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Design

The Design Story of The Onyx: Sheridan's Modern Suite

From material palette to lighting and flow: how we composed The Onyx, Suite 201, for stays that photograph like film and live even better.

3 min read

TL;DR: The Onyx (Suite 201) wasn't designed by committee or pulled from a catalog. Every material, light fixture, and spatial decision serves a singular vision: cinematic, moody, unforgettable.

The Brief: Create a Stay That Photographs Like Film

When we renovated Suite 201, the brief was clear:

  • Moody industrial aesthetic — exposed brick, dark tones, warm brass accents
  • 2,200 sq ft of flow — open concept, defined zones, no wasted space
  • Chef-ready function — not just a kitchenette, but a real workspace
  • Photography-worthy — every angle should feel intentional

Book The Onyx — Suite 201

2,200 sq ft of furnished luxury. 2 bed, 2.5 bath. Cinematic design.

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Material Palette: Texture Over Trend

Primary Materials

  1. Exposed brick — Original 1900s masonry, sealed and preserved
  2. Wide-plank oak flooring — Natural grain, matte finish
  3. Blackened steel — Custom fireplace surround, kitchen details
  4. Brass fixtures — Warm hardware throughout (faucets, lighting, door pulls)
  5. Concrete & stone — Bathroom counters, shower tiles

Why These Choices?

Timelessness over trend. We avoided fast-fashion interiors (farmhouse chic, Scandinavian minimalism) in favor of materials that age gracefully and photograph with depth.

Lighting: The Secret to Mood

Lighting defines The Onyx more than any other element. Here's the layered approach:

Ambient Lighting

  • Warm LED strips behind floating shelves and architectural niches
  • Dimmable overhead fixtures (no harsh fluorescents)

Task Lighting

  • Pendant lights over the kitchen island (adjustable height)
  • Under-cabinet LEDs for cooking prep
  • Bedside sconces with individual controls

Accent Lighting

  • Track lighting highlighting the exposed brick feature wall
  • Fireplace glow (electric, year-round ambiance)

Spatial Flow: 2,200 Sq Ft Without Wasted Steps

Open-concept doesn't mean "one giant room." The Onyx uses visual and functional zoning:

  1. Entry foyer — Immediate wow moment with brick wall + chandelier
  2. Living zone — Fireplace-centered, sectional seating, floor-to-ceiling windows
  3. Kitchen — Island seating, full-size appliances, pantry storage
  4. Primary bedroom — King bed, walk-in closet, spa bathroom
  5. Second bedroom / flex space — Guest suite or home office

Key Takeaways: What Makes Design Work

  1. Materials tell a story — Brick, brass, and blackened steel create continuity
  2. Lighting sets the mood — Layered sources = flexibility and atmosphere
  3. Function enables form — A chef-ready kitchen isn't just pretty, it performs
  4. Flow matters — 2,200 sq ft feels spacious, not cavernous

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Experience The Onyx

Book a 2-night stay to experience the design in person. Every element—from the fireplace to the pendant lights—was chosen to create a stay that feels like stepping into a film set.

Relocating to Sheridan? The Aspen (Suite 202) offers a brighter, contemporary counterpoint with private garage and sauna.


Want to see more? Browse the full photo gallery or reach out with questions.

Need a hand?

Talk to a real person at The Main Exchange.

Contact Us

Continue your Sheridan stay planning

Looking for a place to stay while you explore Sheridan? The Main Exchange offers two boutique residences in historic downtown.

Book OnyxLease Aspen