Step into a world where design becomes a tapestry of creativity – a realm where the intricate dance of color and pattern transforms spaces into living canvases. At the heart of the Yowie Hotel’s captivating metamorphosis lies the remarkable story of how mosaic porcelain tiles ignited a symphony of artistic expression.
The Yowie Hotel, nestled in the vibrant enclave of Philadelphia’s Queen Village, is not just a destination; it’s a testament to the power of visionary design. Entrepreneur Shannon Maldonado’s ingenious fusion of imagination and innovation gave birth to a place that defies convention and sparks the senses.
Maldonado started bare bones, with a building in dire need of TLC. She gave a brief backstory on her location saying, “Before becoming YOWIE hotel, the space was Plummer & Associates Real Estate for 75 years, serving the surrounding community. It was two buildings that we merged to create the hotel. We now have 13 suites across three floors and a cafe and gift shop on the ground floor.”
Shannon Maldonado, Yowie owner and designer, intentionally preserved the exterior’s timeless look while infusing her signature style inside. “Our hotel is located on South Street, which is an eclectic area of Philadelphia known for its creative spirit. I wanted the hotel to be a modern reflection of that energy.”
Maldonado embarked on a journey to transform this space into a boutique hotel that captured the city’s vibrant spirit. Each room in the hotel tells a story, infused with bright pops of color that reflect the lively murals and street art found throughout the city. From the bold cerulean blues reminiscent of the riverbanks to the warm ochres echoing the city’s golden sunsets, every hue is carefully chosen to evoke joy and excitement.
Each room is uniquely designed allowing guests to envelop themselves in a tailored experience. The common spaces reflect the same ethos – inviting lounges, cozy corners, and vibrant communal areas where guests can mingle, share stories, and connect. The vision was for the hotel to be a sanctuary, a place where the excitement of the city converges with a peaceful retreat.
Maldonado emphasized the essence of her designs, explaining, “It’s about creating clean, open spaces so the products can take center stage, without the distraction of excess.” Instead of filling the area with knickknacks and accents, she chose to highlight permanent features by thoughtfully incorporating her aesthetic into elements like tiles, countertops, fixtures, and furniture.
A tile palette of endless possibilities
Enter the stage: Daltile’s Keystones series – a selection of mosaic porcelain tiles that is as diverse as it is captivating. With a kaleidoscope of over 45 colors spanning the spectrum, from the sun-soaked radiance of Sunshine to the profound allure of Ocean Blue, this series is a palette of endless possibilities. Shannon, the mastermind behind Yowie’s transformation, wielded these tiles like an artist’s brush, carefully selecting and arranging each piece to orchestrate a mesmerizing visual narrative. She spoke about her design choices, saying, “For the project I wanted to use unexpected palettes and pairings. The bathrooms felt like a great place to have fun with color.”
But it doesn’t stop at colors. The Keystones series offered Maldonado a canvas to weave her artistic signature through custom mosaic tile patterns. It’s here, on the canvas of each bathroom’s floor, that the true magic unfurled: a meticulous dance of tiles, a symphony of shades – a living, breathing mosaic that encapsulates the essence of Maldonado’s vision. Maldonado said, “Since we had 13 suites, I wanted to mix and match them and to also create a custom mosaic that would be the grounding force in all of them.”
With Daltile’s exceptional ability to craft custom mosaics, designers can truly personalize their spaces. Every tile tells a story, allowing you to create unique designs that convey your vision. Whether you have a specific narrative in mind or are simply looking to infuse a space with character, Daltile offers the tools and limitless possibilities to turn your dreams into reality – just as they did for Maldonado and Yowie Hotel.
Quartz countertops create timeless elegance
Yet, the narrative extends further. Daltile’s quartz countertops, an embodiment of sophistication, stand as the perfect complement to the vibrant dance of the mosaic tiles. Along with beauty, Daltile’s countertop options come with low maintenance and exceptional durability. Maldonado selected Daltile countertops because, “I know that Daltile is known for quality and with this being a hotel, I thought these would work really well.” A seamless integration of form and function, they anchor the rooms in timeless elegance, harmonizing with the artistic fervor that pervades every corner of the Yowie Hotel.
Daltile’s extensive selection of countertop options allows for both subtle accents and striking statement pieces. In bathrooms brimming with vibrant colors and personality, Maldonado chose timeless, neutral accents to complement the lively palette. For larger spaces like the kitchenettes, however, she and her team embraced bold countertops, selecting Daltile’s ONE Quartz Surfaces in Rushmore to make a captivating impact.
Tile has a remarkable way of capturing the essence of a place, weaving together its history, culture, and spirit. In a city as vibrant and storied as Philadelphia, where every corner pulses with creativity and tradition, the right tile can effortlessly blend into its surroundings while remaining timeless. Reflecting on the city, Maldonado’s goal was to reflect that energy through standout tile selections to shine brightly in each room.
At the Yowie Hotel, this philosophy comes to life through the use of Daltile products, which enhance the hotel’s design while honoring the city’s dynamic character. Each tile choice reflects Philadelphia’s lively culture, weaving together contemporary aesthetics with classic influences.
