Westin has announced that the refurbishment of Westin Melbourne’s lobby by its original designer, Sue Carr of Carr Design, will begin in 2012. Also announced was a new design scheme for the public areas, guest rooms and furnishings of Westin’s chain of hotels around the world. Westin’s vice president of design, Erin Hoover, was in Australia to unveil the new designs, including a two-metre-high vertical garden and a candle wall, both of which will be featured in Westin hotel lobbies.

“The new Westin lobby concept is a modern-day oasis [away] from life’s stresses and the demands of travel, a place that allows guests to stay balanced, refreshed and ready to achieve,” Hoover said.

The new designs, which also include furniture and textiles, are inspired by natural elements and feature a neutral colour palette, natural woods and stones.