Project: The Champlain Waterfront Hotel
Project Location: Orillia, Ontario Canada
Designer: Corinne Ritsick
Design Firm: Ritsick Design Associates

Tableaux Decorative Grilles on Ceiling and Front Desk Wall in The Champlain Waterfront Hotel

An array of custom Tableaux Decorative Grilles adorn this stunning entrance lobby ceiling and front desk wall at The Champlain Waterfront Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection. 

Designer Corinne Ritsick of design firm Ritsick Design Associates contacted Tableaux about a challenging project in which she was tasked with updating the interior feel of this boutique hotel while respecting the historical aspects of the building.

Exterior View of The Champlain Waterfront Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection

Q: With regard to design, what were the needs and expectations of your client for this project?

We were commissioned to create a boutique destination experience where old and new collide at this magnificent waterfront location in Central Ontario.

A photo of a previous Tableaux project showing decorative grilles with metal framing custom designed for a similar installation into a ceiling was used as inspiration. Tableaux Designers also created a preliminary drawing showing the proposed “Amboise” design pattern and layout of the ceiling for this project. 

Q: What challenges did you face in meeting the design goals of this project?

The hotel was built in 1932 and restored several times over the years. Preserving its local history while enhancing the beautiful 19th century building with an 82-year-old downtown presence was important to the integrity of the design.

 

As with many historical buildings, the footprint of several areas in this property were quite small so the impact of materials and finishes had to be big. We created a sense of spaciousness and interaction with updated features reflecting traditional patterns with a 21st century motif in a relaxed contemporary interior.

The initial design (shown below) called for three long panels at the front of the ceiling sections which would not show any seams where joined. This would require a special mending technique that would add cost to the project. The drawing also illustrated several potential installation methods.

Tableaux Decorative Grilles Initial Shop Drawing for Champlain Waterfront Hotel

The next set of drawings below included a separate drawing for the front desk wall sections and a final drawing showing revised dimensions, and Tableaux’s suggested alternative way of laying out the ceiling so that mending would not be required thus reducing cost. 

Corinne chose to use the Tableaux Veneer™ product family as the material which uses panels made with a real walnut hardwood veneer over an industrial-grade MDF core. She specified Tableaux’s dark “Rockford” aged finish to provide contrast for a dramatic look.

As one 5-star reviewer and local guide commented; “Looks like a historic building from the outside but really tastefully decorated inside. Modern, stylish, and beautiful.”

Tableaux Decorative Grilles on Ceiling and Front Desk Wall in The Champlain Waterfront Hotel

Q: How did Tableaux Decorative Grilles help meet the design goals and vision for this project?

We created a sense of arrival by using the Amboise decorative grilles to draw guests toward the French inspired mirrored front desk. The suspended design above reflected the unique hexagonal pattern on the floor below. We continued the Amboise grilles as a beautiful three-dimensional backdrop to the front desk.

Ritsick Design Associates is a vibrant, nimble interior design company passionate about Hospitality and comprised of talented, dedicated, and creative team members. We are motivated to create unique and memorable spaces that leave long lasting impressions for our clients, their guests and staff. 

The Champlain Waterfront Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection, is a historic boutique hotel that is in the heart of Orillia’s downtown. Located steps away from the beautiful waterfront and Port of Orillia and within walking distance to unique shops and eatery.

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