Hotel style: Union Bank Inn

By: Helen Racanelli

Hotel Style

Jul 6, 2008

Hotel style: Union Bank Inn

By: Helen Racanelli

The hotel
Trendy and immaculate, Edmonton's Union Bank Inn is a heritage building in the downtown business and arts district. Once a circa-1910 bank, in 1997 it was transformed into a chic boutique hotel. Its 34 rooms cater not only to business types, but also to globetrotting hipsters. An entire wing of the hotel is dedicated to 14 designer-decorated rooms, ranging from red Victorian-style boudoirs to ultramodern minimalist spaces. Our fave? This glam and restful suite by Edmonton-based Go Design Group.

The look
The key to this fresh look: Soft colours and a mix of modern and contemporary furniture. We love the pendant lights and lamps, the mix of tables, and the comfy neutral slipper chairs. Even the ceiling ties in to the blue of the throw pillows and artwork -- it's a pretty robin's egg hue. What makes the room so visually appealing, according to its designer, Tammy MacKay of Go Design Group, is "the use of textures -- silk, velvet, faux fur and suede," she says. "Also, the use of three small, inexpensive pendant lights together in a cluster, which make a large 'chandelier'-type arrangement."

The inspiration
"The style of the room is 'glamorous comfort.' It's supposed to evoke a '40s Hollywood glamour type of feel," says Tammy, a registered interior designer. "The inspiration came from a Chanel basic wool suit that is timeless -- the texture of the fabric, the sparkle of the buttons and the simple classic lines," she says. "The headboard is a large button-tufted chocolate velvet. The tension between this, the cut-glass mirror and the glass tiles on the fireplace make it interesting by providing a bit of sparkle."

DIY suggestions
Love this bedroom look? Here's how to get it.

Where to shop: "Places like The Bay or Sears have items you could purchase to achieve this look," Tammy says. "It's a hunting expedition to find the perfect piece!" That's true, but we know you're busy, so we've done some of the hunting for you.

&productIdPaint is an easy way to get this glam vibe. "All the paint is by Benjamin Moore," Tammy says. "The wall colour is Manchester Tan HC-81, and the ceiling is Colorado Gray 2136-50."

Look-alike accessories can be found at IKEA for under $30: for instance, the Tranby round mirror and Klasbo table lamp.

Constructing an upholstered headboard is a relatively straightforward DIY project, Tammy says. But if you're not so inclined, Sears carries an upholstered version called the Sierra that reflects the room's warm brown tones.

Getting your bed linens as movie-star-rumpled as these is a cinch. "Get this look by layering textures rather than pattern," says Tammy. Layer your bed with a beige duvet and sheets and a faux-fur throw, contrasted with light blue pillows. IKEA has Tupplur sheets and shams in the perfect beige shade, and Sears has a faux-fur throw in brown.