Residence Inn Belfast: On the Ground Where Titanic Began

For the newly built Residence Inn by Marriott Belfast Titanic Quarter, we delivered a fully bespoke artwork and curation package across the hotel from the Guest Bedrooms and Corridors to the Public Areas spaces of the Reception, Lounge, and Dining. This was a wonderful project for our team to be involved in, and one that shows how bespoke design can tell a story unique to a property.

Designing with Purpose: Project Significance

Collaborating closely with the interior design team and the Maritime Belfast Trust, our primary objective for the Titanic Quarter’s latest hotel was to forge an authentic, engaging connection with guests through curated artwork.

We achieved this by blending local heritage with modern design. Bespoke framing showcases authentic historical artifacts, such as a collection of original keys from the Harland & Wolff drawing offices. Additionally, we completely curated the lounge’s central shelving unit. By layering contemporary vases, books, and greenery with glass-encased historical artifacts—including vintage maritime ropes, White Star Line cutlery, and legacy news clippings—the display evolves into a micro-museum. It is precisely this level of thoughtful detail that distinguishes a memorable guest experience from a standard hotel stay.

The Design Approach

The artwork collection was developed as a highly bespoke response to the rich heritage of Belfast’s shipbuilding industry. Drawing inspiration from the shipyard’s history, its workforce, and the defining moments that shaped its legacy, each piece was carefully designed to create a meaningful connection to place.

Working with archival material supplied by Maritime Belfast, historic photography was reimagined through a contemporary lens. Original imagery, including the launch of the RMS Oceanic, was reproduced on sleek frameless acrylic panels, while historic postcards, keys, and artefacts were thoughtfully presented within custom-framed displays. The stories of the women who worked in the linen drawing department were also celebrated through dedicated artwork, ensuring their contribution formed part of the wider narrative.

A large-scale wallcovering featuring a detailed technical drawing of the RMS Titanic became a focal point within the dining area, reinforcing the project’s strong connection to Belfast’s maritime heritage. Elsewhere, painterly and illustrative works continued the theme, taking inspiration from ships, shipyard life, and the people behind one of the world’s most celebrated industries.

The bespoke artwork programme extended throughout the guest bedrooms and corridors, where a collection of custom illustrations and contemporary abstract pieces brought the story of the location into a more modern setting. Inspired by the area’s industrial heritage, maritime history, and surrounding landscape, these artworks balanced historical references with a refined contemporary aesthetic, creating spaces that felt both locally rooted and relevant to today’s guest experience.

Natural wood framing was selected throughout, complementing the interior palette and helping to create a cohesive and authentic finish across all areas of the hotel.