Collaborating with independent homeware brands for hotel openings and shining a light on local artists and crafters, hotel design has reached a new level.
Boutique hotels have become a source of travel destination inspiration; their interior design coupled with the rise of ‘Instagram’ travel has seen us planning trips based on the aesthetic havens we see on social media, making destination hotels a reason to book a holiday – occasionally as an even bigger draw than location.
And sometimes, it’s worth it. Glebe House in Devon is a rural escape, filled with artworks from emerging artists, hand-painted wall murals and up-cycled vintage finds, while Rosemary in Marrakesh, is a new project opened by homeware brand LRNCE, who wanted a different way to use their products. With a homeware buy for each of these 12 hotels – either taken directly from the venue, or as a nod to it – consider this your cheat sheet to getting a hotel feel at home, as well as a little black book of smaller brands you might not yet know.
Rosemary, Marrakech, Morocco
When an interiors brand as gorgeous as LRNCE opens its own hotel, you know it’s going to be good. Rosemary is the visit-able embodiment of the brand’s much-loved aesthetic, which is born and bred in Marrakesh and celebrates local artisans with earthy ceramics, hand-painted tiles and textured wall hangings. With five boutique rooms, Rosemary takes over a historic riad in the oldest part of the city, infusing it with a contemporary style that nods to time-honoured crafts. Something to note is that almost everything is for sale – from the sheets you sleep on to the hangers in the wardrobe; simply saunter to the front desk and tell them what’s caught your eye. Try one of LRNCE’s candles created in collaboration with D’Orsay. The Palais de la Bahia Fleur absolutely looks the part in a terracotta pot, painted with a splashy floral design, and with notes of cinnamon, cardamom and sandalwood. It will remind you of a summer in Morroco.
Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, UK
Welcome to the new cream of the crop when it comes to British staycations; the opulent Estelle Manor, a personal project from Sharan Pasricha, founder of the Ennismore hotel group, which spans hospitality giants like The Hoxton and Gleneagles. This Grade II Listed country house feels like the kind of place Oscar Wilde would have spent the weekend, where glittering chandeliers and flamboyant artworks scale the walls with punchy infusions of colour and expression. As the team say, this place brings together an old-school idea with a new-school vibe. While antique furniture and tassel-fringed lamps nod to the past, teal-painted ceilings, pattern-covered armchairs and plush, white bedding feel very of the moment. If you’re in the mood for a grown-up look, that still oozes the cool of a glitzy members’ club, try NottingChill bedding sets. Reminiscent of Estelle Manor’s border-edged sheets, the design is actually inspired by hotel stays, which makes it all the more fitting.
Charlotte’s Folly, Weston-Under-Lizard, UK
Step into the pages of a fairytale at Charlotte’s Folly, a privately-owned, self-catering holiday let which made design headlines when London-based interior designer Emma Ainscough gave it a magical make-over. The cottage’s rose-tinted façade is an instant giveaway at what lies beyond the front door; a curated cabinet of curiosities, singing with colourful accessories and joyful upholstery, while ticking the names of all your favourite homeware designers. You’ll find Matilda Goad’s now iconic scallop edged lampshades, STRAW London’s terracotta pendants and Ceraudo’s chintzy footstools, all serving as a millennial must-buy list. While the striped dining room and tented bedroom get a lot of love on social media, the living room oozes comfort. Still rife with character, this space feels lived in, in the best way. One of the contributing factors is the sinkable sofa full of cushions, a selection of which are from independent textile makers, Eldorado The Studio. Founded by Argentinian designer, Silvia Venialgo, naturally hand-dyed pieces showcase the beauty of patchwork and quilting across cushions, throws and wall art in dreamy, soft-focus tones.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known for pretty canals and teetering townhouses. About 40 minutes’ walk (or a 15-minute bike ride, as the Dutch would no doubt say) from the centre, The Hoxton, in an industrial part of town, is a departure from what you thought you knew about Amsterdam. Here, you’ll find a mix of warehouses-turned-bars, all packed with locals, as well as the docklands waterways and Czaar Peterstraat, a shopping street with only creative businesses (as part of a government funded initiative to boost independents in this part of the city). The building itself is a masterpiece of Art Deco design with triple-height ceilings, original flooring and an internal colour palette of rich mustards and navy blues. Capture the essence of this vintage-inspired scheme and grown-up colour palette by looking to the paint collection The Hoxton launched with Bauwerk last year. Limewash paint is known for being difficult to apply but this version is surprisingly easy, and creates an amazing depth and texture in any space.
Kin House, Wiltshire, UK
When Kin House exploded onto the interiors scene in 2022, Instagram’s collective jaw dropped to the floor. This party house (it’s not actually a hotel, but a venue which can be used to throw a multitude of shindigs) brings together historic features with contemporary trends, favouring an ice-cream colour palette and mesmerising mix of patterns, as well as of-the-moment brands. It’s a treasure trove of inspiration for your own home, with the interior designers behind the project, Barlow and Barlow, highlighting some brilliant British brands you need to know. The bathrooms are a real feature here, with pink tiles standing out as a running theme. Here, with the chicest of packaging, VERDEN’s candles, hand soaps and shower products look stunning – and would in any bathroom; an easy way to bring a touch of hotel luxury home. The scents focus on nature and have a rich, earthy quality; Arborealist smells like ‘moody woods and smoky greens’. Another takeaway is the chequerboard rugs (pictured), designed for its opening in collaboration with UK-based brand, Pelican House which empowers artisan communities in India and caused a frenzy with the Kin House collection, which hasn’t subsided since.
Margate House Hotel, Kent, UK
Margate House Hotel has been an instant Instagram sensation since opening in 2023, thanks to its colour-blocking interiors scheme. But, while the overall aesthetic is unified, each room is full of unique touches. You could take inspiration from the hand-curated artworks, mid-century lighting and up-cycled vintage furniture slathered in the house raspberry hue. One of the best things about this hotel is its location; Margate is Kent’s creative capital and provides plenty of inspiration itself. Stripes feature across the rooms, from lampshades to tablecloths – nods to the striped deck chairs you’ll find along the nearby beach, perhaps? But it’s the statement, wavy headboards, which have become a huge trend over the last few years. A favourite for similarly eye-catching designs is Trove, the aptly painted-pink store in Notting Hill from interior design studio, Studio Duggan. Their luxurious headboard designs are ‘forever home’ material, and something to swoon over.
Grand Joanne, Copenhagen, Denmark
It’s not surprising that a Copenhagen-based hotel gets a spot on the list. The Danes are known for their design prowess and there’s nowhere better to get your chic on than Copenhagen. Grand Joanne sits in one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods, Vesterbro, within a recently renovated 19th-century building. Inside, the feel is typically Scandinavian, with a muted colour palette, a focus on natural materials and on furnishings in form-led shapes, alongside plenty of mid-century references. Seating is a huge part of the vibe, with clusters of smaller sofas and lounge chairs creating cosy hang-out spaces in both bedrooms and common areas. To create a similar feel at home, look to Danish furniture brand Formel A, whose sleek seating is different to anything we’re seeing in the UK right now. The collection spans sofas, chairs, stools and a select few coffee tables, with each piece designed in Denmark. We love the Mellizo Chair which comes in a bouclé fabric across a mix of calming tones such as sand, grey, beige and soft blue. It’s perfect for a bedroom or book nook, layered with soft furnishings like throws and pillows.
Glebe House, Devon, UK
Amidst the winding country roads of Devon’s heartland is Glebe House, a family-run guest house with artistic flair and an agriturismo-inspired restaurant. The conservatory-fronted, former family home is where owner Hugo grew up, often joined by guests of his parent’s bed and breakfast. After pursuing a career in The City, he moved back with his wife Olive, to take over the business and turn it into a venture of their own, now joined by their two (adorable) children. While Olive worked in marketing in London, she’s also embraced ‘the good life’ and, inspired by The Bloomsbury Group’s creative home Charleston House, has painted wall murals across the space. Everything here has a home grown feel with little details that matter – which is what makes it special. At breakfast, hand-crafted ceramic bowls, mugs and plates are laid out before you, each filled with a freshly-baked delight. It’s all about celebrating the simple pleasures. Recreate this with your own mug or ceramics piece from an independent maker. Charlotte Manser is a talented potter and runs her ceramics brand out of a rural studio in Oxfordshire, producing the most beautiful hand-thrown pieces.
8 Holland Street Townhouse, Bath, UK
Every hotel has a story, but you’re in for a treat when it’s as fascinating as this one. You see, 8 Holland Street Townhouse is as much a gallery, museum and shopping destination, as it is a place to rest your head. 8 Holland Street began life as a characterful gallery in London’s Kensington and now has three locations, with the Bath site also providing space for a unique guest house, boasting three suites. Housed within a 17th-century townhouse, the place is brimming with period features, contrasted with the owner’s incredible collection of contemporary artworks. Design lovers will fawn over the vintage Peggy Angus wallpaper and Josef Frank rugs, but you don’t need an expert eye to appreciate the time and talent it takes to curate a space like this. If you’re inspired to create a gallery feel within your own home, look to Artfully Walls. They focus on uplifting independent artists and have a large spectrum of works from talent across the UK – you’re sure to find something special here. The paintings from Exeter-based artist Rosie Harbottle are a good place to start.
The Bear Inn, Hodnet, UK
A traditional free house, known as the local watering hole for the villagers of Hodnet for centuries, doesn’t necessarily sound like a hub of design – but stranger things have happened. The Bear Inn is the epitome of ‘the rise of the design pub’, offering a down-to-earth place to enjoy a pint, without scrimping on style. The site dates back to the 16th-century and is full of stories, from ancient tunnels beneath the surface to a pet grizzly bear called Madge. All of this history provided ample inspiration for interior designer Octavia Dickinson who headed up the pub’s design scheme in 2022. Each of its 12 boutique bedrooms are individually designed but carry the same tune, mixing a sense of traditionalism with playfulness. The colour palette is all rich, racing-car greens and deep cranberry reds, but there’s flounce in the frill-edged shower curtain or full-skirted armchair, that show off Dickinson’s soft spot for quaintness. Across the space, plenty of lamps is what keeps things looking cosy, and Pooky Lighting is a great go-to for that contemporary-classic feel. Textured, patterned shades in jewel tones, alongside quirky bamboo bases are a winning combination, ideal for a bedside table.
Aller, Dorset, UK
Not only do these Shepard’s huts look picture-perfect, but co-owner Cat (who used to do PR for Gucci) has launched a shoppable selection of products that you’ll find in the huts. She’s worked with some of the buzziest brands such as Bias Editions and Harlie Brown Ceramics on a range of collaborations, all created especially for Aller. There are currently four huts across the site, each with a similar layout but a unique spirit. There’s Links, with its pea green kitchen and nods to nature using wicker baskets, woven lamps and floral-covered headboard, or Kittylands, instantly recognisable by its pops of hot pink and matching tableware. It would be an interior magpie’s dream to stay in any – and if you want to try the look at home, don’t be afraid to experiment with joyful colours and patterns. We’re snapping up the Aller Dorset x Alice Palmer Candle Clip Lampshade which is adorably dinky.
Hotel de la Boetie, Paris, France
When talking about hotels with serious design panache it would be somewhat blasphemous not to mention the Touriste Group, who have teamed up with some of the hottest interior designers of the moment, asking them to make their mark on new hotel space, Hotel de la Boetie. Found on a side street just off the Champs-Élysées, the hotel’s tiny rooms are decked out with gingham footstools, pastel tiles and kitschy accessories by London-based, Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman, known for her maximalist take on Scandinavian style. Many of the pieces can be found in Beata’s store; opt for the coral-red bedside table lamp to add a touch of cosy to any room.
Lead image: Kin House
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