The Reimagined Lobby at The Chanler

Photograph credit : The Chanler

Newport’s most iconic mansion has turned a vibrant new page. The Chanler at Cliff Walk recently unveiled a transformation of its lobby and guest spaces that feels less like a renovation and more like a gentle awakening, blending Gilded Age bones with a spirited, modern pulse.

The arrival experience centers on a reception desk of scalloped white oak, accented with hammered brass and glowing onyx. Behind it, twenty brass keys hang in a luminous display—a tactile nod to the timeless ritual of checking into a grand estate.

The room is anchored by a fireplace dressed in Zia glazed tiles of plum and blush, while "dreamlike" custom carpets by Parisian artist Marguerite Le Maire bring a soft, global warmth to the floor. Above the white oak millwork, a textured plaster relief by artist Esteban Monsalve wraps the walls like a coastal breeze, perfectly complemented by Phillip Jeffries seagrass wallcoverings.

The lighting serves as a gallery of its own, featuring sculptural works from Apparatus and Blue Green Works. Most striking is a custom ceramic newel-post light by Cym Warkov; the blush-pink piece, designed to mimic porous coral, casts a soft glow over the staircase.

Under the vision of proprietor Lani Shufelt and Studio Valerius, the redesign avoids the trap of imitation. Instead, The Chanler has found a fresh rhythm—one that remains rooted in history while embracing a playful, artistic future.

https://www.thechanler.com/