Named after one of Sliema’s remaining well-preserved streets, Amery House is one of a few boutique hotels in the area located conveniently close to the bustling parts of town, but distant enough from the crowds. Its location on Amery Street served as a starting point for its interior design, led by Clive Falzon, Co-founder of Atmosphere Design.
“The client’s primary objective was to create a tranquil and relaxing place for guests in the otherwise bustling town of Sliema. Being a seaside town, it was also the client’s aim to reflect the concept of Malta’s surrounding sea in the design while also giving this boutique establishment a local context.”
The property’s relatively small spaces called for an attentive approach to spatial planning to ensure the desired objectives of creating a welcoming, stylish and comfortable lodging are achieved.
“As we set out to work on this project, we knew from the start that we would need to maximise every inch of the property without creating a cluttered environment,” says Clive. “The goal of the proposed designs was therefore to create an ambience conducive to a relaxing and restful stay through the adequate choice of materials, colours, textures and furnishings.”
The interiors were also designed to convey a sense of elegance and style typically associated with small-scale accommodations of this kind. “Seamless and subtle design elements are perceptible within the different areas of the property, and the end result provides a ‘chic’ yet very approachable place for guests.”
The entrance of Amery House sets the scene for the style of decor expected inside. In the reception and lobby area, earth colours and natural-looking materials give the space a modern and welcoming aesthetic.
“Light oak timber features throughout the establishment, as does a textured stone-coloured flooring and touches of concrete,” says Clive. “A subtle shade of taupe was chosen to cover all exposed walls, emphasising that calming ambience in various spaces. The main common areas of Amery House also feature a marble finish, which besides being appealing to the eye, also compliments and emphasises the overall feel we set out to achieve.”
The interior designer adds that the guest rooms reflect the same design intent, where a mix of materials, textures and colours work together to provide an ideal resting place, accentuated by subtly decorative wallpaper, upholstered beds and complimentary soft furnishings.
“The attention to detail in the planned and coordinated designs runs consistently throughout the entire place, creating the desired harmonious feel we set out to obtain,” says Clive.
“Starting with the various furniture and joinery works, there’s a consistency in the choice of materials and designed pieces which all compliment each other. All main pieces of furniture in the common areas as well as the bedrooms were customised and designed specifically to achieve this ambience.”
Accompanying the neutral palette is a touch of black metal featured in the smaller decorative elements, such as the handles, doorknobs, switches and lamps. “The same applies to the signage of Amery House, specifically designed to complement the rest of the look, from the door numbers to the general directional signage across the property.”
Subtle references to the hotel’s local context and its proximity to the sea were incorporated into the interiors. Touches of blue were introduced through furniture, such as the lobby sofa and armchairs, while the photographic theme displayed on the walls centres on Malta’s landscape with a strong focus on coastal areas, from the island’s creeks and beaches to the traditional luzzu and its keen sailing community.
“We are confident that through the implemented designs, the project managed to achieve the desired objectives, which has been confirmed by the hotel’s guest reviews who complement the interiors and overall ambience of Amery House, despite its relatively short time in operation.”
Photography: Brian Grech
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