5 Inspiring High-Design Hotels From Around The World
Our design contributor Andrika Lawren shows us some inspiring hotels from around the world and tells us how to apply that inspiration to home decor.
Decor
(Photos: Courtesy Booking.com)
Urban Design — The Hoxton, Shoreditch: London, UK
Located in Shoreditch manor, the Hoxton Hotel is close to the Old Street tube, Liverpool Street and a slew of nightclubs. The no-frills hotel is known for delivering style and value to urban travellers. Its 208 rooms feature exposed brick and whimsical décor, and the on-site Hoxton Grill serves classic bistro fare.
Inspiration Takeaways:
(Photos: OpenBuildings, Viceroy Hotel Group, Kelly Wearstler)
Luxury Design — The Avalon: Beverly Hills, CA
Originally built in 1949, this luxury boutique hotel was redesigned by world-renowned designer Kelly Wearstler over 10 years ago, and launched her foray into hotel interiors. The hotel's colour scheme is aqua and gold, which repeats in different ways throughout the building. There's also a retro hour-glass shaped pool, with cabanas surrounding the pool area.
Inspiration Takeaways:
(Photos: Fogo Island Inn)
Modern Contemporary Design — Fogo Island Inn: Newfoundland & Labrador
Fogo Island is the largest of the offshore islands of Newfoundland. The hotel made it to the Travel + Leisure "It List 2014" for best new hotels around the globe. Designed by architect Todd Saunders with sustainability and respect for nature and culture top of mind, the stunning modern contemporary design has breathtaking ocean views. In fact, the 29 one-of-a-kind guest suites have floor-to-ceiling windows in each suite. Each room is outfitted with handmade furniture and quilts.
Inspiration Takeaways:
(Photos: Hennopsrover, Civilian, The Licentiate)
Kitschy Design — Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispo, CA
In operation for over 50 years, the Madonna Inn is known for its technicolor kitsch. The 110 rooms each have a special theme (examples include the safari room, the old mill room and the grotto suite). The steak house is decorated in riotous shades of pink and crimson, with curved banquettes. Drinks are served in chunky, multi-coloured goblets.
Inspiration Takeaways:
(Photos: Ben Nilsson, Ice Hotel, Traveling Dictionary)
Unusual Design — The Ice Hotel: Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, the Ice Hotel is built anew every year from October to December. There are two types of rooms: 61 cold rooms, where the temperature dips to –5 C every night, and 72 warm rooms. New guests are encouraged to take a "survival course" on their first night as an intro to sleeping in sub-zero temps. The hotel sees 50,000 guests each year, and hosts 80 weddings. Art suites are all individually designed and created by handpicked artists from around the world.
Inspiration Takeaways: