The Drake Hotel

Trova Interiors Inc was commissioned to contribute to the interior renovation and revamp of The Drake Hotel — a landmark boutique hotel in Toronto’s vibrant West Queen West neighborhood. The project aimed to transform a historic building into a modern, art-filled cultural hotel, infusing fresh design energy while respecting the building’s past. The renovation resulted in a renewed lobby, guest rooms, common areas and public-facing interiors that reflect a contemporary, eclectic and creative aesthetic — redefining the hotel as both a hospitality destination and a cultural hub. We rethink and redesign the interior spaces of both the Drake Hotel and its adjacent Drake Cafe — breathing new life into this iconic Queen West landmark. The renovation aimed to preserve the building’s historic spirit while infusing it with a fresh, contemporary sensibility; blending artistic heritage with modern hospitality design to serve both hotel guests and the vibrant local community.

Background & Context

Location: 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON — in the heart of West Queen West, known as the city’s “Art & Design District.”


History: The property dates back to 1890 (originally built as “Small’s Hotel”). Over decades it served many roles, from hotel to rock club — by early 2000s it had become run-down. In the early 2000s a major renovation reimagined the building as The Drake Hotel; the re-launch included a transformation into a boutique cultural-art-hotel.


Why this project was necessary: The existing building had aged and needed a thoughtful re-design to become a modern boutique hotel that would celebrate art, culture, hospitality, and community — rather than just being another standard hotel. The goal was to make the hotel feel like a cultural hub, a creative meeting place, and a stylish lodging with character and personality.


Scope of Work

Full interior design: lobby, guest rooms, common areas, lounge / bar, public spaces — integrating custom furniture, art-forward décor, and cohesive styling.

Spatial reconfiguration to allow a fluid, inviting hotel experience: comfortable guest rooms, communal vibe in public zones, art-gallery ambiance, and intimate hospitality atmosphere.

Material selection & custom millwork: hardwood floors, bespoke furniture, curated artworks, eclectic décor — balancing boutique-hotel warmth with edgy, artsy personality. This includes mixed textures, bold color palettes, mid-century and contemporary furniture, and custom details for a unique guest experience.

Coordination with existing structure: respecting the heritage building’s bones while modernizing interiors; blending historic architecture with contemporary design sensibilities.

Integration of multiple uses: hotel rooms, restaurant/café, bar/lounge, cultural event space (music venue), social spaces — all under one roof, unified by design.

Goals & Intentions

To transform a historical building into a boutique hotel that feels alive, creative, and connected to the neighborhood’s art & culture scene.

To create a unique guest experience: dynamic interiors, curated art, comfortable rooms — offering more than accommodation, but an immersive lifestyle and cultural stay.

To support community, creativity, and culture: make the hotel a hub for locals and travelers alike, blending hospitality, nightlife, arts, and social gathering.

To retain heritage character while giving the building new life — melding old-world charm with modern design, creating a timeless yet contemporary hotel identity.

Outcome & Significance

The renovated Drake Hotel became a reference landmark in Toronto’s boutique-hotel scene: a destination for travelers seeking artful, design-forward lodging, and locals seeking culture, nightlife, and community.
The Drake


With 51 art-filled rooms, a lively public program (restaurants, lounges, underground music venue), and a design aesthetic that blends eclectic décor, custom furnishings and local art, the hotel redefined what a modern boutique hotel can be — vibrant, cultural, and personal.

The project demonstrated how thoughtful design and renovation can transform a neglected heritage building into a thriving cultural and hospitality hub — preserving history while injecting renewed energy, purpose, and contemporary relevance.

What Made This Project Special

Heritage + Modern Blend: Respecting the building’s 19th-century roots while reimagining interiors for modern comfort, style, and functionality — creating a bridge between past and present.

Art + Hospitality Integration: The hotel became a living gallery: every room and common area reflects art, personality, and creativity, contributing to a rich cultural guest experience.

Versatile Multi-use Design: From cozy guest rooms to vibrant social spaces, live music venue, lounge, dining, nightlife — design unified these functions under a cohesive, stylish aesthetic.

Neighborhood & Community Impact: By revamping the hotel, the project contributed to reshaping West Queen West into a hotspot for design, culture, nightlife, and creative energy — increasing the building’s role as a community and cultural anchor rather than just a hotel.