Header: Elizabeth Nielson
Narrative Design Studio, a San Francisco-based interior design firm, has brought attention to Pacific Grove, one of California’s coastal hidden gems. Having historically been overshadowed by Carmel and Monterey, Pacific Grove is nonetheless a small town with a strong architectural character, according to Niehenke.
“Our vision for the hotel was to create a place that mirrors the quiet beauty of its setting.”
Shannon Niehenke
The newly opened Kimpton Mirador
Immersed in the fog-kissed landscape, the newly designed Kimpton Mirador hotel offers a blend of sophistication and simplicity to its guests. The hotel’s aesthetic was inspired by the region’s natural beauty, having created 99 uniquely designed rooms and its signature restaurant, The Caledonian. The hotel acts as the perfect base for travellers hoping to immerse themselves in the surrounding Pacific Grove area and beyond.
“Grounded in a serene, neutral palette, the interiors are punctuated with accents of chartreuse and berry hues, chosen to infuse the spaces with vibrancy when the coastal fog rolls in.”
Shannon Niehenke
California, Spainish aesthetics and butterflies
Rooted in Spanish Revival architecture and the region’s stunning views, plus inspired by the monarch butterfly, the hotel embodies a sense of wonder that creates a refined experience for guests.
Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a serene colour palette featuring textured walls, stone floors, wood ceilings and more. The space emphasises community, as the work of local artists is featured amongst the Spanish-style details also on display.
Guests are truly immersed in the surrounding California land, as the rooms offer earthy tones and easy access to the outdoors with balconies that overlook the sea. The guest rooms at the hotel are conceived as quiet sanctuaries, intimate retreats that balance the social energy of the hotel with a sense of rest and restoration. Rooted in the rhythms of the surrounding coastline, each room offers a moment of pause, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves and the natural environment beyond.
“Just as the monarch butterfly returns each year, we wanted the hotel to feel like a place guests would return to… drawn by its tranquillity and the sense of renewal it inspires.”
Shannon Niehenke
Artworks on site
The artworks thoughtfully integrated throughout the hotel are rooted in a deep connection to the Central Coast, bringing the textures, light and rhythms of the Pacific Grove landscape into the interior experience. Collectively, the artists represented, including ceramicist Vanessa Cowdrey, textile artist Jessica Bovert, painter Ethan Walsh, Ann Artz, Sahar Jabr and illustrator Maria Schoettler, share a sensitivity to material, process and place. Put simply, each translates the surrounding environment through a distinct, handcrafted lens.
Project information
Interior Design Company: Narrative Design Studio
Lead Designer: Shannon Niehenke
Location: Pacific Grove, California, USA
Date: 2026
Source: v2com newswire
