Since dhk Interior Design (dhki) launched at the end of 2022, the team has created several memorable hospitality venues. Their focus is to help clients enhance the experience for hotel guests, drive occupancies and attract revenue. Here’s a selection of some notable projects the team has worked on – some of which have been delivered in collaboration with our architectural and urban design teams.
Grand Hotel, Cape Town
In December 2023, the newly refurbished Grand Hotel at Grandwest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town was officially opened to the public. The glitzy launch event marked the culmination of a successful collaboration between dhki and dhk, when we combined forces to revitalise the grand old lady for Sun International.
Built in 1894, the original Grand Hotel building stood on the corner of Strand and Adderley Streets in Cape Town until it was demolished in 1952. A replica was built at Grandwest in 2000, preserving a piece of the city’s architectural history while adapting it for contemporary needs. In the most recent renovation, the extension of two new wings and the addition of 68 rooms enhance the hotel’s capacity without compromising its historical aesthetic. The wings were designed to match the distinctive original pale yellow, contrasted against the ornate white filigree ironwork and a grey slate roof. A second phase of renovation is due to start this year.
dhki designed the refurbished interiors to replicate the unique history of Cape Town’s art, architecture and natural beauty. Classical features such as mouldings and dado rails maintain the historical aesthetic, while the colour palette is more contemporary. Burgundy, cream, white and brown reflect the Cape’s unique floral kingdom and the winelands. The carpets bear the same designs as the original hotel fit-out, while floor tiles in passages replicate an historical design found in Victorian townhouses. The rooms are designed with hints of the original Victorian aesthetic, seen in plush headboards, marble wall coverings and brass fittings. Most of the materials were sourced from local manufacturers based either in Cape Town itself or in South Africa, and all upholstery was done locally, in Stellenbosch. Read the full article on the Grand Hotel here.
Delaire Graff Estate’s Owner’s Villa and Superior Lodges, Stellenbosch
Delaire Graff Estate’s Owner’s Villa and Superior Lodges, Stellenbosch
Over the years, teams at dhki and dhk have added their design flair to the Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, a venue world-renowned for its fine wine, exquisite interiors and commitment to celebrating African art. dhk designed the winery, restaurant and tasting room in 2009. In 2019, we completed the accommodation offering, which comprised a four-bedroom villa for the owner and six superior guest lodges.
The brief was to establish a new standard of luxury accommodation while creating closer connections to the greater estate. London-based David Collins Studio designed the interior spaces, and dhki was charged with implementing the interior design concept with meticulous precision. Refined and elegant, the villa and lodges are of exceptional quality with high-end finishes and careful detailing throughout. dhk introduced a selection of natural and raw materials, including solid French oak trusses, stone-clad walls, thatched roofs and extended timber terraces. Extensive landscaping creates a greater coalescence with the surrounding mountain and vineyards.
Pre-concept design proposal for Lemuria Private Villas.
Lumeria Private Villas, Seychelles
In August 2024, dhk and dhki were invited to submit a pre-concept design proposal for Lemuria Private Villas at the Constance Lemuria resort located on the prominent Millers Point, on Praslin Island in the Seychelles. The 11 new villas would be integrated with the existing resort, as part of the proposed resort expansion project.
The architectural and interior design concepts were conceived to be the epitome of luxury, offering guests a new, unique experience. The proposal offered a view of how villas could sit within the natural environment, making the most of the unique location between ocean, shore and golf course, and drawing on design elements that would reference the existing lodge.
The interior design wove in hints of Praslin’s diverse heritage, creating a luxurious look and feel deeply rooted in local traditions. Vibrant motifs inspired by Austronesian art and dance were incorporated to enliven the spaces, while facets of traditional tattoo designs added a touch of intrigue.
This inspiration offered glimpses of the island’s art, culture, history, aesthetics and music, in tranquil spaces, natural materials and rich textures. The traditional Sega dance inspired dynamic fabric patterns, bold colours and elements conveying movement. Fabrics with flowing lines and swirling motifs reflected the dance’s fluidity. Bright colours – reds, yellows, blues – captured its energy. Draped curtains and textiles with cascading designs evoked the same sense of emotion.
Reflections of rich spices like cinnamon were incorporated to bring warmth, depth and richness to the interior design. Rough-hewn wood, woven textiles and rich fabrics echoed cinnamon bark. Patterns on wallpapers or upholstery referenced the delicate textures of spices to add visual interest. These were complemented by deep warm tones of brown, amber and red to create a sense of intimacy. Scented candles or diffusers were introduced to evoke the Seychelles’ fragrant environment. The overall intention of the design was to stimulate all the senses, in a sensual, immersive experience for guests.
Access to Africa
The dhki team has also started to make inroads into the African continent. The team developed concepts for a hotel in the centre of Maputo, in Mozambique. In Namibia, they are working on a new project in Swakopmund. This is an exciting recent commission to design the interiors for a hotel perched on the edge of the rolling dunes. Watch this space for more details about that one.
