The Chairish Podcast: How Style is Revitalizing Palm Beach

Release Date: February 13, 2024

Hosts and Guests:

• Host: Michael Boudreau, Chairish Inc.
• Guests:
  • Sarah Wettenhall: President and CEO of the Colony Hotel, former fashion public relations specialist.
  • Isabel Ellerman: President of Schumacher Hospitality, luxury hotel design expert.
  • Meg Braff: Designer and dealer, author of Decorated Living with Style and Joy.
  • Ana Brockway: Co-founder and President of Cherish, a premier destination for curated vintage finds.

Introduction: The Revival of the Colony Hotel

Michael Boudreau opens the episode by setting the stage for Palm Beach's transformation from a traditionally "sleepy" town to a vibrant hub attracting a younger, design-oriented crowd. The Colony Hotel, affectionately known as the "Pink Paradise," serves as a prime example of this resurgence.

Notable Quote:

Michael Boudreau [00:00]: "Palm Beach now attracts hordes of youthful, stylish and design-obsessed residents and visitors who have shaken up the establishment."

The Legacy and Transformation of the Colony Hotel

Sarah Wettenhall shares the personal and familial motivations behind revitalizing the Colony Hotel. Taking over the hotel in 2016 alongside her husband, Sarah emphasizes their role as stewards of a family legacy rather than mere business owners.

Key Points:

• The Colony Hotel originally opened in 1947 and hosted notable figures across various industries.
• Sarah and her husband aimed to honor her father-in-law's dream of keeping the hotel within the family.
• Their approach focuses on blending tradition with modern design, collaborating with prominent designers like Celery Kemble and Aaron Lauder.

Notable Quote:

Sarah Wettenhall [03:37]: "Some projects choose you and you choose some projects. As creative people, we all know this. The colony picked us."

Palm Beach's Evolution: From Tradition to Trendsetting

Meg Braff reflects on her long-standing relationship with Palm Beach, highlighting its evolution into a vibrant design community. She notes the enhanced shopping experiences and the town's ability to retain its architectural beauty while embracing modernity.

Key Points:

• Palm Beach has shifted from being perceived as sleepy to a dynamic cultural center.
• The integration of West Palm Beach has added a "funky and artistic" flair, complementing the traditional glamour.
• Preservation of architectural heritage has become a priority, moving away from the "slash and burn" mentality of the past.

Notable Quote:

Meg Braff [05:31]: "It has changed a lot. And originally, I think it was a little sleepier. It was always so stylish... the shopping has never been better."

Collaboration Between Cherish and the Colony Hotel

Ana Brockway discusses how Cherish's mission aligns perfectly with the Colony Hotel's revitalization efforts. The collaboration focuses on contemporaryizing historic elements while maintaining a sense of place and community.

Key Points:

• Cherish specializes in curating exceptional vintage inventory, complementing the Colony's design philosophy.
• The partnership aims to bring archival designs to life, making them relevant for today's travelers.
• Local sourcing plays a significant role, emphasizing the unique charm of Palm Beach.

Notable Quote:

Ana Brockway [09:05]: "It really just felt like a match made in heaven for us."

Designing for Modern Travelers: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Isabel Ellerman elaborates on the changing preferences of luxury hotel guests, who now seek personalized and locally inspired designs. She highlights the importance of creating "home away from home" experiences that also offer visually stunning environments.

Key Points:

• Modern travelers desire unique, location-specific designs that offer more than just aesthetic appeal.
• The collaboration leverages Schumacher Hospitality's extensive archives to infuse historic designs with contemporary elements.
• Emphasis on creating Instagram-worthy moments that enhance the guest experience without compromising on comfort.

Notable Quote:

Isabel Ellerman [11:55]: "They want to find a home away from home. They want to feel welcomed."

Clientele Shifts and International Appeal

Sarah Wettenhall discusses the diversification of the Colony Hotel's clientele, attracting multi-generational guests and expanding its appeal to international visitors, particularly from the UK and South America.

Key Points:

• The Colony now caters to a broader audience, including design enthusiasts and affluent travelers who appreciate whimsy and sophistication.
• International guests are drawn to the hotel's unique blend of historic charm and modern design.
• The strategic location near Miami allows guests to enjoy both the tranquility of Palm Beach and the vibrant nightlife of Miami.

Notable Quote:

Sarah Wettenhall [20:16]: "Palm beach is a small town, fundamentally, but with a really big personality."

The Future of Design and Hospitality in Palm Beach

The conversation delves into future collaborations and the ongoing commitment to maintaining Palm Beach's design legacy. Ana hints at upcoming projects while emphasizing the importance of meaningful partnerships.

Key Points:

• Cherish is exploring new collaborations that align with their mission and design ethos.
• Continuous innovation is essential to keep the Colony Hotel fresh and appealing to new generations of guests.
• The balance between preserving historical elements and embracing modern trends remains a focal point.

Notable Quote:

Ana Brockway [30:55]: "We're the same way in that you're kind of inspired by who feels like the right collaborator and what feels like the right."

Conclusion: Celebrating Palm Beach's Unique Charm

Michael Boudreau wraps up the episode by commending the guests' contributions to the Colony Hotel's success and Palm Beach's transformation. He underscores the town's unique blend of residential charm and high-end design, making it an ideal destination for both long-time residents and new visitors.

Key Points:

• The Colony Hotel stands as a testament to the successful blend of tradition and modernity.
• Palm Beach's distinctive personality and design-driven community continue to attract a diverse and sophisticated clientele.
• The ongoing revitalization efforts ensure that Palm Beach remains a coveted destination in the ever-evolving interior design landscape.

Notable Quote:

Michael Boudreau [33:41]: "What you can do with the design that they see home with them... it's going to inspire a lot of people to look at Palm beach in a slightly different way."

Final Remarks:

The episode highlights the pivotal role of design in transforming Palm Beach into a modern, stylish, and culturally rich destination. Through passionate stewardship and strategic collaborations, the Colony Hotel has not only preserved its historic legacy but also embraced contemporary trends, ensuring its place at the forefront of interior design and luxury hospitality.

For more episodes, visit The Chairish Podcast on Acast.