Hotel Rose Bay has been a Sydney crowd-pleaser for 90 years. Recently renovated by Richards Stanisich, the historic establishment now has Expormim’s Coqueta chairs and Gres stools, providing patrons with stylish and comfortable seating.

Richards Stanisich preserved the historic façade of the iconic pub built in 1929, while undertaking a complete refresh inside. The owners wanted to create a multifaceted venue with appeal to all, whether it’s lunch with family, watching a game with friends or enjoying a romantic dinner for two. It needed to have a touch of elegance, while maintaining the spirit and sense of the original venue. “We appreciate the need for pubs to bring communities together, so we tried to retain some of the spirit of the old venue, because people like to sense the original pub,” says Jonathan Richards.

By increasing the interior space, Hotel Rose Bay now has a 70-person dining room, double-sided bar and larger kitchen. Bi-fold windows create more street presence and bring in natural light, sea breeze and harbour views.

The design team continued the historical narrative of the hotel with Art Deco-era finishes, such as terrazzo, timber, rose gold accents, emerald-coloured granite and ceramic tiles. Removable rattan ceiling panels absorb noise, and repeated detailing, such as dowels and bullnoses, are present in the wall panelling, joinery, lighting and furniture, to create continuity throughout the venue. “As in all Richards Stanisich projects, finishes and details play the crucial role of creating a cohesive design narrative,” Jonathan says.

This can be seen in the rounded timber framework and arching backrest of the Coqueta chair. Furnishing the intimate private dining area, the Coqueta has been stained forest green to match the terrazzo floor tiles, and the seat pad upholstered in deep-olive leather to complement the Gres stools in the main bar.

The Gres stools are a reinterpretation of an Expormim piece from 1962. The design team selected the stool for its durability and aesthetic. The leather seat pad, metal foot rail and mechanical fixings ensure it is comfortable and can withstand ongoing use; the rattan frame complements the ceiling panels and Australian spotted gum used throughout the venue; and the design with four curving and articulated frames, almost like an upside-down tulip, fits comfortably in the historic and modern narrative of Hotel Rose Bay.

For more information about the Coqueta chair and Gres stool, drop by the KE-ZU showroom at Alexandria or view the products online.