The Standard, London

The newest collaboration between SHD and the Standard Hotel is the international debut of the Standard brand. Located in King s Cross, the Brutalist building once served as Camden Council government offices. In contrast to its origins (and the notorious gray skies of London), the newest Standard features a bright and bold color scheme throughout the interior. Drawing inspiration from the early 1970s, Shawn Hausman described the team s concept, "We tried to take over in a friendly way – keeping the essence, but almost as if California rebels had taken over a government building and made it more free-spirited." The curved corners of the building s original windows echo throughout the new interior, creating a sense of undulating spaciousness. On the first floor, a grooved timber reception area is framed by a striking geometric tile feature wall commissioned from ceramics artist Lubna Chowdhary. In guest rooms, wardrobes finished in rich red balance atop cobalt carpets, as though a remixed Union Jack. Suites feature private terraces with outdoor soaking tubs overlooking St. Pancras Station. The light-hearted public spaces include a lobby lounge (formerly a public library), a recording studio, and three restaurants, including rooftop dining with 360-degree views of London. The Standard London opened to the public in Summer 2019. The Standard London featured in Wallpaper*, Dezeen, and Financial Times.