DNCO

Brand identity for The Grove

A natural new look for this five-star hotel brand

  • Location

    Hertfordshire

Expertise

A historic mansion set in 300 acres of rolling countryside, The Grove is the ultimate luxurious retreat

View of The Grove hotel through autumn trees. Photo: Ian Macpherson / Alamy

As the five-star hotel reveals updated interiors, they invited us to lift its outdated brand and create a more contemporary identity and website. Brimming with the natural playfulness of the seasons, our hand-painted watercolours and elevated typographic approach evoke the Grove’s glorious surroundings and give this brand new life

Creative exploration

A natural evolution

The Grove is a cornucopia for guests of all ages: five different restaurants, kids’ activities galore, championship-standard golf, even hot air balloon dining. The established hotel was looking for a brand evolution that matured and diversified their look, appealing to old and new audiences

Creative exploration

Watercolour and type on a natural adventure

We expanded The Grove's brand toolkit by introducing new watercolour illustrations and a joyful typesetting system. The soft, earthy colours are inspired by the season and beautiful surroundings, and a new textured secondary palette in dusk and stone. Balancing sophistication and playfulness, our adventurous typesetting scheme uses jaunty curved paths to nod towards exploration. Photography has a caught-in-the-moment feel.

Creative exploration

Freeform approach

We painted in watercolour freehand to luxuriate in its fluidity and texture, a sophisticated reflection of the Grove’s magic. Then, we took individual flowers and leaves from the large-scale illustrations and refined these into repeatable elements that expand the brand toolkit.

Complementing an unforgettable stay

Right from the booking website, the new hotel branding injects a gentle and organic energy into every aspect of your stay. Lively temporary signage might direct you to a film screening in the Walled Garden and a menu printed on uncoated stock present the evening’s dinner choices. Always grounded and simple, the visual detailing completes the experience of the five-star hotel and spa's warm hospitality.

Creative exploration

Images in this case study present creative exploration and finalised designs

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