Stepping into a hotel lobby sets the tone for the entire guest experience. When the If Walls Could Talk team, led by interior designer Joelle Smith, was asked to renovate the lobby for one of Negril’s most established boutique hotels, we jumped at the opportunity to welcome visitors to Jamaica through our lens, where craft, coastal living and comfort culminate.

Sustainable Design

Upon entry, you are welcomed with a cool sea breeze and views of the lush gardens and beach beyond. The building features doors and windows on both sides of the room to create natural ventilation. We maintained these structural elements that are crucial to Caribbean Architecture and incorporated modern ceiling fans to enhance the airflow. This sustainable design limits the need for air conditioning and reduces energy consumption.

The design embraces an open floor plan anchored by a feature shelving unit that doubles as an architectural divider. Rather than solid walls, this airy installation allows light to pass through, maintaining sightlines across the lobby while displaying carefully curated objects.

LED Lighting illuminates the trey ceiling above the sunken sitting area, while flush mounted lantern shaped glass fixtures enhance the coffered ceilings that border the lounge.

Concrete, being a highly sustainable and recyclable material, was utilised for the counter height tables that flank the windows, as well as the reception bar.

Furniture That Invites Connection

Low, plush armchairs in neutral upholstery pair with cane-backed sofas for an effortless blend of comfort and craft. Their curved wooden frames nod to traditional Caribbean joinery, while the use of cane weaving ties the seating to Jamaica’s legacy of artisanal furniture.

Coffee and side tables, each with mid-century–inspired legs, balance the seating layout and add a modern twist. A recurring motif is the metallic “starburst,” placed atop tables reminiscent of sea urchins found along Jamaica’s shores — playful reminders of the natural world that inspires relaxation.

Layers of Texture and Pattern

Blending wood-look tiles with rattan seating, concrete surfaces and natural wood coffee tables, complemented by clean white framing, reflects our design ethos: modern minimalism softened by organic, tactile elements.

The accent wall blends modern design and nature. A bold, monochromatic mural of oversized leaves anchors one side of the lobby, energising the space without overwhelming it. This black-and-white backdrop contrasts beautifully with the warmth of rattan furniture and the vibrancy of potted plants set in deep blue concrete planters.

A Touch of Grandeur

At one end of the lounge, a black grand piano remains from the original design adding a timeless note of sophistication. Its glossy surface reflects the natural light pouring through large windows, reminding guests that this is not only a space for lounging but also for cultural moments — whether intimate performances, casual gatherings, or quiet afternoons.

Island vibes

The lobby design tells a distinctly Jamaican story without relying on clichés. Instead of bold tropical prints or bright island colours, it leans into subtler nods: a sailboat sculpture that gestures toward Jamaica’s maritime traditions, natural cane weaving that references craft heritage, and the interplay of wood, rattan, and ceramic echoing the island’s artisanal culture. Royal Blue upholstery not only represents the hotel’s signature brand, but also the Caribbean Sea it calls home.

Every detail reflects the intention to create not just a waiting area, but a lived-in space where locals and visitors alike can pause, breathe, and connect. It is a hospitality environment that honours both the contemporary traveller’s expectations and the timeless rhythms of Caribbean life.

Lobby — start of demolition work (Photo: Courtesy of Joelle Smith)

Lobby pre-renovation (Photo: Courtesy of Joelle Smith)

Rattan lounge seating with wooden coffee tables add texture. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

A grand piano from the original lobby remains. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

Starburst accents reminiscent of sea urchins. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

Coffered ceiling detail borders the sitting area. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

LED lighting illuminates the ceiling of the sunken lounge area. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

A concrete counter height table is flanked by a blue concrete planter. The area is utilised for remote work or sipping a cocktail. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

Open shelving and floating wooden slats act as room dividers that separate administrative offices from the lobby (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

Carefully curated accessories accentuate the floating bookshelf. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

Each detail was carefully selected to tell a story of casual island living. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

The light filled lobby welcomes guests. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

A view of the lounge. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

A concrete counter height table is flanked by a blue concrete planter. The area is utilised for remote work or sipping a cocktail. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

Open shelving and floating wooden slats act as room dividers that separate administrative offices from the lobby (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

The detail on the barrel- shaped accent chairs is a nod to Jamaica’s history of craftsmanship. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)

A custom tile layout utilises limestone-inspired porcelain tiles, an ode to the island’s natural resource. (Photo: Riane Bawalan Studios)