Luxurious hotel lobby where colonial inspiration meets modern design, featuring lush seating areas and ambient lighting.

Colonial Inspiration Meets Modern Luxury: Joyce Wang’s Transformation of Hong Kong’s Landmark Hotel

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-08-07

A Historic Transformation on Queen’s Road

The Mandarin Oriental The Landmark hotel in Hong Kong, nestled on the bustling Queen’s Road in the Central district, has undergone a stunning transformation. A colonial aesthetic meets a dramatic renovation led by Joyce Wang Studio, crafting an experience reminiscent of living in colonial country manors. First established a decade ago, the hotel reopened with a refreshed interior and a new facade by Neri&Hu, marking a new chapter in its storied history.

Lobby with terracotta tones reflecting Hong Kong's colonial architecture style.
Terracotta tones in the lobby nod to Hong Kong’s colonial architecture

Designing with Heritage in Mind: Where Tradition Meets Modern Elegance

Joyce Wang Studio infused the design with elements inspired by Hong Kong’s historic architecture and skyline. “Our vision focused on the local relevance and heritage of the building,” Wang explained, drawing inspiration from the colonial country manors adored by the Tai Kwuns. The integration of art played a crucial role, blending history with artistic creativity, with each piece adding a local flavor and a unique story.

Curved staircase with contemporary art displayed prominently in the background.
Undulating staircase extends around a large-scale contemporary artwork

Material Harmony and Artistic Expression

The hotel lobby is a harmonious blend of stone, timber, and textured wallcoverings. Custom eglomisé glass details add a contemporary flair, while terracotta tones pay homage to the city’s colonial roots. Splashes of green and orange reflect Hong Kong’s lush parks, intertwining past and present where historic charm meets modern amenities.

Warmly decorated hotel interiors evoke a historical mansion atmosphere.
The interiors of the hotel aim to reimagine the feel of a historical mansion

An Intimate Artistic Journey

Throughout, curated artworks mimic an authentic, lived-in residence. Guests encounter captivating pieces around an undulating staircase and sculptural plinths, encouraging pauses for reflection and interaction. Old-world elegance meets modern luxury, with custom works capturing Hong Kong’s iconic skyline adorn carpets, tapestries, and églomise glass in the lobby, lifts, and corridors. This artistic celebration highlights the hotel’s prime position within the city.

Chic bar featuring patinated brass, verdigris, and bronze panel details.
The bar features a backdrop of patinated brass, verdigris and bronze panels

Rooms Reimagined as Residential Retreats

Within the 109 rooms and suites, Joyce Wang Studio aimed for a residential ambience, introducing bespoke wallcoverings by Fromental with hand-painted silk elements and cracked gesso finishes. Custom rugs atop timber floors echo Hong Kong’s historical brickwork, while a communal bar area evokes a trendy family gathering space. Where historic design meets sophisticated interior, the rooms offer an unparalleled retreat.

To further immerse yourself in architectural and design innovation, explore how rustic charm meets modern architecture in other inspiring projects.

Carpet with patterns inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic skyline art.
Artworks informed by Hong Kong’s signature skyline were integrated into carpet designs

Crafting a Timeless Gathering Space

The bar’s design features elegant patinated brass, verdigris, and bronze panels, adaptable from day to night. Ceiling lamps with matching finishes nod to domestic lighting from historic Yuen Long mansions. Fluted jade-toned tiles wrap the bar front, reminiscent of traditional rooflines, and tangerine and cherry-toned chairs add vibrant contrast.

Interior colors reflecting Hong Kong's green and yellow park hues.
The green and yellow hues reference Hong Kong’s parks

Capturing Hong Kong’s Pulse

“This renovation was inspired by allowing guests to feel Hong Kong’s pulse intimately,” said Wang. “The curated pieces offer glimpses into city expressions through both local and international artists, prompting curiosity and conversation.”

Various curated artworks displayed throughout the hotel’s interior space.
The studio curated a collection of artworks throughout the hotel

Spa Serenity Through Art and Design

In the hotel spa, the design draws from breathwork and calligraphy, fostering calm. Custom flooring patterns echo the natural rhythm of breathing, creating a harmonious space where historic essence meets modern spa luxury. Sinuous lines on the ceilings and screens evoke the fluid strokes of Chinese calligraphy, inviting mindfulness and tranquility.

For another engaging blend of history and modern aesthetics, check out Satoshi Itasaka’s timeless furniture designs crafted from century-old materials.

Guest room walls feature hand-painted and silk design elements.
Hand-painted and silk elements feature on the walls of guest rooms

A Continuing Legacy

The hotel has officially reopened, with the spa set to debut later this year. Joyce Wang Studio, renowned for luxury hospitality and residential design, continues to leave its mark with offices in London and Hong Kong. Elsewhere in the city, Studio Paolo Ferrari and Pirajean Lees embrace timeless futurism and cinematic romance in their respective projects.

Recently renovated hotel with a new facade designed by Neri&Hu.
The hotel renovation was completed recently and includes a new facade design by Neri&Hu

Source: dezeen.com

Frequently asked questions

Who led the renovation of The Landmark hotel in Hong Kong?

The renovation of The Landmark hotel in Hong Kong was led by Joyce Wang Studio, crafting an experience reminiscent of living in colonial country manors.

What design elements are featured in the hotel lobby?

The hotel lobby is a harmonious blend of stone, timber, and textured wallcoverings. Custom eglomisé glass details add a contemporary flair, while terracotta tones pay homage to the city’s colonial roots.

How does the renovation reflect Hong Kong’s heritage?

Joyce Wang Studio infused the design with elements inspired by Hong Kong’s historic architecture and skyline, blending history with artistic creativity. The integration of art played a crucial role, with each piece adding a local flavor and a unique story.

What is unique about the design of the hotel rooms?

Within the 109 rooms and suites, Joyce Wang Studio aimed for a residential ambience, introducing bespoke wallcoverings by Fromental with hand-painted silk elements and cracked gesso finishes. Custom rugs atop timber floors echo Hong Kong’s historical brickwork.