Two Wonderfully Contrasting Projects from Protocol

During November we are enjoying a wonderfully diverse series of case studies which celebrate design for hospitality. Today we bring you two projects by Protocol Furniture, a leading supplier of contract furniture in the UK, providing a wide range of furnishing solutions to clients in the Leisure, Corporate, University, Hospitality and Care industry for almost 25 years.

Baboush

The interior design of Middle-Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant Baboush is unapologetically over the top. Unlike most restaurants with this type of cuisine that would opt for a colourful, culturally influenced 1001-night theme, Baboush boldly goes for a sort of Rococo meets gangster-nouveau-riche décor. Interesting, beautiful and oozing luxury and decadence with every detail.

The colour scheme of this design is black, gold and crystal. The stark contrast of materials such as the black velvet upholstery, snakeskin leather, panther prints, gold studding and deep set buttons in black leather accentuate the style perfectly.

Interior designer and owner of Baboush Mehmet Hassan’s extreme attention to detail assures that a look that could have been tacky, is beautifully executed, opulent and sexy. Golden tables, golden cutlery, elaborate crystal cocktail glasses, richly decorated gilded mirror frames, even the exterior furniture is in style: antique-look polypropylene armchairs.

“Having worked with Protocol before, I knew they understood my vision and they would help design the bespoke pieces and install the furniture that would enable me to make Baboush a unique and special venue, I love the area, as it’s unique and it’s a landmark building. It’s not going to be a Turkish takeaway, it’s going to look like a palace, internally and externally, when I’m finished with it.”

This sumptuous design will perhaps not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that is why the superb food makes sure the décor is not the only enjoyable feature of Baboush. The expressive and seductive flavours and spices of the dishes compliment the same qualities in the interior design. Baboush is located in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

Furniture supplied by Protocol Furniture.

Fabric supplier: Sekers fabrics, Harlequin.

Formby Hall

Formby Hall is located to the north-east of Formby in the English metropolitan county of Merseyside. The present house, built for William Formby, dates back to 1523 but it is believed that the Formby family has occupied the site since the 12th century.  

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa has recently undergone a 2.4 million refurbishment, including the expansion of the spa and health club and improvements to its 18-hole Championship golf course. The public areas, restaurant, bar & grill, conference/function rooms and the 62 contemporary en-suite bedrooms all went through a substantial upgrading of facilities and new interior design. 

The designer that has taken up this challenge is Mark Green from Curveline Design. The design brief was fairly flexible, Formby Hall was looking for a luxurious and yet comfortable design. Suitable for a grand hall, aesthetically pleasing as well as homely. To achieve this, soft fabrics and colours were chosen, contrasted by bolder details and shapes to maintain character in the design. 

The public lounge areas are soft on the eye due to warm pastel colours and shades of grey, comfortable velvets and satins, subtle patterns. Copper hanging and wall-mounted lighting is a recurring design feature throughout the Hall and offers a contrast in material and a pop of colour. 

Not a standard bedroom in sight, just individually designed and beautifully appointed loft style living spaces. The slightly retro-look Camille chairs and lounge chairs bring style and character to the rooms without turning it into a theme. 

The dining room shows off a bolder colour scheme with dark marine blue fabrics against lighter blue pastels on the walls and panelling. The traditional deep-buttoned leather booth seating gives the room a sense of status and luxury. 

Furniture supplied by Protocol Furniture.

Fabric supplier: Panaz fabrics, Skopos fabrics.