In the world of hospitality, where experience is everything, aligning interior design with brand identity can transform a space from simply functional to truly unforgettable. This philosophy was central to the project undertaken by Superette Studio for The Lodge at Bodega Bay. This boutique hotel, a family-owned gem on the Sonoma Coast, aimed to revitalize its offerings and appeal to a new generation of travelers without losing its timeless charm. Superette’s task was to weave together design and branding to create an immersive, cohesive experience at every touchpoint—from the initial website visit to the moment a guest steps into their room.

Setting the Stage: The Lodge at Bodega Bay

Nestled along California’s rugged Sonoma coastline, The Lodge at Bodega Bay is a sanctuary of tranquility. Managed by Woodside Hospitality Group since the 1970s, the lodge has long been a cherished destination for travelers seeking a blend of rustic charm and refined comfort. However, as the travel landscape evolved, so too did the needs of its clientele. With leisure travel seeing significant year-over-year gains post-pandemic, the lodge needed a refresh that would resonate with loyal guests and new visitors seeking a modern yet timeless escape.

Superette’s challenge was not merely to update the lodge’s aesthetics but to create a holistic brand experience reflecting the region’s natural beauty and heritage. This meant a comprehensive overhaul that spanned everything from the lodge’s visual identity to the physical details of its rooms and common areas.

Visual Identity: A Harmony of Nature and Luxury

The integrated design and branding team began with a complete brand overhaul, creating a visual identity that captured the essence of Bodega Bay’s scenic beauty and migratory bird life. The primary logo typeface drew inspiration from the elegant shapes of bird wings, while a secondary logo featured a curlew, a nod to the area’s rich wildlife. The color palette, dominated by harbor blues, sea greens, and driftwood browns, grounded the brand in its coastal setting. These elements extended across all brand touchpoints, from the website to printed collateral, ensuring a consistent and immersive experience.

Commissioned illustrations by local artist Steven Noble added a layer of storytelling, depicting the local flora and fauna that defined the region. These artworks were integrated into various digital and physical mediums, enhancing the sense of place and continuity. The choice of materials for printed collateral, such as recycled kraft paper, underscored the lodge’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with the environmental ethos of its clientele.

Image Courtesy of: Katie Newburn

The Captain’s Quarters: A Multifaceted Jewel

The transformation of The Lodge at Bodega Bay’s premier suite, the Captain’s Quarters, exemplified a meticulous approach. This 1,200-square-foot space needed to serve multiple functions—from a guest suite to a corporate meeting room, a bridal party suite, and even a family gathering spot. To achieve this versatility, Superette designed a flexible layout that could be easily adapted to various needs.

Two key architectural features were introduced to provide symmetry and focal points around which different layouts could be arranged. A new energy-efficient gas fireplace replaced an outdated corner unit, creating a central focal point with built-in niches for custom-framed coastal photography. Opposite this, a 14-foot sliding glass door system opened onto a deck with sweeping bay views, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

The second major addition was a hospitality unit that included a serving area, bar, and kitchenette, equipped to handle everything from business meetings to family dinners. Custom Murphy beds and a newly designed office area ensured the space could accommodate various guest configurations without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. The thoughtful integration of modern amenities, such as USB charging ports and integrated power in the custom cerused oak dining table, ensured that the suite met the needs of today’s travelers while maintaining a timeless elegance.

Guest Rooms: A Coastal Haven

The design strategy for the guest rooms at The Lodge at Bodega Bay focused on creating a sense of continuity with the lodge’s overall aesthetic while elevating the guest experience. Each room was reimagined to reflect the coastal landscape, with materials and finishes that evoked the natural surroundings.

A grand headboard in warm white paneling provided a focal point in each room, complemented by floating nightstands and forged iron sconces. The beds, dressed in crisp white linens with organic wave-patterned throws, invited guests to unwind and relax. Custom café tables and swivel club chairs replaced traditional desks, offering a more flexible and inviting space for guests to work or relax.

The choice of materials played a crucial role in achieving the desired aesthetic. Silk-inspired vinyl wallpaper enveloped the rooms in warmth, while the weathered driftwood flooring and custom plaid area rugs added texture and a sense of place. Artwork featuring local landscapes and agricultural scenes further connected guests to the region, echoing the themes of simplicity and elegance.

Challenges and Solutions: Crafting Seamlessness

Every project has challenges, and The Lodge at Bodega Bay was no exception. One significant challenge was ensuring that the new designs were both aesthetically pleasing and functional for a diverse range of uses. For the Captain’s Quarters, the solution lay in creating adaptable spaces that could easily transition between different functions without compromising on style or comfort.

Maintaining a balance between a cohesive design language and individual room character was paramount in the guest rooms. Superette addressed this by using a consistent color palette and material selection while introducing unique elements in each room to prevent monotony. Integrating modern conveniences, like USB ports and discreet lighting, ensured that the rooms met contemporary standards without detracting from the overall design ethos.

Conclusion: The Power of Cohesive Design

Superette’s work on The Lodge at Bodega Bay illustrates the transformative power of cohesive design and branding. By seamlessly blending interior design and branding disciplines, they created an immersive experience that resonates with guests on multiple levels. From the moment visitors engage with the lodge’s website to their final moments in a beautifully designed room, every detail reflects a commitment to quality and a deep understanding of the region’s unique charm.

This project underscores the importance of a holistic approach in the hospitality industry, where every touchpoint can enhance or detract from the guest experience. For The Lodge at Bodega Bay, the result was a revitalized brand that honored its heritage and appealed to the modern traveler, ensuring its place as a premier destination on the Sonoma Coast for years to come.

Bio: Haley Mistler and Sonja Haviland are the Co-Founders and Creative Directors at Superette Studio, where they combine their expertise in graphic and interior design to craft cohesive and compelling brand experiences. Haley’s intuitive, multi-channel approach complements Sonja’s comprehensive, hands-on design strategy, resulting in engaging environments that seamlessly blend meticulous design with innovative branding. Contact them at info@superettestudio.com.

Feature Image Courtesy of:Katie Newburn