Harlem’s Studio Museum shows off its new home, Chicago O’Hare could soon welcome the country’s first airport gay bar, and rising tensions in the Middle East are causing widespread flight disruptions. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.

The Studio Museum in Harlem reveals new details ahead of fall reopening

The Studio Museum in Harlem’s new building; photo by Dror Baldinger FAIA, courtesy of Studio Museum in Harlem

The Studio Museum in Harlem has unveiled details for its fall 2025 reopening, highlighting a bold lineup of exhibitions and installations in its new 82,000-square-foot building, which was designed by Adjaye Associates in collaboration with Cooper Robertson. Visitors will encounter a major presentation of Tom Lloyd—whose 1968 show inaugurated the museum—and a dynamic rotating display from the permanent collection that spans two centuries of art by creators of African descent. The opening will also feature archival photography and ephemera tracing the museum’s 56-year history, alongside a new works-on-paper installation by more than 100 alumni of its Artist‑in‑Residence program. Site-specific commissions by Camille Norment (sonic sculptural passageway), Christopher Myers (metal installation in the Education Center), and Kapwani Kiwanga will join longterm works by David Hammons, Glenn Ligon, and Houston Conwill. The launch coincides with a $300 million capital campaign milestone, and includes a rooftop terrace by Studio Zewde, flexible galleries, and a café operated by local restaurant Settepani.

Design competition reimagines unused lots in LA

An interior rendering of Twin Court by wowowoworkshop for the Small Lots, Big Impact design competition; courtesy of wowowoworkshop

A recently design competition challenged architects to think small, but with big results. The Los Angeles Small Lots, Big Ideas design competition—organized by the City of Los Angeles, CityLab-UCLA, and nonprofit LA4LA—called on architects to propose creative infill housing for narrow, underused plots across the city to address its housing needs. Winning projects were selected across two broad categories: Gentle Density (small-scale multifamily homes) and Shared Futures (low-rise multifamily developments). Dwell highlights a few, including the Growing Together prototype by Outpost Office, designed for multigenerational living; and wowowoworkshop’s Twin Court, a dual-home model that fosters micro-communities with shared courtyards. The competition’s phase one concludes with these visionary designs, before the next step to bring the concepts to life through developer RFQ and legislative backing.

Sidetrack proposes first U.S. airport gay bar at O’Hare

A walkway tunnel at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Iconic LGBTQIA+ bar Sidetrack, a staple in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood since 1982, may expand to a new location—O’Hare International Airport. Co-owners Art Johnston and José “Pepe” Peña, in partnership with restaurateur Germán González of Somos Hospitality Group, have submitted a proposal for what would be the first gay bar at a U.S. airport, according to Chicago Tribune. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, signature cocktails, and vibrant events, Sidetrack has long served as a community hub for celebration and advocacy. If approved, the airport location in Terminal 1 could act as both a beacon of inclusion and the perfect billboard for LGBTQIA+ advancement. While the city’s decision on the bid remains months away, Gonzalez and Johnston underscore the importance of representation during a time when LGBTQIA+ rights face mounting challenges.

Flights disrupted amid tensions in the Middle East

Image courtesy of Adobe Stock

Airlines are scrambling to adapt as the U.S. escalates its involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. Following airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, major carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Delta have canceled or diverted flights to and over the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Israel. According to Skift, airspace closures have forced extended routes, with disruptions expected to last into July. A Qantas flight to Paris, for instance, returned to Australia mid-flight after nearly 15 hours in the air, a striking example of the chaos, reports Business Insider. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways and Air India diverted or canceled flights as hub airports like Doha experienced mounting delays. This situation highlights the ripple effects geopolitical instability can have on global travel, particularly in such a crucial transit region.

A wellness-focused summer at Hospitality Design

Lumina Spa at Namia River Retreat—designed by T3 Architects and Kanopea Architecture Studio—featured in HD’s upcoming July issue; photo courtesy of Namia River Retreat

As wellness continues to shape the future of hospitality, Hospitality Design is dedicating its July issue to the booming industry—covering everything from neuroinclusive spaces to longevity-focused programming and adaptive reuse hotels. In the lead-up, a new report from the Global Wellness Institute forecasts the wellness real estate market will surpass $1 trillion by 2029, pointing to increased demand for built environments that support holistic wellbeing. For more insights, listen to our recent podcast with Sarah Klymson and Simon Marxer, who are envisioning the future of Hyatt’s wellness-focused brand Miraval through design and programming. Plus, hear from Dr. Jonathan Leary, founder of Remedy Place, who’s redefining the social wellness club experience with a focus on immersive, communal healing (he also appears in the upcoming July issue). Stay tuned for more!

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Mondrian Gold Coast has made its anticipated debut along Burleigh Beach, marking the first Australia outpost for the art-forward Accor hotel brand.

Designed by Fraser & Partners with interiors by Studio Carter and Alexander &CO., the 208-room hotel embodies the laidback elegance of the Southern Gold Coast.

Inside the warm interiors of Mondrian Gold Coast

Accommodations range from spacious studios and multi-bedroom suites to beach houses and the 24th-floor Sky House penthouse. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, guestroom interiors pair richly textured materials with a sun-drenched palette and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Burleigh headland, or hinterland.

Anchoring the ground floor is LiTO, an all-day Italian restaurant that flows into a vibrant lobby bar. On the third floor, the Haven pool club channels global beach club energy, doubling as a culinary and entertainment hub.

Elevated event spaces—including a sky-high ballroom and flexible beachside venues—cater to gatherings and celebrations.

Wellness also takes centerstage with a fitness center and CIEL Spa, featuring research-backed bio-wellness treatments, while a resort-style pool and magnesium plunge pools blur the lines between rejuvenation and performance.

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Barry Sternlicht has a warning for big hotel chains, Egypt readies to move ahead on Red Sea bridge, and ‘shoebox’ guestrooms entice solo travelers without cutting corners on style. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.

Hidden design gems elevate New York’s showroom scene

The bar at Quarters; photo by William Jess Laird

New York’s high-end furniture scene is embracing a quieter, more curated approach, trading street-level storefronts for discreet lofts, warehouses, and repurposed apartments, writes The New York Times. From Alan Eckstein’s speakeasy-style Somerset House in Long Island City to the cocktail-ready Quarters in Lower Manhattan, these hidden showrooms offer design lovers a personalized, immersive experience. West Coast transplants like Lawson-Fenning and Nickey Kehoe bring their signature style to subtly marked Manhattan spaces, while Temple Studio and West Out East add texture and functionality in reimagined lofts. This new wave of retail is less about foot traffic and more about discovery, intimacy, and narrative-rich environments. “We’re not hitting you over the head with design,” said Glenn Lawson, founder of Lawson-Fenning.

Barry Sternlicht sounds off on hospitality’s future

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, part of Barry Sternlicht’s Starwood Hotels; photo by AVABLU

At this week’s NYU Hospitality Investment Conference, Barry Sternlicht—founder of Starwood Hotels—warned that big hotel chains are losing ground to agile indie brands, Skift reports. Drawing parallels to fashion and cosmetics, Sternlicht pointed out that personalization and authenticity are beating out sameness and scale. He criticized the industry’s habit of “flag trading” and urged brands to differentiate through design, service, and storytelling. While praising players like Accor for snapping up indie labels, he emphasized that real loyalty comes from great people and strong products. As for his next moves? Starwood Hotels is officially back—but he’s playing his cards close.

Linking continents: Red Sea bridge project to move ahead

A proposed bridge would link Egypt and Saudi Arabia over the Red Sea; photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

Plans for a long-anticipated bridge connecting Egypt and Saudi Arabia across the Red Sea are gaining momentum, Dezeen writes. Egypt’s transport minister Kamel al-Wazir confirmed the project, which will link Sharm El-Sheikh to Ras Alsheikh Hamid via Tiran Island, is ready for execution. Envisioned as a high-speed rail corridor, the $4 billion venture aims to boost trade and tourism between Africa and Asia, while complementing Saudi Arabia’s expansive Neom development. First proposed in 2016, the bridge aligns with regional mega-projects like Egypt’s New Administrative Capital and the Line in Neom—raising the stakes for cross-continental infrastructure and futuristic urban design.

Compact hotel rooms hit high-end hotels

The Hoxton, Vienna offers single-occupancy ‘Snug’ rooms ranging from 137 to 141 square feet

Solo travelers are on the rise, and so are hotel rooms designed just for them, according to The Wall Street Journal. From Kimpton Fitzroy’s compact-yet-chic City Single accommodations in London to AlmaLusa Alfama’s smartly designed 161-square-foot hideaways in Lisbon, these pint-sized spaces offer style, savings, and just the right amount of solitude. Firmdale’s Kit Kemp-designed singles brim with charm across less than 90 square feet, while Hoxton’s “Shoebox” rooms pack a playful punch across the U.S. and Europe. Even boutique properties like Hotel 850 SVB in West Hollywood are getting in on the action, proving that cozy can still be cool—and never means compromising on design. “A single-occupancy bedroom can have just as much style as a bigger one. It’s all about how you use the space,” says Charlie North, global vice president of design of Ennismore, Hoxton’s parent company.

ICYMI: The 2025 HD Awards celebration continues

The 2025 HD Awards trophies, designed by Yellow Goat Design; photo by PWP Studio

Last month, Hospitality Design revealed this year’s HD Awards project and product winners during a ceremony in Las Vegas. And the excitement doesn’t end there—our 2025 HD Awards magazine issue drops in less than two weeks, celebrating the finalists, winners, special award honorees (including Design Firm and Hotelier of the Year, HDAC Awards of Excellence, and the HD/West Elm Student Product Design Competition), and judges who made the 21st annual program possible. Dive into the stories behind the 34 project winners, and relive the prestigious event via our photo gallery.

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Following a comprehensive, multiphase renovation, the Talbott has reopened in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood with refreshed interiors by Studio 11 Design.

The $20 million transformation—spanning 178 guestrooms, public areas, and event spaces—reimagines the 1927 Georgian Revival landmark with a sense of timeless elegance and residential warmth.

A new arrival experience at the Talbott

The redesigned lobby serves as a social and stylish gathering point, featuring locally sourced antiques, curated accessories, and cozy seating nooks.

Newly installed wooden doors offer flexibility for the adjacent Gallery space, which is designed to host private dinners and business events, and serve as a transition to the revamped LAUREL restaurant.

At LAUREL, the hotel’s signature dining destination, a striking ceiling mural by Lou Verne channels the textures and tones of the Mediterranean.

The Gallery

Guestrooms and event spaces

Studio 11 Design’s approach to the guestrooms evokes calm sophistication with soft neutrals and blush accents paired with light wood finishes and tactile, abstract artwork. Gold detailing subtly nods to the property’s historic grandeur as well.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s Reed Room was refreshed with a tonal palette, updated wallcoverings, custom carpeting, and layered lighting, offering a sophisticated canvas for gatherings.

“The Talbott has long held a special place in Chicago’s hospitality landscape, and it was a privilege for our team to be part of reimagining such a beloved landmark,” says Kellie Sirna, owner and principal of Studio 11 Design. “Our approach focused on weaving the property’s rich heritage into a refreshed, modern aesthetic—one that feels both timeless and inviting. Every detail was considered to ensure the soul of the Talbott remained intact, while offering today’s guests a more elevated, memorable experience.”

The Talbott is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

LAUREL restaurant

Entrance to the Gallery

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In a thoughtful evolution of a long-standing collaboration, Mai Takahashi Lee and Grant Takahashi Lee—founders of GTL Architecture & Interiors—were tapped to reimagine Saru Handroll Bar, a San Francisco restaurant they originally designed more than a decade ago.

Tasked with supporting a more casual dining concept, the new space balances legacy and reinvention, drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, which finds beauty in restoration and imperfection.

Rooted in this philosophy, the design preserves core architectural elements that remain essential to the restaurant’s operation, while layering in refined new interventions.

A 22-seat handroll sushi bar made from locally fabricated oak now anchors the space, accompanied by custom bar stools.

The artfully restrained palette is tied together with washi paper-inspired pendant lights, venetian plaster walls, and discreet acoustic paneling that softens the ambient energy.

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Ennismore is expanding its residential offerings with the launch of a branded residence concept for lifestyle brand Our Habitas.

Designed for those seeking meaningful connection, holistic wellbeing, and immersive living, Our Habitas residences will translate the brand’s community-first ethos into a residential format.

Spaces will reflect the label’s signature blend of natural materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and seamless indoor-outdoor design to create refined, soulful sanctuaries rooted in place.

The announcement adds to Ennismore’s momentum in the branded residence space, with 45 projects launched or in development across 20 countries. The global portfolio includes standalone properties such as SLS Residences at Palm Jumeirah, Hyde Residences Dubai Hills, and 25hours Heimat Dubai.

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A new chapter in downtown New York nightlife begins with the debut of No. 79 Bar & Terrace, the latest venture from hospitality impresario Nur Khan.

Known for shaping the city’s nightlife landscape through concepts like Two Fifteen at PUBLIC and Butterfly Soho, Khan now brings a fresh yet nostalgic energy to the Lower East Side.

Inside No. 79 Bar & Terrace

Housed in a building owned by Morry Kalimian of Kalimian Equities, No. 79 channels retro French sophistication.

Designed by Craig Shillitto of Cycle Projects—the mind behind the interiors of Loring Place, Lilia, and ABC Kitchen—the space opens up to the vibrancy of its neighborhood with hydraulic hangar-style garage doors.

“The triple hanger door, open-air design is unquestionably one of the first things that catches one’s eye,” says Kalimian. “Once inside the bar, one can’t miss the exceptional execution of the millwork and brass work designed by Craig Shillitto.”

Inside, a horseshoe-shaped bar wrapped in warm wood and vertical black subway tile anchors the intimate space, paired with slightly burnished metals and sheer black curtains. Banquette seating for 50 guests is situated around the bar.

Shillitto shares his favorite elements are the “reoccurring curved geometries in the space, from wall molding to bar shape to our custom lighting. The pendant light fixtures and sconces are reinforcing the theme and geometries of the round bar shape in plan. Conflating the plan shape of the bar into the section shape of the lighting design is a fun game that pays off experientially with these iterative reoccurring geometries.”

Sensuous black-and-white prints by fashion and celebrity photographer Sante D’Orazio further ground the bar in the creative energy of the surrounding streetscape. “Sante D’Orazio is one of the legends in the fashion photography world,” Khan notes. “His images are iconic, timeless, beautiful, edgy, and playful. This is exactly what we strive to be in No. 79 Bar & Terrace.”

A second-floor open-air terrace reveals sweeping, unobstructed views of Downtown Manhattan.

“We are excited to open No. 79 Bar & Terrace, which brings an elevated sensibility while maintaining a downtown edge,” says Khan.

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Travco Group has officially opened Giza Palace, the first major luxury hotel to debut in Cairo in over a decade.

Home to 560 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, Giza Palace is characterized by a classical Egyptian design, crafted by Wimberly Interiors, that is both grand yet intimate.

Signature offerings include a culinary program featuring international concepts like Beefbar and a Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant by chef Sergi Arola, as well as a 20,451-square-foot spa and wellness sanctuary complete with traditional Hammam rituals.

The hotel also houses a grand ballroom for more than 1,000 guests, meeting spaces, a rooftop padel court, and serene wellness terraces.

A Kids’ Club and tailored concierge experiences—from private pyramid tours to bespoke Nile cruises—further underscore hotel’s commitment to cultural immersion.

Giza Palace is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

The lobby

Luna lounge

Palace Bar

ONU restaurant

Royal Suite

Spa

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The post Giza Palace Cairo Embodies Classical Egyptian Design appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is now open in Thailand’s capital.

Located within the serene, privately owned Nai Lert Park, the 52-suite hotel includes the exclusive Aman Club, an expansive spa and wellness center, multiple dining venues, and branded residences.

The hotel, designed by longtime Aman collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, blends the historic charm of the century-old Nai Lert Park Heritage Home with the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic.

An emphasis on local art

Tree sculpture inpsired by Nai Lert Park’s century-old Chamchuri tree

Local art is central to the design, with bespoke pieces created in collaboration with Thai artists. A striking 40-foot-tall tree sculpture, inspired by Nai Lert Park’s century-old Chamchuri tree, rises through a triple atrium on the ninth floor, adorned with 6,000 gold leaves that transition from gold to black.

The lobby features an installation of 3,000 spinning tops forming the Thai numeral one, symbolizing greatness, while the 1872 bar features a piece by Chiang Mai artisans comprised of wood panels framing handcrafted leather clouds, evoking traditional Thai shadow puppetry.

Inside the suites

Suite bedroom

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok’s accommodations, which start at 1,012 square feet, feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame park and city views.

Spanning an entire floor, the Aman Suite offers 7,675 square feet of refined luxury, including three bedrooms, a balcony and terrace, a dining room with bar counter and separate kitchen, a living room, private spa, entertainment room, and study.

F&B at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok

Arva restaurant

The hotel’s dining and gathering spaces unfold across two distinct levels.

Guests arrive at the ninth floor, where a light-filled central atrium leads to the 1872 lounge bar and Italian restaurant Arva. Meanwhile, a relaxed poolside bar, with views of the Nai Lert Park canopy, extends onto an east-facing terrace.

On the 19th floor, Aman Club founders and in-house guests have access to an open-air terrace with skyline views, as well as two additional restaurants, an atmospheric lounge, and a cigar bar.

A holistic wellness destination

Wellness area swimming pool

Comprising 16,145 square feet, the Aman Spa & Wellness center comprises a medical clinic operated by Hertitude Clinic and an Aman Spa.

The medical wellness clinic features eight private treatment rooms, an examination room, an IV Lounge, and a cryotherapy chamber, while the Aman Spa offers hydrotherapy facilities and movement spaces designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok follows on the heels of Aman’s launches in Tokyo and New York.

Bar at Arva restaurant

Cigar lounge

Aman Suite

Sauna

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Ellore Santa Clara, a new senior living development in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a hospitality-driven take on aging in place.

Designed by interior design studio MAWD, the project pairs a sophisticated material palette with thoughtful amenities and programming that reflect the region’s creative energy.

“Ellore is more than a space to live, it’s a reflection of the people who made Silicon Valley what it is today,” says Elliot March, cofounder of MAWD. “Our studio set out to craft an environment that is both sophisticated and comfortable, one that reflects the spirit of innovation while honoring the region’s natural beauty and the importance of community.”

Elevated senior living at Ellore Santa Clara

Positioned as a modern alternative to traditional senior living, the design mirrors the experience of a high-end hotel. Interiors balance elegance and comfort, integrating rich woods, sculptural stones, and refined finishes across public and private areas. A predominantly neutral palette is energized with strategic pops of color, while a black marble reception desk and oversized fireplace create a dramatic yet welcoming impression in the lobby.

Indoor-outdoor connectivity anchors the experience. Sliding glass doors connect wellness areas, such as the yoga and Pilates studio, with the pool deck to promote year-round engagement with nature.

Multiple social spaces support interaction and community. A piano lounge and bar, cinema, and activity studio are designed to host a wide range of resident programming, while private dining rooms and cozy lounges offer additional options for family visits and informal gatherings.

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