Studio Tate, the interior design practice leading the revitalisation of Motel Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, set out to transform an ageing 1980s motel design into a vibrant, coastal destination.
The Motel Design Brief
Their vision embraced the existing character of the building, particularly its exposed brickwork, while introducing bold layers of colour, pattern and cultural storytelling.
Rather than stripping away the existing structure, Studio Tate used pattern and colour to enrich it:
- Mint-green doors and warm burnt-orange accents reframe the original floor plan.
- Wall vinyl featuring Jimmy Pike’s work create focal points full of rhythm and movement.
- Upholstered bedheads unify the rooms visually.
A central part of their concept was the integration of works by renowned Indigenous artist Jimmy Pike, whose expressive brushstroke motifs bring movement, depth and a strong sense of place to the interiors.
Materialised Products
We developed Jimmy Pike print collections in close collaboration with Desert Designs, supporting designers in bringing meaningful, culturally rich concepts to life through durable surface materials suitable for hospitality projects:
1. Printable Commercial-Grade Wall Vinyl
The printed Silk Road vinyl was used strategically across guest rooms and communal spaces to inject vitality and narrative into the interiors. The wall surfaces serve as both a backdrop and a storyteller, with the Falling Star design elevating otherwise modest motel architecture into something expressive and memorable.
2. Printable Upholstery Fabric for Bedheads
For the motel’s guest rooms, Pike’s Jilji Gold Bay was printed onto hard-wearing Arizona (100,000 rubs Martindale), creating statement bedheads that bring warmth and bold colour to each interior. The textiles meet the demands of commercial accommodation namely durability, cleanability and longevity, without compromising on artistic integrity.
Our design and printing capability ensures that the artistry translated faithfully onto both wall and textile surfaces, maintaining the authenticity of linework and brushstroke.
The Result
The completed motel design project is a testament to Studio Tate’s design leadership. Motel Flinders now presents as a warm, layered coastal retreat with a distinctive identity.
The Team & Credits
Interior Design: Studio Tate
Photography: Tom Blachford
Materialised Team: VIC
About the Author: Catherine McGowan
