When you hear “Italian-inspired”, you think coastal, Mediterranean, mosaic, stucco, terracotta, minimalist. That wasn’t the vibe for the revamp of Hotel Morris, which reopened on Pitt Street last year.
Instead, the hotel’s design takes guests on a journey from darkness to light, transitioning from Italy’s historic opulence to a relaxed, distinctly Australian vibe. There’s a convergence of past and present too, with modern updates to the heritage-listed building and twists on classic cocktails in the bar. It’s a concept that challenges expectations, as designer Carla Matias of studio Tom Mark Henry explains.
“It’s not every day you’re asked to bring Dante’s Divine Comedy to life in a hotel – but we knew it would be an exciting project, to create from such a rich concept,” she says.
Guests enter through a dim, moody vestibule, where dark Moroccan tile, polished Venetian plaster and barrel vaulting set a powerful first impression, evoking an Inferno-esque descent into a narrative-driven design.
“We saw this as a unique experience for tourists coming to Sydney, who might come expecting stereotypical harbourside views,” Matias says, “We wanted to really subvert those expectations with a memorable arrival sequence – a grand entry that feels different from the usual.”
The heart of the hotel, Bar Morris, offers an intimate, art-deco-inspired setting with space for just 40. The wine bar and restaurant was designed with pre-theatre snacks, cured meats and aperitivo – specifically Negronis – in mind, and continues the hotel’s theme of Italy and Australia coming together. The Dante inspiration comes into play too, with the interplay of dark and light, temptation and indulgence, naughty and nice. Dishes on the menu include zucchini fritters with burnt honey; baked tomino with garlic and thyme; a classic lasagne; and Skull Island prawns with salmoriglio, a southern Italian sauce with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs.
Deep red tones, reflective brass and peach-toned marble establish an earthy yet indulgent feel, while velvet seating, leather-clad walls and custom lighting add warmth. A winding staircase with burgundy marble and Venetian plaster, highlighted by custom red pendants, continues the dramatic story, playfully referencing Dante’s journey. There’s a distinct sense of place, expressed through specially commissioned works by Australian artists.
“There’s a lot of detail that leans into the building’s heritage, but we didn’t set out for maximalism,” Matias says. “Our aim was for each room to feel like a place where you can relax effortlessly, while enjoying that story.”
The Italian inspiration carries through the ground floor with stately, dramatic elements that eventually soften as guests move upstairs. Rooms adopt a more relaxed, residential feel, using custom-designed furniture, soothing textures and softened lighting to create visually engaging and restorative spaces. Golden mustard tones and Jarrah wood accents balance European elegance with Australian materiality. Every design choice was made with longevity in mind.
“We worked closely with the clients to make sure every surface would last,” Matias says. “Any material choice we made needed to not only make an impact on day one, but more importantly, would look good on day 1000. You can’t sacrifice practicality for aesthetics.”
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Accor Hotels.
