Overlooking Hyde Park and nestled between Park Lane and Mayfair, The Dorchester stands as one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels. With a rich and varied past, it has served as the Earl of Dorchester’s residence, an American Embassy, and even a WWI hospital before opening as a hotel in the 1930s.
Today, this Grade II listed landmark is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Phase one was recently completed and included the refurbishment of walls, ceilings and woodwork in the corridors, along with 46 guest rooms and 12 suites across the first two floors. Phase two, currently underway, will transform corridors and 176 guestrooms across six more floors, with completion set for November 2025.
Tasked with this prestigious project, McLoughlin Decorating Ltd., which has over 30 years of expertise, took on the biggest challenge: keeping the hotel operational while completing meticulous redecoration. Every floor remained occupied, requiring exceptional planning and precision.


To meet the project’s demands, the McLoughlin team selected 13 colours across seven Johnstone’s Trade products from PPG, chosen for their sustainability, durability and luxurious finish. Tasks included painting joinery, mouldings, and cornices, ensuring the design complemented The Dorchester’s timeless elegance.
For areas requiring a bright and airy feel, such as ceilings, coving details, and spaces around mirrors, Johnstone’s Trade Vinyl Matt was the perfect choice. In the suites, walls required durability and stain resistance, making Johnstone’s Trade Acrylic Eggshell ideal. And for woodwork like doors and frames, Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Guard Undercoat and Aqua Guard Satin provided a flawless, quick-drying finish with low odour – essential for a fully operational hotel.
The carefully curated colour palette includes pale yellows and greens along with warm white and neutral shades, reflecting the historic and luxurious aesthetic of The Dorchester. Johnstone’s Trade’s extensive colour range ensured perfect matches to existing shades, preserving the hotel’s iconic character.
Kevin McLoughlin, Managing Director of McLoughlin Decorating, said: “Redecorating an iconic hotel like The Dorchester is a challenge we are proud to have accomplished. The project demanded precision and a world-class finish, which we strive for in all our work, and Johnstone’s Trade helped us choose the right colours and products for every area.”
The effort has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the project won the Hospitality, Leisure, and Retail category at the 40th Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards and took home the coveted Supreme Winner title.
Megan Esmond, PPG Marketing Director UK&I, said: “The Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards showcased incredible talent and craftsmanship, and the McLoughlin team’s work on The Dorchester was a particular stand-out. A huge congratulations to them for earning the Supreme Winner title.”
The 41st Johnstone’s Painter of the Year Awards will take place in April 2025 at Aerospace Bristol, and entries for the 42nd edition will open later this year.
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