Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants defines lifestyle luxury through design led destinations where local creatives and global travelers connect. Each space is unified by warm service, distinctive style, and a spirited edge, thoughtfully created to inspire community and meaningful connection in partnership with local talent.
Photos: Kimpton Ashbel
Design: Busta Studios
Purchaser: Alternate Resources
Bryan Ashley brings the guestrooms at Kimpton Ashbel New York - Park Avenue to life through a balance of thoughtful scale, tailored detailing, and elevated comfort. Each of the 205 rooms is designed to feel intimate yet refined, layering soft neutrals with olive and subtle pastel tones to create a calm, residential sensibility. Custom furnishings anchor the space, maximizing function without sacrificing style, while integrated window seating invites guests to pause and take in expansive city views. The result is a guest experience that feels both efficient and indulgent, a reflection of modern hospitality where every inch is considered.
The design narrative throughout the hotel draws from its original architectural character while embracing a more contemporary, townhouse inspired aesthetic. Bryan Ashley’s furniture helps translate this vision into a cohesive environment, balancing proportion, materiality, and comfort across each space. Clean lines and warm finishes complement the building’s foundation, while curated furnishings create continuity from guestrooms to shared areas. The overall expression is distinctly New York, thoughtfully composed yet intentional, where historic influence and modern design come together with clarity and purpose.
Anna Busta and Jonathan Busta are a husbandand-wife interior design team and founders of Busta Studio, established in 2004 as a woman-owned company. Anna studied interior design and fine arts at Parsons School of Design and, after graduating, gained valuable experience working for two years on the W Hotel’s in-house design team led by Barry Sternlicht. Jonathan studied scenic design at the University of Cincinnati and, following a role at technology company Holland + Heim, joined Busta Studio. Busta Studio’s portfolio spans hospitality, corporate, aviation, and high-end residential projects. Their work is defined by a harmonious material palette and thoughtfully curated contemporary furnishings, all brought together through a strong, clean architectural language. Based in Litchfield, Connecticut, Anna and Jonathan live and work together, serving clients across North America.
What was the overall inspiration behind the Kimpton Ashbel New York - Park Avenue property?
Park Avenue is one of New York City’s most iconic streets, evoking the elegance of its historic townhouses. Drawing from this spirit, we envisioned a conceptual townhouse experience, welcoming guests into a warm, thoughtfully curated home. The ground floor unfolds as a series of reimagined residential spaces, a foyer, living room, and family room, connected by oversized wood portals that integrate original architectural elements. The design balances contemporary refinement with historic integrity, layering richness while honoring authenticity. The New York townhouse served as a constant source of inspiration, a place to linger, surrounded by bespoke millwork, refined finishes, and a curated mix of art and objects that feel personal and storied. True to Kimpton’s spirit, moments of curiosity and delight are woven throughout, from eclectic artwork to unexpected touches of color. The result is a space that feels both sophisticated and inviting, a timeless retreat from the city’s energy, with a sense of comfort, character, and quiet discovery.
What inspired the choice of colors, design detail, décor, etc.?
The palette is grounded in warm woods, soft neutrals, and natural materials, layered with textures like velvet, linen, leather, and bouclé. Jewel tones bring depth through select accent pieces, creating a balance between subtlety and vibrancy. Architectural elements such as blonde limed oak paneling, marble, bronze detailing, mosaic stone, and plaster finishes establish a refined, serene foundation. To offset this, furnishings and lighting introduce a more relaxed, playful layer, creating a sense of ease and livability. In the lobby, jade green sofas provide a bold yet welcoming focal point, echoed in the guest rooms. All furnishings were custom designed, blending materials and metal accents to add depth, character, and a cohesive sense of identity throughout.
Are there any connections or details of Kimpton Ashbel relating to the original 1928 building and design?
From the moment guests arrive, they enter through the restored 1928 limestone façade, setting the tone for a design rooted in history. In the foyer, we preserved the original structure while subtly refreshing its appearance. Reeded glass updates the windows without compromising their integrity, while a palette of warm wood floors, traditional rugs, and brass accents reinforces a connection to the past. The overall layout was also thoughtfully maintained, allowing the hotel to retain its authentic sense of place and historic charm while introducing a refined, updated experience.
What do you think are the stand-out aspects of Kimpton Ashbel’s design story?
This project is defined by its attention to detail. Every element is custom, intentional, and slightly unexpected, creating a space that feels tailored and personal. The design reflects a distinct point of view while maintaining the approachable, inviting spirit of a Kimpton hotel. We shaped the architecture to create natural focal points and intimate moments throughout. A stone fireplace with built in seating, a library, a floating banquette, and curated display ledges all contribute to a layered, residential feel. Custom louvers at the street level offer a subtle sense of separation from the city. The result is a space that feels crafted and comfortable, with a sense of curiosity and discovery woven throughout.
What are your favorite design elements throughout the hotel?
We love the details, and the passion is evident in the intricate architecture, millwork and custom moments throughout the property. The guests’ first impression is a custom inlaid floor mosaic featuring the property’s K.A. initials anchoring the foyer, creating a bold and memorable first impression. Enhancing the sense of place, hand-forged metal railings incorporate subtle nods to the hotel’s address, where custom “70” logo medallions were elegantly inlaid banister as a tribute to 70 Park Avenue’s iconic location.
The custom vanities throughout the guestrooms and suites were thoughtfully designed to balance beauty with functionality, bringing a polished residential-inspired feel to the interiors. Warm wood tones, refined finishes, tailored detailing, and durable materials come together to support the hotel’s sophisticated aesthetic while meeting the demands of a luxury hospitality environment. In the suites, expanded layouts and thoughtfully crafted furnishings create a more elevated guest experience with a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
Connect with us on our Instagram account @bryanashleyinc for inspiration
Custom-crafted
and nightstand designed to evoke an island-inspired atmosphere, offering a guestroom experience that feels inviting, calm, and effortless.
For 40 years, Bryan Ashley has been dedicated solely to hospitality, building a legacy rooted in quality, service, and doing things right. Since 1986, the focus has been on delivering fully realized design visions with precision and value. Through trusted partnerships with leading designers, purchasing agents, and developers, Bryan Ashley has helped shape some of the world’s most recognized hotels, casinos, and resorts, creating custom furnishings that define each space from guestrooms to public spaces. Supported by a global manufacturing network and decades of expertise, Bryan Ashley continues to deliver craftsmanship, flexibility, and accuracy at every stage.
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place a rack in the center of the oven. Butter and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt then mix well to combine.
2 Place butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until light and creamy, about 5 minutes.
3 Add mandarin oranges with their juice and the vanilla. Continue beating until well mixed. Add the flour mixture and beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until combined. With a spatula, stir in coconut, pecans, and carrots to blend
4 Scrape the batter into the baking pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
5 Frosting: place sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla into a mixing bowl and beat on low speed until combined and fluffy. Use to ice cooled cake.
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