The Grand Terrace Suites at The Berkeley, London, UK

In a continuation of its spruce-up that has already unveiled a brand new set of public spaces and a fancy new entrance by architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, London’s Berkeley hotel has now turned its attention to its first floor guest rooms.

In an unexpected departure from its otherwise British leaning, the new look has a distinct Asian flavour, thanks to architect John Heah, who has imparted his signature understated sensibility with swathes of Indonesian teak and cleverly concealed lighting that lends the spaces a warm glow.

Furnishings are a pleasing mix of bespoke pieces, designed by Heah with B&B Italia, and classics such as the Carl Malmsten sofa, which was brought back into production for this project. Black Serge Mouille lamps give a masculine boost to the neutral palette, which continues to the bathrooms, where black Dornbracht bathroom fittings are set against a flow of natural stone. 

Elsewhere, high skirting, grey fabric walls and curved ceilings - Heah’s modern interpretation of an old English parlour – are a nod to the hotel’s provenance. Although from some suites, views of the neighbouring St Paul’s Church, provide an undeniable British sense of place.