An Interview with Tullio Orlandi, Interior Architect & Designer, on The George Hotel Redesign

Interviewer: Today, we’re speaking with Tullio Orlandi, the talented interior architect and designer responsible for the recent transformation of The George Hotel. Tullio, thank you for joining us. Could you start by telling us what inspired the redesign of The George Hotel?

Tullio Orlandi: Thank you for having me. The George Hotel is located in the heart of the city centre, which gives it an excellent location. However, the rooms were in need of a full design update. Working within the existing space and budget constraints meant we had to carefully consider both the current state of the hotel and its robust 150-year history of debutantes, dinner dances, and legendary disco parties.

Interviewer: Balancing historical significance with modern design must have been challenging. How did you approach this?

Tullio Orlandi: The George has always been a place where society gathered and culture was created. We wanted to continue this tradition while modernising the space for today’s guests. Our aim was to create a chic, eclectic scheme for each room and a pared-back industrial look for the hotel’s restaurant. We honoured the building’s original features by embracing the signature symmetry of classic Georgian architecture. We updated the spaces through gracious proportions, avoiding elements that felt heavy or outdated. The result is a light yet stately retrofit of the 42 rooms, maximising the small space for a luxurious boutique stay.

Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the design principles that guided your work on the rooms?

Tullio Orlandi: Playful serenity became our guiding principle. We looked for minimalist ways to create a strong aesthetic impact. For instance, we used softly textured pillows and upholstered headboards with suede detailing, set against bold aquamarine tongue and groove detailing to create a strong focal point in each room. We paired balanced yet distinctly different art pieces to instil a sense of light-heartedness. Furniture inspired by the client’s Mid-century concept direction was kept elevated and transparent, allowing light to travel around the space and avoiding any cluttered confines or stodgy seriousness.

Interviewer: The Vincenzo Grill House has a fascinating history as a legendary nightclub. How did you approach its redesign?

Tullio Orlandi: Vincenzo Grill House required a contemporary translation of the joie de vivre that originally put this space on the map. We wanted to reflect its vibrant past while aligning it with the overall direction of the hotel’s update. The result is a space that remains lively and engaging, blending historical charm with modern sophistication.

Interviewer: It sounds like a lot of thoughtful consideration went into each aspect of the redesign. Any final thoughts on the project?

Tullio Orlandi: It was a wonderful journey to breathe new life into The George Hotel. Our goal was to create spaces that honour the past while offering a modern, luxurious experience for guests. I believe we’ve achieved that balance, and I hope our guests will enjoy every moment of their stay.

Interviewer: I’m sure they will. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Tullio.

Tullio Orlandi: My pleasure. Thank you!