DDA, Antonio Mora help design W Boston

W Boston completed the complete transformation of its welcome area and suites – one Extreme Wow (Presidential), three Wow (Vice Presidential) and two Marvelous.

The new welcome area and suites honor Boston’s history through modern design, though also celebrating the spirits of Edgar Allan Poe, the Massachusetts Militia, and the Boston rock bands of the 70s and 80s. To bring this vision to life, W Boston worked with Dawson Design Associates and Spanish artist Antonio Mora. 

Suites give a nod to Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” with elements including smoked glass and faux-charred wood inspired by the first battle of the Revolutionary War, to angular shapes and sharp edges. Modern-day history comes into play too, as the suites pay homage to the city’s rock n’ roll scene, and this can be seen in pops of color reminiscent of stage costumes and musicians’ black leather jackets and pants.

In contrast to these elements of the suites, tactile fabrics are found in pillows, throws, and woven into the upholstery, a nod to 18th century looms. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in each suite. Throw pillows, inspired by the Boston Tea Party, read, “What hath night to do with sleep?”

The Extreme WOW Suite is W Boston’s largest, with custom furniture that includes a deconstructed Windsor chair and a chandelier reminiscent of timbers falling from a fire. The flooring of the Extreme WOW is made of dark oak and walnut native to New England, and it is offset by white walls. The glass is smoked, inspired by the first battle of the revolutionary war.

This thread of smoke and fire continues throughout the suites, from faux-charred end tables and gold specs in the rugs and pillows, to wall murals from Spanish artist Antonio Mora. Mora was commissioned to create murals for the suites based on the design inspiration of smoke, fire and Poe’s “The Raven.”