One of Kuala Lumpur’s newest hotels, Grand Mercure Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang is situated in one of the city’s most popular areas, renowned for its premier shopping, dining, and entertainment. Inside the hotel, local charm is woven into every detail, from thoughtfully designed rooms and locally inspired dining to versatile event spaces. The interiors were designed by IDr Lai Siew Hong, Mak Sook Har and Janice Kan of renowned interior design firm Bluwater Studio, which recently received the REKA Award 2026 for design excellence in hospitality, and lighting design by Lee Hing of Lumino Design Consultants. We are absolutely proud to contribute our lighting solutions across various areas of the hotel, believing that lighting in high-end hospitality, is an integral part of the design experience, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

Lobby

Adorning the hotel’s lobby, SR® decorative lighting is featured throughout various areas creating comfy nooks that complement the surrounding interiors. It is essential that the lighting invokes a warm timber tone, a key element throughout most parts of the hotel. As guests arrive at the check-in counter, a sleek, linear-mounted table lamp provides task lighting for the concierge. The distinctive decorative piece also creates a positive first impression of the hotel’s grandeur. Illuminating the tables in the waiting area, a woven veneer shade casts a warm glow, creating a sense of visual comfort and relaxation whether guests are waiting or simply lounging. Adjacent to the lounge is the study area, where our slender, linear-mounted lamp is positioned above the long communal table. Ample illumination provides guests with the necessary light for reading or working.

Another notable lighting detail is the controlled wash of light across the perforated feature walls above, revealing their intricate textures. This was achieved using our SR® Freebend optics. The gradual spread of warm illumination from the contour light adds depth to the surfaces, making the large architectural panels into a striking visual feature.

Guestrooms & Corridors

Moving up to the guest rooms and corridors, SR® Rynox, a renowned pinhole-style downlight, provides discreet yet effective illumination across these spaces. Designed with versatility in mind, Rynox offers either fixed or adjustable options and a wide range of beam angles for different lighting requirements. Also, Rynox’s innovative design eliminates the need for an access panel, making installation and maintenance hassle-free. In the rooms, decorative wall lights are installed at the side of the bedhead, offering a modern, space-saving solution that keeps the bedside tables free from additional fixtures.

Dining & Restaurant

Agarwood is an all-day dining destination that celebrates Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity through its beautiful decor and local cuisine. Highlighting this important narrative — Brown clay wall sconces gently illuminate the natural, earthy tones of the interior, while beautiful white-finished pendant lights add refreshing contrast and another decorative layer to the overall design. The cove lighting above the buffet spread utilizes the SR® EFlex. The continuous line of soft light compartmentalises the area achieving the lighting consultant’s intended effect.

The adjustable SR® Ryko downlights provide general illumination throughout the restaurant and across the hotel. Their simple design maintains a clean and uncluttered ceiling aesthetic while integrating seamlessly with other lighting elements. With a wide range of beam angles and power options, the luminaire offers exceptional versatility for a variety of project requirements. Additionally, SR® Ryko features a unique bottom-removable design, enabling quicker and easier installation and maintenance.

The seamless integration of decorative and architectural lighting contributes significantly to the project’s success. Evidently, the designers recognised lighting as an integral component of the overall design narrative. When combined with rich materiality, tactile finishes, and a carefully curated sensory experience, the lighting enhances the dining environment, evoking a strong sense of place rooted in Malaysia’s culture and hospitality.

Ballroom

Another key focus is the Grand Mahkota Ballroom, a pillarless setting that blends songket-inspired details with modern Malaysian aesthetics. The impressive ceiling is further enhanced by SR® EFlex RGB-W, which runs along the repeated architectural lines. With the ability to transition from white light to vibrant colours, it dynamically setting the scene. The Grand Mahkota Ballroom is conceived as a versatile venue for weddings, corporate gatherings, conventions, and social celebrations. Lighting therefore plays a crucial role in establishing the appropriate atmosphere for each occasion. Serving as a visual cue, the controlled lighting can transition seamlessly from lively and celebratory to warm and intimate. Just outside the ballroom, the pre-function lobby is illuminated by the SR® EFlex, discreetly integrated within the ceiling coves and working in harmony with the SR® Ryko downlights. Together, they provide balanced illumination throughout the area.

The end result is a hotel that feels distinctly modern while remaining deeply connected to its local inspirations. The final lighting effect may appear effortless, but it came with its share of challenges, from construction and communication to careful coordination among the various parties involved. Lee Hing did an incredible job navigating these challenges and translating the lighting vision into reality with our SR® products. Congratulations once again to the team at Bluwater Studio on receiving Silver at the REKA Awards 2026. Their work on Grand Mercure KL is a true reflection of this achievement.

Client: Accor

Interior Designer: Bluwater Studio

Lighting Consultant: Lumino

Photography: Bluwater Studio