Boutique hotels can provide plenty of design inspiration for the home, and there are some seriously stylish examples brimming with ideas to steal. Here, the experts at i-escape, a handpicked collection of boutique accommodation in more than 40 countries worldwide, pick out four beautiful hotels which showcase some of this year’s key interiors trends, and show you how to recreate the look yourself…
The trend: mid-century modern
Spearheaded by greats such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Charles and Ray Eames, mid-century modern design encapsulated post-war confidence through clean lines, bold shapes and an emphasis on functionality. It was at its height between the mid-1940’s and the late 1960’s, but its timeless aesthetic means it remains incredibly popular today.
Rose Et Al Townhouse | Image by Abi Dare
Rose Et Al Townhouse | Image hotel’s own
The hotel: Rosa Et Al Townhouse, Porto
Hidden behind the most unassuming of doorways, this elegant old mansion in Portugal’s buzzing second city has been transformed into a stylish B&B by brother-and-sister team Emanuel and Patrícia. Rotating modern art adorns the walls, a grand spiral staircase topped by a magnificent glass dome sweeps up to the light-filled rooms, and a relaxed dining room opens onto a herb-scented garden to the rear. But what really sets this place apart is the sleek mid-century furniture, including lustrous hardwood tables, the iconic Eames DSW chair and Hans Wegner’s famous upholstered armchair. It’s offset beautifully by crisp white walls, statement lighting, Portuguese linens and colourful throws, creating the perfect blend of 20th– and 21st-century design.
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The trend: glam industrial
The industrial look centres around raw textures, utilitarian shapes and exposed architectural details – think brick walls, rough wooden surfaces, mottled metal furniture and visible girders. But it needn’t be cold: add dripping chandeliers, gilded mirrors and opulent textiles such as velvet and silk to create a striking scheme that’s part New York warehouse, part Parisian cabaret.
V Nesplein | Image via i-escape
V Nesplein | Image via i-escape
The hotel: Hotel V Nesplein, Amsterdam
Set in the beating heart of Amsterdam, Hotel V Nesplein combines industrial elements with a dash of theatricality. A giant Turkish chandelier makes a drama of the lobby, while mustard-yellow stage curtains and oil paintings sit beneath exposed pipework in the restaurant and bar. Upstairs, the 43 rooms have Anaglypta wallpaper, oriental rugs, dark wood-block floors, ornate mirrors, retro leather chairs, and storage units made from scaffolding poles and salvaged boards. There’s even a club-like lounge with wingback armchairs, a suspended wood-burner, and a giant globe which opens up to reveal an array of help-yourself cocktail ingredients.
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Industrial Film Floor Lamp
The trend: Nordic luxe
This is the perfect look for anyone who loves Scandinavian minimalism but also craves a bit of glamour. Balancing cosiness with sophistication, it mixes streamlined silhouettes and natural textures with luxe metallics, statement lighting and eye-catching accessories. Colour-wise, expect a neutral backdrop offset by striking pops of colour in fabrics and artwork.
Timbrells Yard | Image via i-escape
Timbrells Yard | Image via i-escape
The hotel: Timbrell’s Yard, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
This riverside gastropub has a winning formula: a friendly atmosphere, great-value rates, delicious food, and a beautiful location among honey-stoned 17th-century cottages. As for the interior design in the 17 bedrooms, it’s a Nordic-inspired mix of simplicity and decadence, with stripped wooden walls, tiled floors and a palette of elegant greys, all warmed by sheepskins and folksy knitted throws. Beds are laden with snuggly blankets, and everywhere you look there are witty touches: pineapple-print cushions, old-fashioned portraits splashed with graffiti, mirrors perched on art easels. Some rooms even have built-in window seats gazing out over the willow-lined banks of the Avon, where you can curl up and which swans float serenely past.
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Black & White Geometric Cushion
Wood & Metal Stools
The trend: bohemian traveller
Boho interiors are laid-back and free-spirited, with influences from North Africa, India, Latin America and beyond. There’s a conscious non-adherence to the design rules; instead, expect a riot of clashing colours and mismatched patterns, plants in every corner, and lots of eye-catching finds from travels to far-flung destinations. In short, anything goes!
El Fenn | Image via i-escape
El Fenn | Image via i-escape
The hotel: El Fenn, Marrakech
Owned by Vanessa Branson (sister of Richard), this arty Marrakech hotel is spread across three beautifully restored riads, all dotted with fountain’d patios, hanging gardens and daybeds piled with cushions. The décor mixes bright, jewel-like tones – cherry red, pomegranate pink, peacock blue, saffron yellow – with an eclectic selection of furniture and accessories from across the globe. Oriental throws, carved wooden tables and Berber rugs sit alongside vintage pieces from the 30s to the 70s, and contemporary art lines the walls. Also thrown into the mix are velvet Art Deco chairs, glowing brass lanterns and gilded candlesticks, adding an air of opulence to the scheme. The result is a vibrant and oh-so-stylish oasis in the heart of the bustling medina.
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Geometric Bowls
Thanks to i-escape for this guest post. If you’re looking to discover stylish hotels, we recommend popping over to their site.
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