MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA (BW) – The Kent, an Island Outpost hotel, has re-opened with a new look, feel and design. Renowned designer Barbara Hulanicki has completed a floor-to-ceiling renovation of the art-deco property, originally designed and built by L. Murray Dixon in 1939.
The 54-room property sports a chic and modern lobby, complete with fluorescent Lucite accents, brushed steel ceiling fans, colorful cube furniture and a projection wall clock. Small toys adorn the lobby, creating a playful guest experience, perfect for South Beach. The Los Angeles Times recently referred to the new Kent as “A hipster hotel…for Miami’s rocker set.”
Each of the guest rooms is painted in a calming lilac tone, with brushed steel accents, blond wood flooring, as well as a TV/VCR, fully stocked minibar, CD player and CD library. The hallways are metallic and modern, with silver fisheye mirrors on every door; rubber-studded flooring; steel ceiling fans and accents such as silver beanbags and a disco ball in the stairwell.
The Kent Garden described by Hulanicki as “acid jungle” is a lush area, with massive foliage and giant mirrors, all set on a lake-like floor. The Garden can be used as an area for relaxing, yoga, cocktail receptions and corporate events. Additionally, the Kent offers the Hibiscus Room, which can be used for production and small meetings, accommodating up to 20 people.
The stylistic highlight of the Kent is the 800 square-foot Lucite Suite. This suite is outfitted with clear Lucite furniture and appliances, and accented by mother of pearl. The furnishings were custom-designed for the Lucite Suite, even down to the clear, feather pillows on the chairs. Accents such as metallic lamps with a retro 50’s look are reminiscent of the South Beach of the 1970’s, when Lucite debuted.
“The Kent was so much fun to put together,” said Barbara Hulanicki, Designer of many of the Island Outpost properties. “I really had an opportunity to get a little wild in designing the new look of this property, especially with the Lucite Suite – it is definitely one of my most playful projects,” Hulanicki added.
