The Cecile is a hospitality concept at the crossroads of boutique hotels and short-term rentals. Located in a repurposed historic building in New Orleans, Louisiana, The Cecile was born from a vision to preserve a structure once slated for demolition. The brand embodies a balance between retro charm and modern sophistication, delivering a unique lodging experience that blends self-service convenience with the professionalism of traditional hospitality.
The Cecile's aesthetic is a thoughtful fusion of vintage and contemporary design, evoking nostalgia while staying fresh and approachable. Through a playful use of color and carefully curated elements, the brand creates an inviting atmosphere that feels warm and distinctive. This balance of styles not only defines The Cecile’s visual identity but also sets it apart in the competitive world of hospitality.
THE CECILE
ART DIRECTOR + BRAND DESIGNER
EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
BRAND & IDENTITY
LOGO DESIGN
PRINT DESIGN
Logotype
CREATIVE VISION
The Cecile is a hospitality concept that elegantly bridges the charm of boutique hotels and the flexibility of short-term rentals. Tasked with developing a cohesive brand identity, my role involved designing packaging, merchandise, and key cards that encapsulated the brand’s ethos of vintage charm infused with modern sophistication. The goal was to create a visually striking and cohesive identity that not only enhanced the guest experience but also seamlessly aligned with the property’s architectural and interior design.
DESIGN CONSTRAINTS
Crafting a brand identity that balanced nostalgia with contemporary appeal required thoughtful design choices, from typography to color palettes. The challenge lay in maintaining a unified aesthetic across diverse elements, such as key cards, merchandise, and packaging, while ensuring the brand’s identity remained consistent throughout. Additionally, collaborating with architects and interior designers necessitated clear communication and alignment to reflect the brand’s vision across all touchpoints, from physical spaces to printed materials.
KEY INSIGHTS
This project underscored the importance of integrating branding into every facet of a guest’s experience. By blending playful yet refined design elements, I was able to create a brand identity that captured the essence of The Cecile’s unique positioning in the hospitality market. The collaboration with architects and interior designers was particularly enriching, demonstrating the power of cohesive, cross-disciplinary teamwork in bringing a brand’s vision to life. Ultimately, the project exemplified how thoughtful design can elevate not only a brand but also the overall guest experience.
