The Brief
Drawing inspiration from the building’s maritime heritage—as the former headquarters of the Cunard Shipping Company—the interior design concept celebrates the golden age of travel and exotic ports of call. With destinations like Cuba, the Mediterranean, and the Far East informing the palette and styling, the spaces evoke a rich sense of adventure and international elegance.
Led by DLSM Studio, the design scheme embraces earthy tones, layered textures, and bold decorative elements to immerse guests in a story of global exploration. Viero UK were brought on board to support this narrative through bespoke surface finishes that complemented the tropical materials, sculptural features, and dramatic planting woven throughout the scheme.
Our work focused on delivering refined, hand-applied finishes that would add character, cohesion, and warmth to both front-of-house and bedroom environments—balancing aesthetic beauty with the durability demands of a luxury hospitality setting.
Finish Specification
For this project, we applied a range of hand-crafted venetian plasters across ceilings and walls in both the public areas and newly created basement bedrooms.
One of the key finishes specified was our signigture finish, Veneto - renowned for its depth, softness, and refined texture. This mineral-based finish is applied in multiple layers and then hand-compressed using specialist steel trowels. The result is a smooth, organic surface with elegant tonal variation and a rich tactile quality that complements the hotel’s layered design scheme.
This finish was chosen not only for its luxurious aesthetic but also for its long-term durability in high-traffic hospitality environments.
For more information about this finish or to request a sample, click here.
Installation Process
At Viero UK, our skilled craftsmen played a vital role in bringing the design vision to life at The Trafalgar St. James. Working closely with the design and project teams, we meticulously applied our Veneto finish across multiple ceilings and wall surfaces throughout the hotel.
The process began with careful preparation and mixing of the mineral-based Venetian plaster to achieve the correct consistency and tone. The product was then applied in several thin layers using specialist steel trowels, with each layer hand-compressed to create a smooth, organic surface rich in texture and variation.
Given the five-star nature of the venue, precision and consistency were paramount. Our team ensured every surface met the exacting standards expected in a luxury hospitality environment—balancing visual softness with long-term durability suited to high-traffic public areas.
The Result
The result is a bold yet timeless expression of modern hospitality, with finishes that speak to both the hotel’s legacy and its contemporary aspirations. The Rockwell Bar now exudes an inviting opulence, while the reception and lounge areas set a calm yet confident tone as guests arrive. In the newly developed bedrooms and bathrooms, our finishes contribute to a sense of quiet luxury and transportive calm.
For Viero UK, this project was an opportunity to showcase how surface finishes can subtly transform mood and atmosphere—enhancing the identity of a space without overpowering it. The Trafalgar St. James Curio stands today as a distinctive and elevated experience for guests, and a proud addition to our growing portfolio in the luxury hospitality sector.
