Le Général

Hotel Le Général, Paris is unashamedly cool. Close to the Place de la République in the heart of the 11th arrondisement, the hotel is located in one of the French capital’s trendiest districts. Surrounded by bars, music venues, history, art and fashion, Le Général manages to epitomise the cultural vibrancy of its neighbourhood. The interiors are contemporary and luxurious, but the combination of moody, dark walls and colourful Ulster carpets invites you to stay a while, creating a cosy – but always cool environment.

Working closely with Jean Philippe Nuel, Ulster designed bespoke woven axminster carpets which reflect the cultural melting pot of the area and the social connections enjoyed both inside and outside the hotel. The carpet in the public areas creates relaxed social spaces, which would not look out of place in an upmarket loft apartment – emphasising the home away from home relaxation. The design itself employs a bright, joyful colour palette which acts as a background to the haphazard joining and parting of strong ‘zigzag’ lines, representing life and the branches of human connection, both long and fleeting. In the guest rooms, the theme is continued however, a more restful monochrome colour palette is used.

Le Méridien Étoile occupies an enviable location close to the Champs Élysées and the Paris Convention Centre making it the perfect choice for both business and leisure visits to the French capital. Ulster Carpets worked with Michaelis Boyd to develop designs based on Parisian landmarks for the meeting rooms, conference spaces and public areas in the hotel. The meeting room carpets were based on the famous Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, while the public spaces such as the lobby areas were  based on a street map of the city.

EPR Architects and London Heathrow Marriott were last night awarded a ‘European Hotel Design Award’ in the ‘Event Spaces’ category thanks to their new look conference space, complete with bespoke Ulster carpets. The project comes as part of a multi – million pound refurbishment programme which has seen an impressive transformation of the hotel’s business areas.

Taking their inspiration from an aerial view of the airport, Ulster designers worked with E.P.R Architects to create the unique design. A geometric pattern peaks through ‘clouds’ of texture creating a whimsical, almost 3D effect, which mimics the glimpses of the landscape passengers are afforded as they fly into Heathrow.

The carpets add the finishing touches to what is now a state of the art conference facility in a convenient location for international visitors. Ulster have enjoyed a long established relationship with the Marriott Hotel group and are delighted to have been a part of this most recent project. The European Hotel Design award winners were announced last night (21st November) at the Park Plaza Westminster. Congratulations EPR on your win!

Set To Inspire

From a grand architectural ceiling to something as seemingly insignificant as frozen patterns stretching across the roof of a car, design is everywhere. The external environment and these often unnoticed details greatly influence my creativity on a daily basis. Together with the Ulster design team we hope to curate these moments of inspiration in our new blog, to enthuse and excite your design sensibility.

What’s new?

Ulster are delighted to have been asked to weave a rug for one of the concept bedroom sets – the Performer Tribe – at Sleep 2016. Created by StudioProof in London the design, shown below, reflects the demands of the discerning individual in the ‘performer tribe’ with an expectation of modernity and a space which is suitable for both business and leisure. This will be on display at Sleep 2016 as part of the ‘Sleep Set’ at The Business Design Centre, London on the 22 -23 November.

The Ritz – Carlton Budapest is a palatial retreat in the cultural heart of Budapest close to St Stephen’s Basilica, overlooking the city’s jewel – the river Danube.  Ulster Carpets worked closely with GA Design to create bespoke woven axminster for this exciting project in the Hungarian capital.  Armed with a brief to create a contemporary, luxurious feel which reflected the hotel’s surroundings, Ulster created a number of designs for the lobby, corridors and guest rooms within the newly opened hotel.

The story running through the building is one inspired by the idea of ‘The Blue Danube’. Shimmering blue and grey tones are predominant in the carpet designs and tie the entire interior scheme together.

The strongest statement is in the lobby and guestroom carpets. The carpet in the lobby is aimed to express a lot of energy movement of the flow of the river which is in a linear direction drawing guests into the hotel and towards the reception desk.  The patterns are deliberately intended to create swirls which mimic the ebb and flow of a river and the movement of water.  The greys and whites in this carpet also create a feeling of light on the surface of the water and touch on the possibility of ice in the river which occurs in the depths of a Hungarian winter. The idea of ice and the blue water is particularly brought out in the guestroom carpet which makes a very modern statement and adds a splash of drama within the room, contrasting the classical decor elements. In the basement the intention is different.  The water theme is still there but it is more moody and ‘standing’ and therefore more appropriate to the low situation.  Again the tone on tones of blues and greys are here.

Ulster are delighted to work on such a high profile project – The Ritz-Carlton’s first establishment in Hungary. Ulster have worked alongside the prestigious brand on a number of projects around the world including The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi and The Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

Back in September, Cunard Cruise Lines launched the remastered Queen Mary 2 to rapturous reviews. The iconic ship underwent a £90million refurbishment which took over 8 million hours to complete and included 21,500sqm of bespoke Ulster axminster carpet.

The Ulster carpets were designed and crafted in the UK in conjunction with SMC Design. All of the designs are truly exceptional with many boasting intricate and three dimensional elements. The geometric prints epitomise an era of luxury, sophistication and glamour; sentiments which are evident through the opulent and cohesive decor scheme on board. Although the interiors are inspired by the history and regal heritage of the ship, the ‘Ulster’ carpets bring an element of modernism. The colours were carefully selected to complement the striking designs, with royal reds, golds and deep sea blues flowing under your feet. The most fabulous carpeting feature is without a doubt the retro style ‘starburst’ carpet in the main atrium, which is the show piece of the ship.

Image Credits
Queen Mary 2
SMC Design
Parrott Photography

To view more images of the Queen Mary, Click here

Deep in the heart of the 11th arrondisement, a talented team of carpet purveyors are busy settling in to a chic new office they will call home. Ulster Carpets’ Parisian team have relocated from their previous suburban base to this more central location on the right bank of the River Seine. The area, which houses the Opera Bastille, is known for being both ‘bohemian and bourgeois’ – exuding artistic flair but demanding the luxury and style for which Paris is renowned.

Ulster have had a presence in the French capital for a number of years where the appetite for quality aligns with the company’s superior bespoke axminster offering. Unique technology allows Ulster designers to create flooring masterpieces which grace the floors of the likes of the George V and the stunning ballroom of the Intercontinental Le Grand. These traditional designs are in contrast to two recently completed projects in the capital, Le Meridien Etoile and Le General. Both projects used textural and contemporary designs to reflect the spirit of the vibrant city. Ulster have sales and design teams around the world, ensuring first class customer service and local market knowledge at all times.