Jessica Smarsch, Manager of Design for Robert Allen Contract, attended the Hospitality Design Show, May 18 - 20 in Las Vegas. While taking a break from the booth, Jessica visited two of the newest Las Vegas resort/casinos: Aria and The Cosmopolitan. Below are her highlights from the visit.
Jessica Smarsch
Our Robert Allen Contract team just got back from Las Vegas where we participated in the annual Hospitality Design Trade Show. Click here to see pictures of our booth featuring DwellStudio. The show had old & new faces such as the cool modern design of Blu Dot, the fantastical creations of Moooi, and my personal favorite Moroso. Oh! Fluttering heart! On a break from the show, I visited two of the newest Las Vegas resort/casinos: Aria and The Cosmopolitan.
Aria translates to “air” in Italian and the Aria resort/casino certainly delivers on this. With its all-glass exterior, there are plenty of opportunities to bring light and a refreshing sense of open-air into the interior.
Café Vettro (vetro means “glass”) is the resort’s casual dining café, but with chic design elements such as these exotic stacked glass cones, it feels ultra hip and modern. Additionally, its all-glass wall floods in light, a welcomed change from the dark casino interior. I love the strangely beautiful forest that is created by varying the sizes of these elegant glass sculptures.
The Spa entrance maintains that fresh “aria” feeling here with natural elements such as this modern water fountain and these commanding tree trunk forms that welcome the guest into the spa. Again, full glass walls pour light into the space.
Among other features that I loved in the Aria resort/casino were the lighting designs. Far from extravagant, these simple light fixtures brought subtle elegance to the space. I especially love the center image whose super simple cylinders group together to form a magical experience.
I was also inspired by these great floor patterns. I love the way these designs use geometry to create modern visual patterning but incorporate toned-down colors maintaining a high level of sophistication. They may be graphic, but they are never overbearing in these grand, open spaces.
Finally, when coming or leaving the resort, take a moment to enjoy these serene waterfalls that periodically rain down against the textured ceramic walls. You can see this textural detail up-close at the image on the right, which adds a natural effect as the water trickles down the slanted walls, as if down a mountain-side.
To sum up Aria in as few words as possible: Che bella!
But maybe you’re coming to Vegas for the party. And if that’s the case, strap on those Gucci stilettos and head on over to The Cosmopolitan.
The Cosmopolitan is nothing if not flashy, design-crazy cool. Step aside, Donatella, you’ve never seen glam like this. The picture on the left is just the valet service! We haven’t even gone inside yet!
As soon as you enter, these glass-screen columns display dramatic changing imagery of digital artists’ work.
Continuing down the entrance hall, check out these quilted leather walls whose large-scale geometric pattern create a modern & hip vibe.
As you slide on up to check-in, these funky red desks with brass nail-heads demand attention against the digital screen backdrop. This super modern design refines the traditional lines while the upholstered red leather legs shoot it into the 21st century.
And now, get ready for glitz, glam, sparkle & shine. This patterned drapery is actually 100% chain link.
The columns in this lounge area are tiled in mirrored glass.
And here on the left, more mirrors, more studs, more leather. This glittery textile on the right is sandwiched between glass. Each sequin you see here is about 1/4 inch.
And if gambling is your thing, why not do-it-up in style in this seductive roped-curtain tent?
And finally, the pièce de résistance: the largest chandelier I’ve personally ever seen in my life, incorporating over 2 million crystals and sweeping across the entire central lobby.
So decide which kind of Vegas holiday you’re looking for and then book yourself a room. Can’t decide which one is right for you? They’re right next-door to each other so why not book both? You’re staying more than one night aren’t you?
Jessica Smarsch
Design Manager, Contract
Jessica is a designer & design enthusiast who has worked with the Robert Allen Group for six years developing textile collections for both the Residential & Contract markets. In addition to design, she loves travel & photography and enjoys incorporating those experiences into her professional work.