Deniece Duscheone Unveils Redesign of Luxury Oceanfront Suites at Historic Hotel Metropole on Catalina Island

LEED-certified interior designer Deniece Duscheone has completed the eco-friendly renovation of four luxury oceanfront suites at Catalina Island's Hotel Metropole.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) July 25, 2008 -- Deniece Duscheone of the San Diego-based architecture and design firm S.K.I.N., has been commissioned to redesign the interiors of Catalina Island's historic Hotel Metropole, and has recently completed the makeover of four luxury oceanfront suites. Renovations of the lobby and the 52 other rooms are scheduled to begin this fall.

The Hotel Metropole was founded in the heart of Avalon, Catalina's quaint harbor town, in 1888 and retains the title of the island's oldest hotel, although the original structure burned down in a 1915 fire. Currently owned by the Miller family, the Hotel Metropole is dedicated to bringing back a glamorous aura to the Island, which once attracted Hollywood elite including Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland, and Howard Hughes. By creating quality accommodations and attractions, the Millers hope the island will regain its celebrity draw.

Duscheone contemporized the four oceanfront suites, which range in size from 500 to 600 square feet, with a palette of brown, taupe and aqua against a white background. Her custom designed nightstands and dressers, which have white raffia-covered drawers and use environmentally friendly wood in an ebonized finish, create a sleek yet organic feel. Duscheone's custom leather beds with tufted headboards and plush armchairs are paired with Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost Chair and a white lacquer and nickel desk from Williams-Sonoma Home to complete the room. Fabrics are from Jim Thompson, Nobilis, and Bergamo. Duscheone combined vintage elements such as original crown moldings and fireplaces with contemporary touches and subtle connections to Los Angeles to invoke a sense of nostalgic modernity. Photo collages by Wynn Miller, such as those of urban skateboarding legend Tony Alba, add an appealing contrast to the mesmerizing harbor views and rolling screen walls which open up to soaking tubs.

"Hotel Metropole has always possessed a casually elegant feeling, but Deniece's design of the suites has brought a fashionable quality to the island that wasn't previously here," said Gregg Miller, who runs the hotel. "You have to constantly update a hotel to keep it at the forefront of luxury, and that is what we are doing with these renovations."

Promoting a healthy environment was a leading factor for Gregg Miller in his decision to commission Duscheone, who attained her Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Professional Accreditation through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2004. She used water-based paints, bamboo flooring, eco-friendly glue, Greenguard leathers, and low voltage lighting throughout the suites in order to stay true to her notable practice of luxurious high-end sustainable design. The Hotel Metropole management is environmentally conscious, using "green" cleaning solutions and cups and cutlery made of cornstarch, among other eco-friendly practices.

Duscheone is most recognized for her $56 million redesign of the US Grant Hotel, for which she accepted the HotelWorld Award for Best Luxury Guestroom Design, the California Construction award for Best Architectural Renovation and the Alanzo Award for Best Design. She was also chosen to display images of her work on the US Grant in the Women in Architecture Exhibit in Los Angeles, which displays at the Pacific Design Center from June 3 until the end of July.

High resolution images of Hotel Metropole's oceanfront suites are available upon request, and Duscheone's work can be viewed at www.skin-design.net. For more information about Hotel Metropole visit www.hotel-metropole.com.

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