In the heart of St. Charles, Illinois, where history blends seamlessly with modern elegance, Roby Design House, under the leadership of Linda Roby, undertook a special project. Established in 2007, Roby Design House specializes in creating unique, artistic finishes that transform spaces for both residential and commercial clients. Their repertoire includes sophisticated techniques like plasters, metallics, stenciling, and more, all designed to add beauty and interest to any environment.
A Project Steeped in History and Artistry
Recently, Roby Design House worked with the Hotel Baker, a site cherished not only for its place on the National Register of Historic Places but also as a beloved locale enjoyed by generations of Linda’s family. Tasked by bb Interiors, a Geneva-based design firm, Linda and her team were approached to update the interior finishes as part of a broader refurbishment of this iconic 1928 building.
The project focused on several common areas and guest rooms, where Linda’s expertise in marrying functionality with aesthetic appeal was paramount. The walls, originally adorned in the 1920s with a faux plaster block design, were meticulously smoothed and prepared for a fresh, innovative finish.
Incorporating Novacolor’s Celestia for Durability and Style
For this renovation, Linda chose Novacolor Italia’s Celestia Wall Painting, a decorative wall coating known for its soft touch effect and leather-like appearance. This product was ideal for the hotel’s needs, offering durability and ease of maintenance essential for commercial spaces with high foot traffic. Celestia’s elastic and resin components provide a tactile, organic effect with subtle movement, adding depth and intrigue while respecting the building’s historical integrity.
The application of Celestia was not just practical but also artistic. The smooth, matte finish brought a modern touch to the space while enhancing the existing architectural elements. Linda also took great care in repairing and highlighting the original plaster ornamentation and executed detailed wood graining around the iconic revolving doors.
A Hub of Activity and Inspiration
During the renovation, Hotel Baker continued to attract attention, serving as a picturesque setting for weddings. The hotel’s charm and unique design elements caught the eye of Netflix, which chose the location for filming scenes of the movie “The Killer,” adding another layer of excitement to the project.
Looking Forward with Novacolor
Linda’s experience with Novacolor Italia’s products has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the quality and the professional support offered by the company. The versatility and superior finish of their materials have made them a staple in her design toolkit, eagerly anticipated by designers and clients alike. She says, “I enjoy the Novacolor materials I have used and look forward to incorporating their other products. I’m very impressed with the quality of the materials and the professionalism of the company. Their marketing materials are a pleasure to share with designers and clients. I feel confident in the customer support available as needed.”
A Note of Gratitude
Through projects like these, Roby Design House not only preserves history but propels it into the future with grace and innovation, much like the decorative finishes Linda masterfully creates. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Linda Roby for sharing her insights and experiences on this prestigious project. Her dedication to craftsmanship and collaboration shines through in the stunning transformation of Hotel Baker, ensuring that this historic gem continues to sparkle for years to come.
FEATURED APPLICATOR
Linda Roby of Roby Design House / Illinois
Contact: 630-338-5422
Email: linda@robydesignhouse.com
0 Comments