“Intimate Atmosphere Was The Aim”

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32143, 12 November 1969, Page 12

“Intimate Atmosphere Was The Aim”

“MY AIM was to create an intimate atmosphere to encourage social drinking and contact,” said Mr K. Groenendaal, a director of Mobilia Interiors, of the furnishings he designed for the Bush Inn Courts.

Mr Groenendaal is a Dutchman who has been in New Zealand for more than four years. “Being accoustomed to Continental drinking, I was somewhat brassed-off with New Zealand drinking habits and welcomed the opportunity to introduce people to sophisticated surroundings,” he said.

Settees are arranged to form alcoves around low tables which are within easy reach. “This will foster more social contact between drinkers,” said Mr

Groenendaal. He ordered Southland beech for the construction of the settees. “I decided on a daring colour and one that te new to New Zealand for the upholstery—a bright emerald green,” he said. Upholstered chairs of chocolate brown moulded plastic will replace some temporary seating in the lounge. The wall-to-wall earpet was specially woven for the Bush Inn Courts. It Is Wilton carpet made 100 per cent of wool. “Many hotel carpets are loud and flamboyant and have large designs; but I decided on a small, subdued pattern,” Mr Groenendaal said. The gold drapes for the vast window area are made of an artificial fibre.