Step into a well-designed restaurant or hotel, and you’ll immediately feel the ambience enveloping you. The fusion of colours, textures, and lighting creates an experience that is both unique and memorable. Olivia Ann Calleja is an esteemed interior designer, we caught up with her to speak about her approach to designing interior spaces for restaurants and hotels that leave a lasting impression on guests.
“The typology of restaurant or hotel, such as setting, style, type of market that needs to be catered for, location, time frames, and settings are all the main factors,” Olivia shares. With a comprehensive understanding of these factors, Olivia meticulously plans and collaborates with other professionals, including architects, engineers, and operations managers, to formulate the best experience possible for clients. By embracing the input of all parties involved, the designs harmoniously blend functionality with aesthetics.
Lighting design holds immense power in setting the mood and ambience of a space. Olivia explains, “Natural light is by far God’s blessing to all our interiors and exteriors.” While leveraging natural light is essential, Olivia emphasises the importance of artificial lighting in enhancing architectural features. By skillfully integrating architectural lighting, Olivia creates captivating facades for hotels and illuminates restaurant interiors, amplifying their architectural beauty while adding an enchanting allure.
Sustainability is an ever-growing concern in the hospitality industry. Olivia takes pride in incorporating eco-friendly design elements into her projects, both in interior design and lighting. “For interior choices of materials, fabrics, wall murals, furniture, and most other elements, I incorporate sustainable materials as much as possible,” she explains. In lighting design, Olivia pays special attention to eliminating disability glare, which contributes to light pollution. By carefully considering orientation, positioning, and the luminaires used, Olivia ensures that her designs prioritise both visual comfort and environmental responsibility.
As an architecturally rich destination, Malta offers a unique challenge in balancing local identity with contemporary design trends. Olivia navigates this delicate balance by interpreting each project’s context and character. “I am the instrument that wears the attire according to the project I have in hand,” she asserts. Whether it’s revitalising an 18th-century palazzo in the historic Three Cities or reinventing a hotel façade in bustling St Julian’s, Olivia adapts her approach to maintain the essence of the location while infusing it with modern design elements. Her goal is to create an experience that transcends her own signature, making the building both exterior and interior a captivating journey for guests.
In challenging or compact layouts, maximising space utilisation becomes crucial in restaurants and hotels. Olivia thrives on such challenges, understanding that every square metre carries a high value. With expertise and creativity, she develops innovative solutions to optimise space and enhance the guest experience. By exploring unconventional layout configurations and employing clever design strategies, Olivia ensures that even the most challenging spaces are transformed into functional and captivating environments.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of successful design projects. Olivia recognizes the significance of working seamlessly with other professionals, such as architects and contractors, to achieve cohesive and harmonious outcomes. “My main aim when I am entrusted with a project is to make my clients’ experience as smooth as possible,” Olivia affirms. While each project comes with its unique challenges, she remains focused on creating a collaborative environment, where all parties work together towards a shared vision. Drawing on her extensive experience, Olivia navigates the complexities of design projects, ensuring that every step is approached with professionalism and an unwavering dedication to the client’s satisfaction.
Through her insightful and passionate approach to interior design, Olivia Ann Calleja continues to transform spaces into captivating destinations that resonate with guests. Her ability to seamlessly blend functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability sets her apart in the industry. As she continues to create awe-inspiring experiences, Olivia’s work stands as a testament to the power of design in shaping memorable moments for guests in restaurants and hotels across the globe.
