Singaporean Hospitality design firm LTW have completed a design-led Pullman hotel in Kaifeng, China that references the architecture of it’s neighbour – an ancient imperial palace.

The city was the capital of ancient China during the Northern Song dynasty, and as such is steeped in history and culture.

LTW were commissioned to reflect this in their design for the Pullman Kaifeng Jianye, which subsequently features an expansive layout, sloping roofs and numerous other design elements inspired by ancient Chinese architecture. These are juxtaposed with modern touches to “unify Kaifeng’s imperial past and contemporary concepts.”

The guest rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows to provide ample natural light, “bringing attention to the clean lines of the interiors.” Murals depicting ancient Chinese art line the walls, and lighting is inspired by lanterns.

Chrysanthemum motifs – which are a symbol of the city – are used widely, while “a neutral and earthy colour palette accentuates intimate spaces and creates a calming atmosphere where both leisure and business travellers can fully unwind.”

Traditional architectural elements are incorporated into the interiors to echo the building’s façade, such as in the Presidential Suite where the curvature of the ceiling corresponds to the undulating roof.

Lim Hiong Lien and Teo Su Seam, LTW’s partners, have said that the rise of online lodging service Airbnb means interior designers should shift their focus towards creating “residential-style interiors that are characterised by simplicity and comfort, matched with luxurious touches.”

“In the future, there will be an emphasis on a less-is-more approach, with meaningful design details without being overly decorated,” they added. “As hotel design gears towards a more universal look familiar to frequent travellers, designers will need to develop a stronger narrative for the interior space and to add a sense of place.”

LTW’s previous hotel projects include Conrad Beijing, Hylandia by Shangri-La, Four Seasons Seoul and Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay.