At Kimpton La Mer Crete on the coast of western Crete, David Trubridge’s Nikau creates a distinctive focal point in the lobby lounge.

Nikau takes its name from the New Zealand palm tree, making the design a natural choice for a Mediterranean resort surrounded by palms, sea and warm coastal light. Suspended close to the glazing, the slender, vertical pendants bring an organic rhythm to the lounge while echoing the vegetation outside.

Most of the pendants are made from natural bamboo, while several are finished in a fresh aqua tone. The colour picks up the blue-green shades of the Mediterranean and brings a subtle touch of the landscape into the interior.

During the day, Nikau reads as sculptural woven forms, casting delicate geometric shadows across the walls. After sunset, they become glowing vertical elements, adding warmth and intimacy to the lounge.

A meeting of natural bamboo, palm-inspired form and Mediterranean colour — perfectly suited to the relaxed character of the resort.