As the Wallpaper Design Awards wind down (the winners will be announced thursday, the 10th) I share with you the shortlist for Best New Hotel Category with lots of fun additional pics. 1. The Bowery, New York, by Sean MacPherson and Eric Goode:Thanks to charmingly old-world styling by the owners, this is the first boutique hotel to pop up in the formerly gritty Bowery neighbourhood. The interior is all mahogany, worn-in leather and open fires, easily recalling elegant 18th-century living. With service to match the styling, the comfort and nostalgia of the Bowery put it way ahead of its rivals in the boutique market.More pics:2. Le Bellechasse, Paris, by Christian Lacroix:Christian Lacroix's second boutique jewel is a visual interpretation of Paris's seventh arrondissement. The history of the famously literary area has been transformed into a decorative scheme for 34 rooms in two adjoining buildings. Fantastical frescos adorn the walls and ceilings, while simple white fixtures and linens reinforce the contemporary luxury.More pics:3. Fasano Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach, by Philippe Starck:The long-awaited Fasano Rio de Janeiro has arrived on Ipanema Beach, along with the Fasano Al Mare, its centrepiece Italian seafood restaurant by Michelin award-winning chef Luca Guzzoni. Starck designed the building and its interiors with a surprisingly Brazilian flair, maintaining the sophistication of the São Paulo original, but with a nod to its new Rio environs.More pics:4. Haymarket, London, by Kit Kemp:The latest launch of Firmdale hotels is housed in a stunning Regency building built by John Nash. The 50 individually designed rooms and suites are among the largest in London; the Shooting Gallery, a private event room, is decorated in hand-painted jungle wallpaper by de Gournay; and the 18m basement pool has a ceiling covered in fibre-optic lights.More pics:5. Riva Lofts, Florence, by Claudio Nardi:Consisting of nine suites in architect Claudio Nardi's former studio, a historic factory complex, Riva Lofts' emphasis is on detail. Each lofty, light-filled suite is a chic ensemble of heritage and modern pieces. Mies Van der Rohe armchairs cluster round tropical wood tables in the breakfast lounge, while the bedrooms boast unique, artist-designed touches.More pics:Don't forget to come back and visit on Thursday, January 10th when I post the winners of all the categories of the Wallpaper Design Awards(in conjunction with Jaguar).
