Retro-Chic Revival: South Beach Motel's Splashy Renovation

GAYLE MacDONALD spent her summers as a teen waitressing in Southampton, Ont., where the classic 1950s motel Cedar Court was a local favorite. Now, after a renovation, that same spot has been transformed into a "retro-chic, Miami-inspired gem" called South Beach Motel. The exterior's bright yellow and white paint job, complete with rope swings and communal courtyards, is a major upgrade from the original's bland parking lot.

Key Takeaways:

• The South Beach Motel, located in Southampton, Ont., has undergone a renovation to become a "retro-chic, Miami-inspired gem."
• The motel's exterior features a bright yellow and white paint job, rope swings, and a communal courtyard with yellow beach umbrellas, white picnic tables, and an outdoor kitchen.
• The interior decor has a distinct Jetsons vibe, with a retro-futuristic aesthetic and vibrant colors, designed by sisters Haley McDonough and Jillian Smith-Moher of TwentyTwo Twelve studio in Toronto.
• The design team drew inspiration from American photographer Slim Aarons' images of people on vacation or at parties in the 1970s.
• The motel has 18 rooms, including six two-bedroom suites that can accommodate larger groups, and a modular furniture system made of durable vinyl that can withstand sand and wet bathing suits.
• The design incorporates functional and stylish elements, such as cork floors to muffle sound and high-gloss photographs from Hungarian artist Eszter Sara Cseh.

Statistics:

• The motel's summer room rates start at $298 for a studio with a king bed and $412 for a two-bedroom king suite.
• The renovation included the conversion of six existing units into two-bedroom suites to accommodate larger groups.
• The motel features an outdoor kitchen, communal courtyards, and rope swings.

Sources:

• Gayle MacDonald; Staff, "Retro-Chic Revival: South Beach Motel's Splashy Renovation" (no date provided)
• No additional sources were mentioned in the text.