Revitalizing Elegance: Unveiling the Spectacular Transformation of OH Victoria Hotel

undefined • June 28, 2023

Welcome to the fascinating world of the OH Victoria Hotel, a treasured gem that transports you back in time to the early 1900s. Formerly known as the Orient Hotel, this historic establishment holds a significant place in the heart of the Village of Victoria, thanks to its rich heritage and captivating backstory. Built in 1900 by the skilled carpenter Charles Roger, who contributed numerous remarkable buildings to the village, the Orient Hotel quickly became an iconic landmark. Its name, undoubtedly inspired by the prevailing fascination with Oriental decor during that era, added an air of mystique to the establishment.


Stepping inside the Orient Hotel was like embarking on a nostalgic journey... Its dark, deeply colored Art Deco interior design exuded an enchanting aura, while the antique furniture pieces, dating back to the early 1900s, whispered tales of the times before. A rich, deep red carpet gracefully covered the entire hotel, carrying within its fibers the cherished memories of all those who had walked upon it. The walls were covered with original photographs, showcasing old pictures of the Orient Hotel, historic art work and of course photographs of the first family who resided in the building before it transformed into the beloved hotel a century ago.

After

Before

However, as the calendar turned to 2022, the OH Victoria Hotel embarked on a remarkable re-design journey. Balancing the preservation of its historical significance with the desire to infuse a breath of fresh air into the space became the driving force behind the ambitious project. The goal was clear: to revitalize the hotel while cherishing its remarkable history.

About the Design:


During the interior renovation of the OH Victoria Hotel, we embarked on a meticulous process,  carefully selecting each historical element to ensure that the essence of the past would shine through in the new design.


Beginning with the entrance, the light oak flooring serves as a soft and bright foundation that complements the vibrant architectural elements throughout the hotel. We updated the staircase with brand new solid oak elements, however, a beloved historical feature, the newel post, was preserved and restored and became the centerpiece around the staircase, paying homage to the hotel's historical past. Make sure you lay your hand on the top of the post to feel its history.


Fireplace After

Fireplace Before

Orient Hotel During Construction in 2023



Bottom Stair Post


To the left of the staircase you'll discover a common lounge space that exudes contemporary style with a captivating twist. The room was envisioned to provide a tranquil ambiance with an ocean navy blue as the accent color. The fireplace became a focal point, covered in blue tiles designed to mimic the gentle movement of waves. Intricate fluted pine detailing behind the TV and surrounding the fireplace acted as a connection to the sandy shores, embodying the hotel's coastal essence.

Choosing the perfect furniture was vital to enhancing the architectural details of the space. Two ocean blue swivel chairs nestled in the bay window, alongside four mid-century modern layback chairs, captured the essence of relaxation while maintaining an air of contemporary elegance. Bright copper tables provided a striking contrast, representing the sun's radiant glow on the ocean and sand. This fusion of orange and blue elements brought forth the beauty of Victoria-by-the-sea, encapsulating the essence of the coastal experience within a lounge space. This thoughtfully designed area serves as a gathering place for hotel guests, offering opportunities to engage in games, enjoy movies, have conversation, or even catch up on work.


Venturing upstairs, you'll discover the transformation of the Orient Hotel from an eight-bedroom bed and breakfast into three stunning long-stay suites. We did this so that we could target large families, friends groups or corporate events that wanted to spend a good amount of time in Prince Edward Island. The kitchenettes in each suite were carefully designed with a contemporary beach house style in mind. The cabinetry is a beautiful bright white that perfectly complements the butcher block countertops. Modern matte black handles were chosen to provide an easy grasp for opening the cabinetry, matching the slim black faucet in the sink. The backsplash tiles, a mesmerizing mix of blues, beiges, and greens, inspired by the captivating hues of sand, water, and plants. These tiles serve as a striking connection between the suites and the essence of Victoria by the sea, allowing visitors to feel like they are gazing at the ocean while cooking. The kitchen tables, in an oak finish, fold down to maximize space, while the kitchen chairs, originally from the Orient, have been refreshed with a coat of white paint, giving them a renewed look.

Rustico Suite Kitchenette

As you enter the bedrooms, you'll find that we took great care to preserve and incorporate as much of the historical furniture and decorative elements as possible. Historical paintings were hung back up on the walls, vintage mirrors have been refreshed and retained, and the drawers and cabinetry have been lovingly preserved. These touches pay homage to the hotel's rich heritage, creating a sense of nostalgia and authenticity that enhances the overall charm of the suites.

Before

After


Located on the third floor, our Sand Dune Suite is the most spacious of all the suites, featuring a full kitchen, a designated dining area, and a comfortable living space. To create a sense of openness, we decided to remove the walls separating the dining and living areas. In the living space, our aim was to maintain the presence of the sage couch from the orient while rejuvenating the remaining furniture and enhancing the overall ambiance with a natural and serene feel. As part of the renovation, we introduced two chairs with jute backing, a sisal rug and blinds, a charming vintage wooden coffee table, and various other carefully selected items that contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space.

Before

After

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