Key Takeaways
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Sklar Studio led a full redesign of the public spaces at GALLERYone, a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton condo hotel in Fort Lauderdale.
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The project included the front desk, bar, restaurant, coffee lounge, and lobby—each space reimagined with coastal-inspired palettes, commercial-grade furnishings, and updated layouts.
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From Le Beaumont seating to Cubo dining tables and durable lounge pieces, the redesign brought warmth, functionality, and style to this high-traffic waterfront property, all completed while the hotel remained open to guests.
A Refreshing Redesign: Transforming GALLERYone
Commercial projects are a great opportunity to show off our design ability, wow our clients, and delight their customers and staff. A recent project in Fort Lauderdale gave us a chance to execute a redesign on two stories of GALLERYone, a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton that’s both a condominium and hotel.
GALLERYone is a condo hotel that overlooks the intercoastal waterway at the Sunrise Bridge in Fort Lauderdale. The Highrise was built in 1986 and has 256 units, that are mainly one bedroom. The goal for this project was to update the common area spaces and create a warm and inviting feel by the water. The project included the front desk, a coffee area, the restaurant, and bar. Linda Paton, our Vice President of Customer Relations was the lead designer on the project.
The first task was to create a color palette that would become the visual foundation for the project. Using the colors from the water and sand, Linda created a combination that would blend well with the current flooring yet provide a more relaxing and calm atmosphere for visitors. She knew she wanted furniture that was usable as well as wearable. Ownership tasked her with creating a fun sports bar atmosphere where the guests can gather and enjoy gameday!
The process needed to be done quickly while the hotel was open. Work had to be done at times when guests were not using the areas. Linda and her team worked to make sure as furniture and fixturing was being removed, the new items followed closely behind.
Upon entering the hotel, guests are welcomed by a newly redesigned front desk that sets a warm, inviting tone. Textured wallpaper adds depth to the wall behind, where schools of fish appear to drift by, introducing a subtle sense of movement. To the left, the lobby unfolds into a relaxed seating area with comfortable chairs and sofas. The Le Beaumont Chair lines the windows, offering a place to pause, gather, or simply take in the surroundings.
A coordinating blue rug, paired with the Le Beaumont Sofa and Marshmallow Poufs, evokes the feeling of the ocean drifting into the space. Framed artwork from Masters Fine Art adds a vibrant layer throughout, reinforcing the hotel’s coastal contemporary aesthetic.
The previous bar felt dark and uninviting. By removing an overhead element, refacing the bar, introducing bright Schema pendant lights, and adding multiple televisions, the space was transformed into a lively, welcoming destination. A shuffleboard and pool table were incorporated alongside new seating, including the Le Cournoyer Sectional and Day Barstools, creating a dynamic environment where guests can gather and unwind.
The coffee bar was thoughtfully redesigned to feel both refreshed and inviting, with multiple seating areas introduced to support a more relaxed, social atmosphere. The Damien Lounge Chair, with its hand-twisted abaca rope detailing, brings texture and craftsmanship to the space. Paired with the Astoria Coffee Tables, the setting offers a comfortable and refined place to enjoy a morning coffee.
The restaurant was reimagined to feel both inviting and highly functional. The original colors and layout felt dated, despite a spectacular view that became central to the redesign. By introducing the Cubo Tables and Mia Dining Chairs, alongside new wallpaper, artwork, and a reconfiguration of the waitstaff station and buffet bar, the space was transformed into a warm, welcoming environment for guests to enjoy throughout the day.
Commercial projects require a distinct approach from residential design, balancing brand identity with the functional demands of the space. Materials are carefully selected for durability and wearability without compromising comfort or visual appeal. Through trusted vendor partnerships, Sklar is able to source striking, commercial-grade pieces that stand up to daily use, delivering refined, high-performing environments on time and on budget.
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