Spaces: Focal Points

Photo courtesy of Newport Harbor Island Resort

Resort Revamp 

The Newport Harbor Island Resort is fresh on the heels of a $50 million transformation that saw almost every inch of the property reimagined.

Seattle-based Dawson Design Associates revamped the 257 guestrooms, seventeen suites and 30,000 square feet of event space with natural hues, warm woods and intriguing textures.

The soft luxury radiates from the resort’s inviting lobby, where the walls and ceiling are latticed in blonde woods and a whale sculpture crafted from driftwood greets guests. The entire space is dotted with textile art from local artists and weavers, including Rhode Island-based fiber artist Sarah Swift, whose “Atlantic No. 5” is inspired by the shifts and undulations of Narragansett Bay.

The resort, owned by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and operated by Davidson Resorts, also refreshed the contemporary spa and its four dining options, including the Pineapple Club, a bakery, the Torpedo Bar & Lounge and 1639, its waterfront dining venue. 1639’s reimagined menu pulls from Newport’s maritime heritage, with dishes like fresh oysters, a seafood platter and branzino served with saffron risotto, asparagus, cherry tomatoes and gremolata. newportharborisland.com

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Photo courtesy of Lindsey Epstein

Crystal Clear 

Looking for a one-of-a-kind statement piece or something to spark a little joy in your day?

Lindsey Epstein’s crystalline vases use a special glaze with zinc crystals that “grow” during the firing and cooling process, developing organic
shapes and designs. Quite like snowflakes, no two pieces are alike.

Epstein, who started working with crystalline glazes in 2004, creates and fires her pottery
creations in her Tiverton studio. It takes a combination of technical precision and the unpredictability of the kiln to grow the crystals and create each piece.

They’d make the perfect vessel for an early autumn bouquet of sunflowers or a single firecracker of a dahlia. They come in a riot of colors — teal, “winter sky,” emerald, orange, butter yellow — and in miniature sizes, as well as mugs, bowls, pitchers, trays and bottle stoppers.

Visit lepottery.com to shop Epstein’s designs or schedule a visit to her studio.

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Photo courtesy of Read Mckendree

Chanler’s Bold Moves

It certainly is the year for Newport hospitality glow-ups!

The Chanler at Cliff Walk is the latest to show off its stunning new look with a freshly redesigned lobby and guest spaces, and they’re bright, whimsical and bold — a modern reimagining of a manse firmly rooted in the Gilded Age.

Owner Lani Shufelt worked with Studio Valerius, a New York architecture and design firm, to bring the evolution to life. It starts in the lobby, where a scalloped white oak reception desk with hammered brass and onyx stone and custom carpet by Paris artist Marguerite Le Maire welcome guests. An organic
plaster relief weaves through the upper portion of the space, a whimsical design by New York City artist Esteban Monsalve.

Built in 1873 for New York Congressman John Winthrop Chanler, the hotel overlooks Easton’s (First) Beach and features twenty guest rooms and villas. Cara at the Chanler, a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant, offers a seasonal blind-tasting menu under the direction of chef Jacob Jasinski, while Remy’s Loose offers French cuisine influenced by the New England coast. thechanler.com