Hotels Collection took over the property in 2006,” says Toni. “The greatest challenge we had was to restore her in a way that was authentic to the period in which she was built, whilst maintaining all the elements of nostalgia and charm that made the Oyster Box so personal to so many South Africans,” she continues.
The new hotel reflects the new South Africa, whilst maintaining the five-star service and quality ethos that is at the core of the Red Carnation brand. The Oyster Box successfully creates the balance of a visit ‘back in time’, but at the same time is firmly planted in the present and the future.
Much of the inspiration for the décor was taken from the original features of the hotel – the floors, the arches, the original tiles and the existing artefacts and artwork. Reference to the period of the 40’s and 50’s in which the hotel was at its zenith, can be seen in the furnishings and decor, and felt in the ‘ambience’ of the property. “I have always loved this period in design history,” continues Toni Tollman. “It was a time of glamour, elegance and style and I have always found it to be inspirational and timeless. During the restoration I often referred to a piece of furniture, a great sofa…borrowing some elements from Elsie de Wolfe, Tony Duquette and Dorothy Draper.”
“In addition, I wanted to highlight some of the fabric and history of the vibrant lifestyle of Durban then and now. The decor in our various function rooms is a fascinating pictorial journey from the Durban July winners of the last 50 years to the history of the Union Castle Line.”
A key factor informing the furnishing of the new property is the importance of the design suiting the purpose. Careful attention was paid to making the spaces liveable and practical as well as aesthetically beautiful and comfortable, whilst giving a memorable experience to the guests. It is important that space and building work hand in hand and that the design reflects its surroundings.
“Guests should always feel comfortable and welcome and we go out of our way to make sure that every experience is different.”
Through the innovative use of colour, fabrics and furnishings each part of the hotel, sets a different tone. From the sense of being ‘right on the beachfront’ in the Oyster Bar and Ocean Terrace, with cool hues of white and blue to the exotic hot reds and bold designs and fabrics of the Lighthouse Bar.
The fans, floors, arches of the Ocean Terrace are an exact replica of the area before the renovation but it has been widened to allow more of the ocean and the sea-view in. The architectural elements are complimented by the brightly-coloured, hand-painted Turkish tiles on the roof and walls and the brass lanterns, which bring a casual ease to the room. The tiles are a direct link to the original owner Kay Hill who collected tiles and murals from her travels around the world and brought them back to the Oyster Box.
The colourful, quirky artworks in the Grill Room were painted by local hairdresser, Rene Rutgers and depict a time of fun and frivolity. The contrast of the white furniture and navy walls, high ceilings, deep coffers and rich textures makes the room very striking and elegant.
The warm textures and hues of the Clock Library, the only place in the hotel for the private use of the residents, is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink in a leather arm-chair, watch the sun going down looking out over the iconic lighthouse, write a letter or read a book...all those old-fashioned things that we don't seem to get enough time to do these days. Hand-picked antique furniture and objects d’art and a collection of antique clocks, many of which are family heirlooms and books collected by the owners over the years, line the library walls.
The reception area is an eclectic collection with styles and furniture predominantly from the period in which the hotel was built. “This is one of the only original parts of the hotel still completely intact, so the distinctive black and white tiles, the sweeping staircase and original revolving wooden door all provided inspiration,” adds Toni Tollman . “I wanted people to walk into the reception and feel that 'they were home'. The clock bought on auction from Christies was bought by my parents years ago and it fits just beautifully into its new home at the Oyster Box.”
While some of the decor and furnishings, many of them antique pieces, were purchased overseas at auctions and many of the fabrics used throughout the hotel were designed by Toni and Bea Tollman and manufactured in London by Bernard Thorpe, a number of local suppliers and products were utilised for the restoration. “We wanted to showcase as much of what South Africa had to offer, as possible,” adds Tollman.
Contemporary art dealer Michael Stevenson, assisted in sourcing the work of local Zulu artists whose work play a prominent role in the overall feeling of many of the public areas and guest rooms.
Contemporary elements have been combined with historical pieces in both the public and private areas. For example the movie posters, various antique clocks and Union Castle memorabilia were all collected through private dealers and auction houses stretching from Kalk Bay to London, back to Jo’burg and all the way to Capri, over a period of two years.
The Oyster Box is a sister property to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat in the Cederberg and The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town – all part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
For more information about the Oyster Box or to make restaurant, event or function bookings call +27315145000 or e-mail reservations@oysterbox.co.za
