Tolu Adẹ̀kọ́ and his team at Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co wanted to create something timeless and transportive - a space that feels like a rediscovered salon, rich with stories and theatrical heritage.
The bespoke interior design features five distinctive rooms, from elevated lounges to a central bar, showcasing collaborations with exceptional ateliers across the UK, Italy and France. Materials include embossed leather, verre églomisé, straw marquetry and antiqued mirror, all carefully curated to create an immersive experience. The design blends neoclassical architecture with early 20th-century influences, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
What was your design concept for the VIP Lounge?
TA: We wanted to create something timeless and transportive - a space that feels like a rediscovered salon, rich with stories. While researching the Olympia’s origins, we came across an extraordinary detail: one of its earliest spectacles was the Paris Hippodrome, featuring equestrian displays, high wire acts and acrobats. That theatrical spirit lit a spark.
We also drew inspiration from Bertram Mills, the British impresario credited with reviving the circus in England. His shows were elegant, curated and imaginative; and that blend of sophistication and wonder shaped our direction.
Our concept, Palomino, distils the essence of spectacle into a serene, sensory environment. It’s not a circus, but rather a quiet homage to performance, craft and enchantment - told through space.
What kind of space do you hope to achieve for visitors?
We’ve designed the VIP Lounge as a sequence of experiences. There are five distinctive rooms - from elevated lounges and discreet drawing rooms to a showstopping central bar - each inviting guests to pause, explore and connect.
We want people to encounter beautifully crafted elements: bespoke wallcoverings, custom rugs, expressive lighting and curated textures. This is a space that goes beyond design - it offers moments of presence.
