There’s something powerful about walking into a hotel and immediately understanding where you are, not through signage, but through atmosphere, texture, material, and art.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Appellation Healdsburg, the flagship property of the new Appellation hotel brand, for winning Hospitality Design’s Award for Best New Brand Launch. The recognition honors a property that reimagines wine country luxury through food, craft, and deep connection to the land, and we were honored to help tell that story through the art collection.

Designed by EDG Design in collaboration with architect John Hill, Appellation Healdsburg draws from the agrarian spirit of Sonoma County. Smooth oak, glazed tile, burnished metal, earthy greens, and golden ochres create interiors that feel grounded, warm, and intentional. Every detail reflects the culture of food and wine that defines Healdsburg itself.

amplifying the brand identity

Local Language curated the art collection across the guestrooms and public spaces, from the spa to restaurant and meeting / maker spaces, with one goal in mind: amplify the brand ethos while creating a memorable guest experience rooted in place.

For Appellation, we had an especially rich narrative to work with. The property celebrates terrain and topography, the ritual of winemaking, seasonal abundance, and the pride of local cuisine. Through collaborations with local artists, alongside works developed in our Northern California studio, we shaped a cohesive visual narrative that feels deeply connected to Sonoma County.

This is the work we love most; finding local voices, translating new concepts into visual experiences, and allowing place-rooted art to do the storytelling.

LOCAL ARTISTS

Throughout the property, dedicated spaces showcase curated collections from regional artists, including local painter and muralist Jessica Martin and ceramicist Jan Schacter. These works bring authenticity and intimacy into the guest experience while reinforcing Appellation’s commitment to craft.

That spirit of craft is woven throughout the hotel experience itself. Rather than centering the traditional front desk, Appellation’s lobby welcomes guests with its restaurant, open kitchen, and circular fireplace; placing food, gathering, and connection at the heart of arrival. Nestled behind check-in, a large-scale topographical print is elevated by material and technique reinforcing the brand identity and connection to terrain.

THE EMOTION OF LUXURY

The guestrooms, meanwhile, offer a quieter expression of luxury. One of the most successful moments in the collection was the panoramic artwork, elevated by a unique inset design detail that created both visual depth and calm. The guestroom story is ultimately one of serenity and leisure, and the artwork plays an integral role in shaping that emotional experience.

Luxury hospitality today is no longer defined solely by finishes or amenities. True luxury comes from emotional connection, authenticity, and a feeling that the experience could only exist in that exact place. Art is essential to creating that feeling.

We’re incredibly proud to have contributed to Appellation Healdsburg’s vision and celebrate this award alongside the talented teams at EDG and Appellation.