Case study: Shangri-La The Silk Lakehouse, Hangzhou -- how furniture shapes the soul of a luxury space

Imagine stepping into a space where every chair, table, and cabinet tells a story—not just of craftsmanship, but of cultural dialogue. At Shangri-La The Silk Lakehouse in Hangzhou, this narrative comes alive through furniture that weaves Eastern elegance with global design sensibilities. 

The launch of The Silk Lakehouse was nothing short of historic. Ms. Kuok Hui Kwong, Chairman of Shangri-La Group, was joined by a glittering lineup of guests—Cate Blanchett, Tang Wei, Lang Lang, Carina Lau, and Tan Yuanyuan—who collectively underscored the hotel’s commitment to redefining luxury. True opulence, they affirmed, lies not in ostentation, but in making every guest feel cherished, as if stepping into a space crafted exclusively for them.

The Silk Lakehouse’s design speaks softly, resonating with the rhythm of West Lake, the elegance of silk, and the poetic spirit of a city that has inspired generations.

Two design visionaries brought this vision to life. Belgian designer Gert Voorjans, a master of weaving history into spaces, drew from Hangzhou’s past, evoking the charm of 19th-century silk merchants’ mansions—grand yet intimate abodes where business and family coexisted, each corner holding a story. Spanish creative dynamo Lázaro Rosa-Violán injected modern vitality: bold art installations, unexpected color clashes, and textures that beg to be touched. The result? A space where 200-year-old wooden beams harmonize with neon art, creating a seamless blend of old and new.

Wander through the lobby, and you’ll notice: light filtering through silk drapes like sunlight on water; intricate carvings on wooden screens, inspired by Jiangnan ink paintings; sofas as plush as those in a collector’s study. Here, "maximalism" feels intentional—every object, every pattern, serves a purpose.

The Silk Lakehouse is more than a hotel—it’s a showcase of how furniture elevates a space from ordinary to extraordinary. In the lobby, armchairs curve like West Lake’s gentle shores, their silk upholstery shimmering like lake light. In the suites, teak dining tables, carved from premium wood, stand as focal points, blending Foshan’s traditional woodworking heritage with sleek modern lines.

These are not mere "furniture pieces"—they are the culmination of decades of craftsmanship from gom Furniture. As a seasoned workshop deeply rooted in the furniture industry, gom shares our philosophy: every creation should be a vessel of culture. For years, we’ve collaborated to refine every detail—from selecting sustainable hardwoods to perfecting finishes that stand the test of time, even adjusting the depth of carvings to align with a space’s narrative. This dedication to "excellence" is why gom is a trusted partner for Shangri-La’s luxury properties.

The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels, where grandeur and cultural pride intertwine. From Dubai’s skyline-defining resorts to Riyadh’s palatial retreats, these spaces demand furniture that goes beyond functionality: it must tell stories, honor local heritage, and meet the highest standards of opulence.

Our partnership with gom directly addresses the core needs of Middle Eastern hoteliers:

• Customization: Just as The Silk Lakehouse’s furniture reflects Hangzhou’s soul, gom excels at integrating regional elements like Arabic geometric patterns or mother-of-pearl, making furniture an extension of culture.
• Durability: Luxury hotels require pieces that remain flawless year after year. gom’s craftsmanship ensures every chair, sofa, and console withstands heavy use without losing its luster.
• Cultural Fusion: The Silk Lakehouse seamlessly blends East and West. Similarly, gom creates cross-cultural pieces—think Arabic-style majlis seating with Foshan-carved frames, or dining sets pairing Italian leather with Middle Eastern inlays.

Shangri-La’s choice to collaborate with gom Furniture (Zhongtai Muyuan) is about more than aesthetics—it’s about trust. They needed a team capable of turning bold design visions into reality on schedule, a skill gom has honed through global projects. From boutique hotels in Europe to commercial spaces in Latin America, gom’s work proves that Foshan craftsmanship is not just "Made in China"—it’s "Made for the World."

In the Middle East, where luxury is a way of life, this matters. Hotels don’t just need furniture—they need partners who understand their vision, respect their culture, and craft pieces that become part of the hotel’s legacy.

The Silk Lakehouse is more than a hotel—it’s a testament to the synergy between exceptional design and gom Furniture’s master craftsmanship. For Middle Eastern hoteliers aiming to create spaces that dazzle guests and stand the test of time, the question isn’t "what furniture to choose," but "who to trust to bring your vision to life."

For years, we’ve built that trust with gom. Together, we’re ready to craft furniture that turns your hotel into a story—one guests will recount long after check-out.

Because luxury lives not just in details, but in the partnerships that bring those details to life.

Ready to redefine luxury for your space? Let’s connect.