The design vision for the Fairmont Breakers was rooted in a shared passion for honoring the building’s storied past while preparing it for a new era. Inspired by its 1920s Spanish Revival architecture and the golden age of Hollywood, the project sought to restore the landmark’s former grandeur while thoughtfully layering in contemporary elements that bring fresh vitality and timeless elegance.

Original period details provided a rich canvas, encouraging a dialogue between past and present. The design palette drew from the ocean just beyond the property—soft blues and crisp whites greet guests in the lobby, gradually deepening into indigos and sapphires at the Sky Lounge, where the views seamlessly connect to the sea. Bespoke touches created in collaboration with local artisans, including a custom Robert Crowder wallcovering in La Sala, further ground the property in its unique sense of place.

Respecting the nuances of a historic building posed challenges, particularly in designing guest rooms which presented unique confirgurations and conditions. The team carefully balanced this complexity, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic and consistent guest experience throughout. The result is a layered journey of spaces—light-filled and welcoming in the lobby, intimate and refined in the dining and lounge areas—each distinct yet tied together by a unifying design narrative. The design brought new life into this architectural jewel while celebrating its enduring legacy as a Long Beach icon.