Rebuilding Ivory Lodge: The Interior Design

The redesign of Lion Sands Ivory Lodge has presented an opportunity to deepen the guest experience, to refine the spaces at the heart of the lodge and harmonise them with the surrounding landscape. This chapter in Ivory Lodge’s story focuses on a thoughtful evolution, where every detail has been considered to create a sense of calm, connection and belonging.

Following the discussion with architect Rob Marneweck, the second episode of the Rebuilding Ivory Lodge video series focuses on interior designer Sarah Ord. She joins Robert More to explore how interior design can quietly shape the overall guest experience.

Grounded in Guest Experience

They began with a simple but powerful intention: to make guests feel at home. From the moment of arrival, the design has been planned to evoke calm, ease, and a sense of grounding. This guest-centred approach guided every decision. Whether arriving at the main building or pausing at framed moments along the way, each space is meant to slow the pace and draw attention to the surrounding beauty.

Tactile, Layered Interiors

The interior design draws heavily on natural textures, hand-finished details, and materials that feel crafted rather than processed. Every fabric, surface and object has been chosen with purpose. Performance fabrics have been used that can withstand the demands of the bush while still retaining a tactile depth and visual warmth.

Colour plays a vital role. The palette takes its cues from water and earth with hues of sand, mud, stone and riverine greens and blues. These choices reflect the natural world outside, blurring the line between indoors and out. The floors, walls, furniture and soft finishes work in quiet harmony to create a layered, enveloping effect. To balance the crisp structure of timber, stone and glass, the interiors incorporate chunkier weaves and handcrafted elements. These add softness and make every space feel cocooned and calm.

The Energy of Fire and Water

Fire and water appear throughout the lodge, not only as aesthetic elements but as anchoring points. For example, fireplaces take prime position, referencing the hearth as the traditional heart of the home. Similarly, the outdoor fire deck sits at the centre of the lodge, framed by views of the river, creating a natural gathering point for connection and reflection. Water, by contrast, is used to introduce movement, sound and calm. Water leads guests from the entrance down to the river, offering a sensory journey that connects different zones of the lodge. Reflection pond are also placed throughout the guest area to reinforce the connection with the river just beyond.

Evolving a Legacy

As the main lodge areas are being reimagined, care has been taken to ensure they remain connected to the existing guest suites and the Fish Eagle Residence. The new design introduces fresh perspectives without disrupting continuity. The same water-inspired tones and natural textures found in the main lodge flow into these private spaces, offering both a familiarity to those who have visited before and evolution and refinement of the experience.

Watch Episode 2 below or on YouTube, and subscribe to follow the design journey as Ivory Lodge is carefully reimagined for the reopening on the 22nd of September.