AKDO is proud to have collaborated with 8 designers to help their visions come to life using tile and mosaics through this one-of-a-kind showhouse. Open from to the public May 16, 2021 – June 6, 2021, The Kaleidoscope Project featured 23 BIOPIC designers renovating a century-old bed and breakfast in the Berkshires, with proceeds from the showhouse funding scholarships to those in the black, indigenous, people of color community interested in a career in the arts and design industry. At the end of its run, the showhouse was converted back to its original function as The Cornell Inn.

The design theme for this project was centered around three principle of why someone comes to an inn: Rest, Reflection and Rejuvenate, all to be interpreted through a color scheme encompassing neutrals (rest), cools (reflection) and warms (rejuvenate).

Kutana Lobby 

It is clear when designing the reception and lobby of the Inn, designer, Everick Brown, kept the central themes of rest and reflection in mind. Brown deemed this area as the “Kutana” lobby (Kutana being Swahili for the act of “meeting”) and created a Zen oasis pulling influences from Japanese and New-England influences to inspire connection and interaction. Using the earthy elements of Dark Olive marble, paired with natural textures of Kaya Azan Brown, Everick creates a fireplace surround that immediately captures the guests into a soothed state of mind.

Acento Bar

Doubling as an opera singer, David Santiago of Casa Santi Interior Design brings a theatrical glamour to the inn’s cocktail lounge, as inspired by the Metropolitan Opera House. Excalibur Joust Gilded steals the spotlight in this space, covering the bar and bar backsplash, complemented by red silk wallpaper, flame-like sconces, and a shimmering ceiling.

Lioness Room

Designed solely for relaxation, Purvi Padia creates a soothing guest room retreat named after Project Lion, an initiative Padia founded in partnership with UNICEF to serve children in India. Muted neutrals and tons of texture are used throughout the guest room with the main goal to transport each guest to a “vacation state of mind”. Beacon Ikat Calico adorns the bathroom backsplash, adding a playful take on the classic chevron with glass matchsticks that bring movement and character to the space.

Lady Cicely Room 

Named after the late-legend, Cecily Tyson, Austin Gray Design Group use the theme of Reflection, with a cool and sophisticated palette. The designers, thoughtfully paired Beacon Evoke Sapphire Art Glass with a vertically stacked ceramic tile in the shower, drawing the eye upward and giving depth to the small space. Porcelain Penny Rounds in Tranquil, adorn the shower and bathroom floor, allowing for easy maintenance, perfect for a hotel guest room.

Rasheeda Room

Rasheeda’s guest room embodies the designer herself, Rasheeda Gray of Gray Space Interior Design, complemented by the color scheme of a sunset. The guest bathroom adds a burst of shine, with Excalibur Shield Gilded covering the shower and extending out to the bathroom wall.

Rydhima’s Room

Inspired by her roots in India and Kuwait, Rydhima Brar of R/Terior Studio, incorporated rich jewel tones into this ensuite bathroom. Essence Clarity Sapphire pairs perfectly with the hand-painted panoramic wallpaper, tied together with a dark olive marble liner. The shower is covered by the classic Luminous Shine Calacatta with Gold adding an heir of glam with visual impact.

Doreen Suite

A homage to her mother, Dennese Guadalupe Rojas of Interiors by Design, explains the inspiration behind her design, “She took simple furnishings and accessories and created a luxurious yet inviting home where family and friends enjoyed gathering.” Rojas mirrored her mother’s style through the tile by taking Origin Misty Gray ceramic tile and adding a modern touch with a vertical half-offset arrangement for the suite kitchen backsplash. In the guest room shower, Rojas played off a simple subway tile using Essential Ceramic in Cloud by adding an inviting statement feature wall of Passage Evolution White.

Guest Suite

Inspired by the ocean, designer, Nikki Klugh, anchored her guest bathroom with a dark patterned wallpaper and the serene hues of Origin Sky Blue and Porcelain Penny Rounds in Tranquil.

Want to see these beautiful rooms firsthand? Retreat to the Berkshires and book your stay with The Cornell Inn today.