9 Inspirational Interior-Design Ideas From Chic Hotels Around The World
Who better to offer wanderlust-worthy interior-design ideas than the creative minds behind some of the world’s most impressive hotels? By KATIE BERRINGTON
The Hoxton, London, UK
“The central island bar makes a huge impact on arrival at The Hoxton,” says the team at AIME Studios, who designed The Hoxton’s west-London outpost. “It’s a centerpiece that creates distinct cozy areas within a large space, where the four sides of the bar activate the key elements of the ground floor – the lobby, the lobby bar with raised seating, Chet’s restaurant, and Chet’s bar. Each zone flows into the next. Featuring light-colored timber, polished-chrome detailing, glass shelves and back-lit bottles, the central bar is the anchor of the ground floor.”
Palm Heights, Cayman Islands
“My favorite design feature [at Palm Heights] is always changing, but currently it’s a Gaetano Pesce wall-light installation in Bambi’s bar,” says Gabriella Khalil, creative director of the Caribbean hotel known for its understated glamour. “What makes Palm Heights unique is the dialogue and interplay between all the objets d’art, furniture and art pieces throughout our spaces. Design troves were sourced from around the world and are displayed around the hotel – in the lounges, suites, bars and restaurants.”
Soho House Rome, Italy
“The design in every Soho House around the world is inspired and influenced by the city it is in,” says Severine Lammoglia, lead designer at the group. Soho House Rome is one of the most recent openings, where the team “used as many local Italian suppliers, textiles and materials as possible, throughout the House, as a celebration of the craftsmanship of Italy,” says Lammoglia. “For example, most of the lamps in the House are made by a local Italian ceramicist; and we used graniglie flooring in the bedrooms. The rooftop floor of the House is my favorite – it’s made from palladiana stone, inspired by flooring from Ancient Rome – and I think it makes the space feel traditionally Roman.”
NoMad London, UK
NoMad London takes residence inside a 19th-century building known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, and its storied history is imbued in the interiors. “One of our favorite design elements in the hotel is the contrast between the grit and strength of the building, mixed with softer, textured interiors – a concept we like to call ‘New Romanticism’,” say Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch, founders of interior-design studio Roman and Williams, which transformed the building with artistic and cultural references from London and New York. “We achieved this by combining rich, textured textiles, aesthetic-inspired woodwork and ethereal murals to create a space that evokes a grand residence, but is tempered by the bohemian spirit that is infused into every one of our projects.”
Beaverbrook Town House, London, UK
“At Beaverbrook Town House, one of the ways we amped up the drama and glamour was by using a full-gloss paint finish,” says interior designer Nicola Harding of the charming London outpost of the magnificent Beaverbrook estate in Surrey. “We used it on woodwork, including doors, skirting, architraves and paneling. I enjoyed finding color combinations that trigger a certain nostalgia and summon a feeling. The turquoise mixed with emerald green and raspberry in Sir Frank’s Bar at Beaverbrook Town House has a lively, 1950s feel, whereas the various shades of green in the dining room are calmer and more relaxed.
“Art brings a space to life, [so] we have crammed the walls full of colorful pieces. To root the interior to the location of Sloane Square, we sought out items that are relevant to London. We wanted pieces that looked great but also tell a witty story.”
Palazzo Avino, Amalfi, Italy
The secret behind the lavish pastel aesthetic of this aptly named ‘pink palace’ is to be “detail-oriented but discreet”, says owner Mariella Avino. “The nature outside the window is the one that takes the lead of the heart and the eyes. Our special 12th-century palazzo is famous for its pink exterior and light-filled interiors, blending together a traditional Baroque style with modern luxury.” Therefore, Palazzo Avino looks to curate “an eclectic mix so that each room differs from the other” when considering statement features. These include “Vietri ceramics and ancient Moorish arched windows that look out onto the alluring sea below. They are reminiscent of a bygone era and provide a dream-like escape.”
Bawah Reserve, Pulau Bawah, Indonesia
For Sim Boon Yang, the architect and designer of Indonesia’s incredible Bawah Reserve resort, taking inspiration from nature is key (which isn’t difficult when the setting is a group of remote, lush tropical islands).
“My top tip for any interior design is to be inspired by your surroundings. Look out the window and use your own environment as design inspiration, and don’t be afraid to bring what you see outside into your house,” he says. “You will quickly notice this at Bawah Reserve – how the exterior informs the interior.”
The lighting here, too, is linked to its spectacular locale. “I would also encourage you to think carefully when it comes to lighting. Think outside the box; it’s a huge feature in any home, and you don’t have to settle for what you can find in the shops,” he continues. “Think about beautiful objects you have, or like, and how these can be used as lighting. All of Bawah’s lighting is locally made. The basket shapes and weave patterns that can be found throughout Indonesia are a constant source of inspiration.”
Ocean House, Rhode Island, US
“Find a piece that you’re using in the space that inspires you – whether that’s your surroundings, an artwork, a rug, or even a table lamp,” says interior designer Brittany Borghesi, of New England seaside resort Ocean House. “Whatever that piece is, use it as your guide to pull together fabrics, textiles and furniture to bring your vision to life. I also like to add a mix of different textures, patterns and heights in each space. A helpful tip is to add an oversized mirror in a small space to make it feel bigger and to reflect more light into the space.”
The Lowell, New York, US
“What I try my best to incorporate when decorating a guest room or suite – be it at the hotel or in my own home – is to try to allow for as much natural light as possible,” considers co-owner and design director Dina De Luca Chartouni of The Lowell, a tree-lined townhouse on New York’s Upper East Side. “I think this is especially important for city residences – a bright, airy room feels like a retreat, away from the madness of the city. Our guests love returning to the lightness of our rooms after a day among the skyscrapers of Manhattan.”
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