How Accor Group Transformed a Restaurant With An Artificial Vertical Garden

In a Nutshell

• Client: Commercial/Hospitality

• Products used: White Oasis Artificial Vertical Garden

• Results:

  • Provided a green focal point in the restaurant

  • Implemented a solution that aesthetically complements the roof

  • Customized and fitted to allow uninterrupted TV advertising promotions

Before Our Collaboration

The Accor Group is a behemoth in the hospitality industry, renowned for its extensive portfolio of brands and exceptional guest experiences.

In 1967, Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson took a bold step forward in the hospitality world. The two founders sought to cater to the fast-paced, post-war lifestyle, whose cornerstones were movement and modernity.

This vision led to the opening of the Novotel Lille-Lesquin, which pioneered the concept of the standardized hotel chain and introduced the full-service model with modern comforts we now take for granted - such as private bathrooms and room service.

Throughout the 1970s, the partners continued expanding the business and revolutionized the modern hotel experience.

The single Novotel Hotel soon grew to 45 Novotel Hotels, then a group of Novotel and other affiliated brands, eventually becoming what we know today: an undisputed leader in hospitality.

At the time of writing, Accor is the largest hospitality company in Europe and the sixth largest worldwide, with over 45 hotel brands, 5,700 hotels in 110 countries, and over 840,000 rooms. Its diverse and far-reaching brand portfolio caters to luxury seekers and budget-conscious travelers and encompasses notable names like Raffles, Fairmont, Mercure, and Ibis.

Among these astounding numbers lies one particular Accor Group hotel that approached Designer Plants for help in transforming a lackluster restaurant wall with an artificial green wall.

And this is where our collaboration began.

The Problem

This hotel identified a need to refresh the interior of its restaurant, which served as a hub for travelers from all over.

While the space was by no means dull or uninspiring, the owners wanted to cover the gray mural with an element that could bring more color. Although the painting captured attention, it failed to stand out because the rest of the decor was predominantly gray and black.

To brighten the space and break the monotony of the existing color palette, the staff decided on an ambitious project: covering the entire wall in artificial greenery. They chose this option primarily for the low maintenance and durable nature of faux greenery.

Upon researching faux vertical gardens, the client discovered our artificial living wall collection and reached out for a quote.

During the Process

When the client contacted us, they had a clear idea in mind: to cover the entire back wall of the restaurant, mount a TV in the center, and ensure minimal effort on their part.

Having previously worked with another Accor Group hotel brand, the Mercure Hotel, we were thrilled to have the chance to collaborate on a project for this esteemed group again. Artificial green walls are a wise choice for commercial decor, as they provide a scroll of benefits without any of the necessary upkeep real plants require.

The hotel staff thought the back wall should be eye-catching without overshadowing the rest of the decor. After browsing our vertical garden collection, they selected the White Oasis Artificial Green Wall - a choice our team wholeheartedly agreed with.

Then, we got to work.

The Solution

The White Oasis panel proved to be the ideal product for this hotel restaurant. Its small, delicate white flowers complement the sophisticated gold accents and white tones in the ceiling decor. Once we brought the panel inside, it became apparent that the space would be much more cohesive.

Given the size of the wall, we needed a larger number of artificial green walls to cover the monochromatic mural.

Before we could install the panels, we mounted the TV screen. Then, we cut the panels around it to allow unobstructed advertising promotions to run throughout the day. Our team cut along the back of the panel grid, which is made of flexible plastic, and made sure there were no visible plastic edges.

While our client called for assistance with installation, mounting artificial green walls on any surface is a project any DIY enthusiast can easily tackle. It simply requires accurate measurements, which you can do with the calculator available on each panel product page:

Finally, we securely installed the panels using staple guns and staples.

After It’s Done

The hotel team was delighted with the refreshed look and agreed it was exactly what the space needed.

The combination of vibrant greenery, soft floral accents, gold fixtures, and bright natural light streaming in through the windows creates a photogenic ambiance you rarely see. This transformation also aligns with the Accor Group’s core values - innovation, guest passion, and sustainability.

Since this faux vertical garden is inside, we expect it to last up to 15 years with proper (yet minimal) care. For the first 5 years, it’s also covered under warranty.

We hope to see other hotels adopt artificial green walls into their decor. As this product is mess-free and hypoallergenic, it contributes to an aesthetically pleasing environment for all guests.

Next Steps

This project was particularly dear to us as it showcased our ability to collaborate with globally recognized clients like the Accor Hotel Group.>

Creating installations that are visually arresting and practical is the backbone of our work, and something we’re passionate about.

If you need a quote for your hotel, restaurant, or other commercial space, send us an email or give us a ring and we’ll be happy to help you redecorate your space according to your terms.