The Orient Express inspired Studio Pepe’s project for a Parisian hotel

Last June 2019, the hotellerie group Okko opened its new Hotel in Paris, right inside the iconic “Gare de l’Est” station.

Studio Pepe, the Italian studio founded by Arianna Lelli Mami and Chiara Di Pinto, was called to design the lobby and common areas of the hotel.

Studio Pepe conceived “Le Club”, a 400 sqm open space at the heart of the hotel that faces the station and acts as the reception, lounge and dining area at the same time.

The layout is a reinterpretation of a free plan. There are no physical barriers but only mobile elements, like curtains and separés, which give Le Club an open and airy feel to it.

The breakfast and bar area are inspired by trains, in particular by trains’ dining cars, with love seats and dividers. A sort of contemporary take of a dinette area.

To enhance the spirit of the place and its identity, Studiopepe also pays tribute to history by decorating “Le Club” with original pieces from the iconic Orient Express train. These pieces were restored and integrated into the spaces as pieces of art or installations.

Alongside iconic pieces of Italian design – including Magistretti‘s Atollo Lamp, Castiglioni’s Sancarlo Armchairs and Boomerang seatings by Rodolfo Bonetto – most of the furniture is custom designed exclusively for Le Club: from the large sculptural chandelier overlooking the living area to the love seats that create intimate but convivial areas.

The color palette is soft and calming, including mainly neutral tones and dusty pink. But many elements add character to the space like the hints of yellow and rust, the black and white pattern of the maxi terrazzo, the neon light installations and the brass details.