The transformation of the built environment into a landscape of hospitality is a journey that requires patience and precision. Between the years 2020 and 2024 our team embarked on a significant mission to redefine the interior identity of the Radisson Hotel in Kaunas. This project was not merely a renovation but a complete reimagining of what a modern hotel in Lithuania should represent. With a vast scope covering 200 rooms and extensive public areas the challenge was to maintain a sense of intimacy within a large scale structure. We sought to design an environment that honors the global standards of the Radisson brand while rooting the experience firmly in the local context. The result is a hotel that feels cosmopolitan yet intimately grounded in its location. This project exemplifies our approach to hotel design where aesthetic beauty and operational efficiency are woven together to create a seamless guest experience.
The Lobby
The first impression of a hotel is created within seconds of arrival. The lobby of the Radisson Hotel Kaunas is an expansive architectural volume defined by soaring ceilings and a vast glazed facade. Such large spaces can often feel impersonal or overwhelming if not treated with care. Barbara Bula Arhitekti Interior design strategy focused on humanizing this scale. We aimed to transform a grand atrium into a series of inviting and habitable zones.
Viewed from the between-storey level, the vestibule floor looks like a carefully crafted landscape element. We moved away from rigid linear arrangements in favor of organic flow. The centerpiece of the seating area is a collection of large circular banquettes. These are upholstered in warm tan leather that brings a natural earthiness to the palette. The curved high backs of the banquettes serve a dual purpose. Aesthetically they soften the rectilinear grid of the building structure. Functionally they create acoustic and visual privacy for guests. This allows a business meeting or a quiet coffee break to take place comfortably within the open plan space.
To further break down the volume, we introduced significant biophilic elements. Large potted trees and lush greenery are placed strategically between the seating islands. These plants act as soft dividers that guide the movement of people through the room. They introduce a sense of life and freshness that is essential for a welcoming atmosphere. The lighting design is equally critical in managing the spatial perception. Oversized spherical pendant lights hang at varying heights throughout the atrium. They act as glowing moons that fill the upper void. By drawing the eye down they lower the perceived ceiling height to a more comfortable human scale. The interplay of the cool grey floor tiles with the warm wood of the tables and the softness of the sheer grey curtains creates a sophisticated backdrop. This area sets the tone for the entire hospitality design concept which balances industrial sleekness with cozy warmth.
Culinary Spaces
The transition from the lobby to the restaurant and bar, marks a deliberate shift in mood. While the lobby is bright and airy, the dining areas are designed to be richer and more textural. The restaurant serves as the social heart of the hotel and is intended to attract both international guests and local residents of Kaunas. To achieve this crossover appeal, we utilized a color palette grounded in earthy sophistication.
For the Dining room we selected chairs upholstered in shades of moss green and slate grey to reflect the natural tones of the Lithuanian landscape. These are paired with light wood tables that add a touch of Scandinavian brightness and simplicity. The perimeter banquettes feature ribbed upholstery in a soft taupe tone. This ribbed detail adds a layer of depth and shadow that catches the ambient light.
A defining element of the restaurant`s interior design is the use of metallic accents. We incorporated geometric brass screens and gold toned light fixtures to introduce a sense of rhythm and understated luxury. These metallic elements sparkle against the matte finishes of the textiles and wood. They create a golden hour atmosphere that makes the space feel warm and inviting particularly in the evening.
Art plays a significant role in grounding the design in its location. Large black and white art photographs adorn the walls. These images depict the iconic modernist architecture and historic streets of Kaunas. By integrating these local visual narratives we ensure that the hotel design feels specific to its city. The wine wall is treated as a piece of functional sculpture. It is a glass encased volume that showcases the collection and adds a sense of animation and verticality to the dining room.
The Guest Rooms
Designing for a capacity of 200 rooms requires a deep understanding of consistency and traveler psychology. This project was completed between 2020 and 2024 which was a period that redefined travel habits. Today the guest craves a space that allows the mind to decompress more than ever before. For the private quarters at the Radisson Hotel Kaunas we adopted a philosophy of Nordic Zen. We stripped away all unnecessary ornamentation to create a space of pure clarity and rest.
The color scheme in the guest rooms is intentionally restrained. We used a palette of soft greys and crisp whites and light oak wood. The walls are painted in a soothing light blue grey tone that changes subtly depending on the time of day. This neutral background serves as a blank canvas for the guest. The focal point of the room is the bed which is dressed in high quality white linens. Behind the bed we designed a custom headboard upholstered in a textured grey fabric. This element provides acoustic dampening and physical softness which encourages reading and relaxation.
We introduced a single powerful pop of color to anchor the room. A deep teal velvet chair sits at the desk. This choice of rich jewel toned upholstery adds a touch of luxury and serves as a visual counterpoint to the neutral background. The lighting in the room is layered and intuitive. Simple pendant lights hang by the bedside to free up space on the nightstands. We avoided harsh overhead lighting in favor of softer and more diffused sources that create a residential feeling. The black and white photography continues into the guest rooms to create a cohesive narrative that connects the private spaces with the public areas.
Materiality and Operational Durability
Barbara Bula Arhitekti believe that successful interior design must be as durable as it is beautiful. A hotel of this size is a high traffic environment that operates twenty four hours a day. The materials chosen for this project were selected for their longevity and ease of maintenance.
In the lobby we utilized stone flooring in the main circulation paths to ensure that the space remains pristine despite heavy footfall. In the restaurant the commercial grade fabrics were chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to withstand daily use. We used high abrasion resistance velvets and leathers that age gracefully over time. The wood finishes throughout the hotel are sealed with durable matte lacquers that preserve the natural look of the timber while protecting it from wear and tear. This pragmatic approach ensures that the investment of the client is protected. We believe that true sustainability in architecture comes from building things that last.
The Role of Lighting in Atmosphere
Lighting is the invisible material that ties the entire project together. We worked with a lighting strategy that emphasizes mood and atmosphere rather than just illumination. In the restaurant decorative brass chandeliers create focal points and lower the visual scale of the room. These fixtures add a graphic element to the ceiling plane.
In the corridors and the lobby architectural lighting is used to highlight the textures of the walls and the curtains. We believe that light should wash over surfaces to reveal their depth. Natural light was also a major consideration. The large windows in the lobby and the restaurant are treated with sheer window coverings. These allow for the control of glare without blocking the view of the street. We wanted the changing light of the Kaunas sky to be an active participant in the interior experience.
A Collaborative Triumph
The successful completion of the Radisson Hotel Kaunas is a result of intense collaboration and shared vision. The project team from Barbara Bula Arhitekti
We are proud to have partnered with Radisson to bring this vision to life. This project demonstrates how Barbara Bula Arhitekti approaches Interior design as a holistic discipline. We combine aesthetic vision with technical rigor to create environments that improve the lives of those who inhabit them. The Radisson Hotel Kaunas is more than just a place to sleep. It is a modern landmark that welcomes the world with open arms and impeccable style.
