The Design File Praises DC Downtown’s New Lobby

By R Life, posted Aug 16th 2010 at 11:35AM

When talking design, reinvention can be a good thing. Sometimes you have to grab a bucket of paint, get some new furniture, and see what happens. Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel totally revamped its lobby recently, and the reviews are pouring in: people like it.

The Design File, a website devoted to interior design, recently documented the hotel’s aesthetic overhaul. With mustard-colored walls behind the library’s bookshelves and comfy throw pillows in the inviting lounge, the new lobby is a mix of new and old, upscale and casual. The site calls the space “modern but still warm and cozy”—which makes us happy. That’s what we were going for.

Check out more pics after the jump…

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R Style: Artists for Humanity “Standard Table”

By R Life, posted Aug 13th 2010 at 12:02PM

Our new R Style series is meant to help you peer into the world of Renaissance’s Brand Stylist, Dorcia Kelley. She has a taste you might agree with for decorating your own space. The R Style pick for this week is the Artists for Humanity “Standard Table.”  It’s a table made from magazines. Fantastic.

Get the table here, and learn more about Artists for Humanity after the jump…

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Fashion Week is Full of Surprises

By R Life, posted Feb 17th 2010 at 4:15PM

With the passing of fashion icon Alexander McQueen not even a week old, the pre-Fashion Week buzz in New York was sad and the forecast was gloomy. But the fashion industry, known for surprises, did not disappoint and launched the week with some head-turning looks. From Kelly Osbourne’s new sexier-than-ever style to Marc Jacobs’ new metallic, feminine designs, our attention was officially grabbed. We’re keeping tabs on the curveballs the industry is throwing us this week. We’ll be taking names and numbers and on the watch-out for anyone who graces a Renaissance location this week dressed to the nines…or to the nones.

Head over to our Facebook page and let us know your favorite designs from Fashion Week 2010.

Here’s a recap of Marc Jacobs show at Fashion Week:

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In The Know, In The Fashion

By R Life, posted Oct 14th 2009 at 1:08AM

You’re always on the cutting edge. You jet-set in style, can tweet with the best of ‘em, and know every runway look before it hits Vogue.

So of course you’re on top of Miami’s Rock Fashion Week – heck, you’re the one who tells your friends about it.

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Architectural Digest Visits Puerto Rico

By R Life, posted Aug 1st 2009 at 7:53AM

When you think makeover, you think scary department store dames wielding eyelash curlers and bronzer.

But when Architectural Digest thinks makeover, they think La Concha Renaissance San Juan. Check their profile of the historic hotel’s renovation, led by architect José R. Marchand and designer Jorge Rosselló. Like many Puerto Ricans, they grew up loving the famous structure. Their work was really an act of love – based on the historic shell’s history, with lux modern touches.

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