Take a Peek Inside the Olympic Village Apartments
Comfy, colorful private digs and common areas send a winning design message to Olympic athletes in London
Olympians from all over the world are arriving in London by the thousands as I write this, and making their way to Olympic Village. The village is its own neighborhood and community, dotted with tree-lined streets and containing open, green spaces. The apartment units contain 16,000 beds, 64,000 sheets and 22,000 pillows, all the bedding tucked, plumped and laid to ensure that each athlete has a comfortable stay.
The apartments in Olympic Village need to be a place where athletes can mentally, emotionally and physically prepare for the biggest sporting moments of their lives. Here's a peek into the sleeping quarters, common areas and open grounds where they're staying.
The apartments in Olympic Village need to be a place where athletes can mentally, emotionally and physically prepare for the biggest sporting moments of their lives. Here's a peek into the sleeping quarters, common areas and open grounds where they're staying.
A peek inside the bedrooms reveals Union Jack–clad standard beds that are 5 feet, 8 inches long. Basketball players, swimmers and others taller than that may request the superlong, extendable Olympic beds. Blackout shades provide privacy and optimum sleep conditions.
For the first time in the games' history, there are lounges (pictured here) in each apartment, where athletes can watch TV, as well as large areas of green open space outside for them to relax in between events.
The three Olympic-theme throw pillows on the sofa are among 64 products by British designer Jan Constantine celebrating the 2012 games.
The three Olympic-theme throw pillows on the sofa are among 64 products by British designer Jan Constantine celebrating the 2012 games.
Owning a piece — or a set — of Olympic history is within your reach when it comes to apartment furniture. Remains of the Games is already selling furnishings, fixtures and equipment to interested buyers. You can purchase what's called the Athletes' Bedroom 4-Piece Set (including a bed, a mattress, a night table and a nightlight) for only $150.
"So many people want a piece of the Olympics, and they're just mad about games memorabilia," says Paul Levin, a marketing executive at Remains of the Games. "A person in New York can have a piece of the games just as freely as somebody in London."
"So many people want a piece of the Olympics, and they're just mad about games memorabilia," says Paul Levin, a marketing executive at Remains of the Games. "A person in New York can have a piece of the games just as freely as somebody in London."
Fans have already bought all of the leather chesterfield sofas in The Globe, the village recreational center, but there may still be a few chesterfield club chairs left in brown available for $462.
The Globe features 10 pool tables and industrial light fixtures that create a rec center feel. The walls have an unfinished, raw appeal, peppered with graphic art portraits and vintage neon signs.
More:
Set Rooms Racing With Olympics-Style Decor
Make Your Home a Champion Olympics Viewing Platform
More:
Set Rooms Racing With Olympics-Style Decor
Make Your Home a Champion Olympics Viewing Platform
Jonathan Edwards, Olympic gold medalist and chair of the Athletes' Committee within the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, worked with a panel of architects, interior designers and other athletes to implement additions in the apartments. Units range from one-bedrooms to four- and five-bedroom townhouses.