Designer and TV personality Neale Whitaker has left his mark on a signature suite at the new-look Laneways by Ovolo in Melbourne.
Ovolo unveiled a first glimpse of the Neale Whitaker suite – a redesign of what is reported to be his room of choice when staying in the city.
After several years of being allocated to the room, formerly known as 303, it became known unofficially as his personal suite.
“It became a bit of a standing joke,” he said. “But the reason I love this room is because of its corner position, which has amazing windows looking to the most gorgeous tree and old stuccoed wall outside, leading through to views of the rooftops and towers of the CBD.”
Working alongside interior design studio Luchetti Krelle to style the suite, Whitaker embraced the hotel’s 80s Memphis-inspired decor by incorporating some of his favourite pieces.
“In the theme of Memphis nostalgia, I sourced a whole load of styling items and a few knickknacks to put into the room, artwork as well, fitting with Luchetti Krelle’s design narrative,” he said.
The rooms features a collection of original art, limited-edition objects and soft furnishings and guests can enjoy a 100-song Spotify playlist of Whitaker’s favourite tracks.
“These are all the things that are incredibly important to me,” he said.
“There are three big ticket items: a large painting by artist Nunzio Miano, a Sarah Nedovic Gaunt lamp and a portrait by Flynn Cowan.”
Miano’s flamboyant use of colour amplifies the energy in the room’s scheme, while the sculptural lamp by Gaunt was the last of the highly sought-after ‘Lady’ collection and is similar to a piece which Neale has in his own home. The illustration of Whitaker himself was created by former Ovolo staffer Flynn Cowan.