CAPELLA SYDNEY
ARCHITECTURE
Make Architects
INTERIOR DESIGNER
BAR Studio
OBJECT D’ART & STYLING
Simone Haag
ART
The Artling
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Mike CASS Creative
PHOTOGRAPHY
Timothy Kaye and Alicia Taylor
AHEAD Global Awards - Ultimate Accolade Winner
Design Anthology Awards 2023 - Finalist for Adaptive Reuse
The newly opened Capella Hotel has reimagined a historic 1915 Department of Education sandstone Sydney city building, into a world-class luxury hotel. Simone Haag was engaged by the hotel to ‘curate and style a layer of objects to finesse just about every room, nook and shelf’. The intent was to collect pieces old and new to build on the historical narrative, but with a contemporary overlay. Team Simone Haag worked closely with Pontiac Land & the hotel management to layer the spaces adding with object d’art, books and sculpture for the lobby and communal areas, restaurants, bars, spa and hotel suites. Capella Sydney merges luxury with cultural connection, particularly in ‘The Living Room’ where in a uniquely domestic setting the Culturalist share the story of the Sandstone precinct and beyond.
"The Melbourne stylist Simone Haag has layered the spa, and many of the hotel’s nooks and crannies, with stylish objets d’art — a Murano bowl here, a wonky handmade ceramic vase there — and coffee-table books are arranged just so." ~ The Times UK
"The entire project was led by Make Architects in conjunction with Melbourne-based hotel interiors specialist BAR Studio. Working with stylist Simone Haag they created a space that feels more residential than hotel with many internal features preserved, including a grand marble staircase with iron balustrade, magnificent steel windows and walnut panelling." ~ Escape
"This design dream team was further heightened through the addition of Melbourne-based stylist Simone Haag, who curated a layer of intriguing objects that add to the sense of grandeur experienced by all who pierce the threshold of the building’s sandstone walls. “We’ve gone to vintage markets, op-shops and Australian makers to collect pieces to build on the design story,” Simone says. “There’s Murano glass, vintage cocktail sets and one-off ceramics. The books we’re including were all hand-picked – we hope guests pick them up and flick through the pages.” ~ The Commerical Project
"At every corner of the hotel there are original artworks, books and sculptures curated and displayed, overseen by interior designer Simone Haag. Her curation is key to the hotel’s identity, as she’s ensured to support and champion Australian artists in her art selection amongst muted tones of Australiana." ~ Champ Magazine
"Bar Studio and adorned with curios by Simone Haag, both Melbourne-based. The muted tones create a serene canvas, with premium fixtures and eclectic but sophisticated styling, such as Murano glass, vintage cocktail sets and artisan ceramics." ~ Australian Traveller
"Over the past few months, Melbourne stylist Simone Haag curated a layer of intriguing objects to finesse just about every room, nook and shelf. “We’ve gone to vintage markets, op-shops and Australian makers to collect pieces to build on the design story,” Haag says. “There’s Murano glass, vintage cocktail sets and one-off ceramics on the way. The books we’re including were all hand-picked – we hope guests pick them up and flick through the pages.” ~ The Australian
"Thank you Simone and the entire Simone Haag team with the styling elements at Capella Sydney. It was pure joy working with you and your team. From the initial planning to installation of each unique decorative pieces procured for the hotel, it was such a seamless experience for our entire team. Every single objects are purposely selected with intention which accentuate each areas of the hotel. It is with the help of your artistic vision that we are able to be the destination that is Capella Sydney. Thank you Simone and team once again!"
~ Marc von Arnim, General Manager
