The Mila Hotel, design and comfort in the heart of Brussels

• Renovation of The Mila Hotel, 18-20 Place Fontainas, 1000 Brussels (Belgium)
• Architect: Gabriel Reding & Natasha de Harlez, Equuss SNC
• Applicator: AM EXPERT CONSTRUCT SPRL
• Material used: MORTEX® range, Beal International

An elegant and colorful hotel

After a complete two-year renovation, the Mila Hotel opened its doors in September 2024. Nestled in the heart of the Belgian capital in a building entirely redesigned to offer guests an exceptional experience. This “boutique hotel” spans over six levels and features 30 elegant, comfortable rooms.

The owner called on Equuss Architects to orchestrate the transformation. Interior designer Natasha de Harlez was given carte blanche to revamp the spaces. Her approach revolved around three key elements: two color schemes per floor, the use of glass bricks and the integration of MORTEX® waxed concrete.

A blend of colors and textures

“My approach for this project was to create a “two-tone box” effect where each room marries two strong colors. The more colors there are, the less you see them,” explains Natasha de Harlez. “Playing with a two-tone box captures the eye and creates a striking visual ambience.”

To achieve this, Natasha meticulously explored Pantone® color charts and tested over 300 velvet samples. Each floor, comprising five rooms, reflects a unique combination: one color for textiles and another for walls, floors and bathrooms.

Textures also play a key role. “By combining materials such as velvet, cotton, paint or the waxed concrete MORTEX® coating, I wanted to enhance the visual and sensory experience of each space.”

MORTEX® solution at the heart of this hotel renovation

“I use MORTEX® products in most of my projects to cover floors, walls and sometimes furniture. Here, it was central to creating the atmosphere I wanted for this space. Apart from the upstairs hallways, where we laid carpet, the entire building’s floors were covered with MORTEX® waxed concrete.  I first selected the shades that seemed to best match my color palettes from the MORTEX® color chart, and then visited the showroom in Fernelmont to observe and compare the samples. In total, I chose six MORTEX® shades for this project”, explains Natasha de Harlez.

MORTEX® seamless coating is also featured in bedroom shower rooms. “I wanted to create a contrast between the robustness and originality of MORTEX® flooring, applied from floor to mid-height, and the simplicity of paint for the upper part of the walls,” she explains. A delicate contrast that underlines the elegance of this hotel, where every detail has been designed to enhance the guest experience.

“MORTEX® products offer a wide range of possibilities, not only in terms of colors, but also in terms of effects. It all depends on how you apply it! It’s also the material of choice for hotels, as it’s quick and easy to keep clean and it’s long-lasting” concludes Natasha de Harlez.

Highlights of this project:

• The curved glass brick wall separating the lobby from the breakfast room.
• The smooth, seamless MORTEX® waxed concrete floor in an attractive shade of green characterizes the first floor.
• Bold color combinations in the bedrooms: pink and yellow; green and cherry red; blue and pink; orange and blue.
• A subtle balance between contemporary design and vintage elements (lighting and wall decor)

A promise of elegance, comfort and originality, to be discovered from now on in the center of Brussels.

Pictures: www.weshareagency.com & The Mila Hotel