Holloway Li Revives Mid-Century Glamour at Locke London Canary Wharf
Design studio transforms corporate waterfront into a cinematic 1960s-inspired hospitality experience
1Mid-century modern revival
Holloway Li's design for Locke London Canary Wharf draws heavily from 1960s aesthetics, blending clean geometric lines with rich materials like walnut, lacquer, and chrome. The studio's 'Cinematic Everyday' approach uses film references to create atmospheric spaces. This 279-room hotel occupies a waterfront tower, contrasting the building's rigid structure with fluid interior forms. Burgundy and forest green accents complement warm timber finishes throughout the property.
2Narrative-driven spatial choreography
The ground floor's open-plan area is divided into intimate 'sets' through color, pattern, and furniture changes. Angular concrete columns establish rhythm while curvaceous seating and oversized pendant lights soften the architecture. Custom-designed rugs in collaboration with Modersia add layered texture. The lounge features sculptural mid-century furniture and graphic upholstery that reinforce the period theme.
3Signature custom joinery
Bespoke woodwork defines the spaces, including room-dividing bookshelves combining oak burr with high-gloss burgundy lacquer. A wave-form magazine shelf subtly references the nearby Thames. The theatrical DJ booth features 1960s automobile-inspired curves with glowing 'headlight' fixtures. These elements demonstrate Holloway Li's material-rich approach to interior storytelling.
4Cinematic material palette
The library café features ultramarine tabletops contrasting with earthy browns, referencing film production blue screens. LUQA bar channels 1960s cocktail culture with green marble counters and fluted oak cladding. Vermilion artwork punctuates the brown-and-green color scheme. Shimmering chrome frames create dramatic transitions between spaces.
5Guest room design philosophy
Rooms balance mid-century inspiration with contemporary comfort. Dark walnut framing creates a grid across walls and ceilings, extending into space-defining partitions. Fluted glass maintains light flow between areas while providing separation. Sage-green walls and oak flooring temper the darker wood tones. High-level mirrors enhance spatial proportions.
6Conversation pit centerpiece
The oversized sofa pit beside each bed references Don Draper's Mad Men apartment and 1960s modular furniture. This feature transforms guest rooms into social spaces, embodying the hotel's hedonistic character. The design encourages guests to close laptops and socialize, contrasting with Canary Wharf's corporate environment.
7Upcoming rooftop expansion
ALTO, Holloway Li's soon-to-open rooftop bar and restaurant, will extend the cinematic narrative vertically. Designed as a more theatrical counterpart to ground-floor spaces, it promises to complete the tower's 1960s-inspired experience. This addition will offer panoramic views of the Thames and London skyline.
8Brand continuity through design
This marks Holloway Li's third project for Locke, following Bermonds Locke and Munich's WunderLocke. The studio's consistent narrative approach strengthens Locke's brand identity across locations. The Canary Wharf property demonstrates how period references can create distinctive hospitality experiences in corporate settings.