The guests are greeted by an open meandering two-story lobby and new patterned terrazzo floors. A custom neon sign in the reception lobby nostalgically beckons “Come Go with Me”. Moving through the reception, the focal point becomes the refurbished existing grand staircase and a custom chandelier fabricated with cascading cymbals. Other lobby features include; hand cut mirrored walls, a large central fireplace, and a hidden bar lounge, which is clad entirely in emerald green velvet for a sense of mystery and drama associated with the fathoms and myths of the ocean.
The owner commissioned FODA to renovate the bank, paying homage to this town’s rich history. We featured historical images, the town’s original currency, farming equipment, and the people of Wilson as the art program. They also wanted to maintain the original Art Deco teller stations detailed with aluminum and dramatic pale pink marble accented with amber and plum veining, which became the backdrop for our palette. We balanced the feminine Art Deco lines and bold marble of the teller station with an updated neutral masculine envelope of warm greys, bright nickels, dark charcoals, creams and cognac throughout the property.
We used traditional elements from the Mexican culture in unique and unexpected ways. Guests are welcomed into the subterranean spa by a deep indigo reception area featuring white furnishings and megagraphic mandalas paying homage to local embroidery patterns. The communal lounge is enveloped by turquoise beaded privacy curtains, with a custom chandelier fabricated from Folk dancer skirts anchored above the sunken lounge seating area.
Quintessential decorative Mexican tiles are installed with a creative twist as a border in the treatment corridors. Each of the 13 treatment rooms is identified with its own iconic tarot card graphic image, set against a crisp white backdrop. Punched tin star pendants cast playful shadows for a subtle mood.
By layering a neutral backdrop with dramatic dark mahogany, bronze accents, and deep indigo and pewter upholstery, we created a strong, masculine and timeless aesthetic for the interior. This project is an independent bank property consisting of loan offices, open office space, reception, teller areas, executive offices, restrooms, and a boardroom.
The furniture and finishes and fixtures give a youthful feel to the property. The various media selected brings a sense of wonder and playfulness to each area whether with paintings, photography, murals on the ceiling and stairs, or even with the custom kinetic spinning totems in the entrance. By layering the new with the old, the building is a welcoming yet impressive space for all who visit.