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Latest Stylish Hotel Design in Madrid 18331

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The Principal Madrid,
the latest five star hotel to successfully combine classic architecture with stylish, contemporary interiors … the result being pure luxury.
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A club like feel with dark and moody interiors, edgy wing backs and back lit bookcases.
So inviting … so unlike a hotel !!
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Fabulous period detailing, high ceilings and large windows contribute to the luxurious ambiance.
Intimate spaces .. far from the madding crowd.
Guestooms are a perfect combination of glamorous Parisian style french doors with iron balustrades, and sleek, contemporary, almost masculine furnishings. The classic butterfly chair in leather and up to the minute designer lighting of course add to the elegance.
So simple yet so right !!
Designer: Pillar Garcia-Nieto and Barcelona based studio Luzio.
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My Design Travels

London’s boutique hotel style 2412

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San Domenico House,

 

in my very favourite part of London, was a great find recently.
Both the architecture and orange brick are synonymous with certain areas of London and I have always loved both. This boutique hotel is tucked in behind Kings Road and Sloane Street and only a short walk to Sloane Square.
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There is probably no further criteria for me on my hunt for accommodation in London, apart from of course, the style and ambiance of the interior.  I have discovered that I can really only relate to classic cosy English town or country house style.  Not contemporary minimalist which is prevalent and extremely uninviting !!
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Even Kit Kemp with her Firmdale Hotels of which there are many in London, does classic English style with a modern edge, to perfection. If I am in London I like to feel that I am living there, not staying in a hotel .. if you know what I mean !!
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The first of the boutique hotels in London to make one feel as if you were actually staying with friends was Blake’s and it remains an icon.
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My Design World

Hotel guest rooms … the latest in layout 5032

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Many hours have been spent by designers thinking about how to improve .. or even just vary, the layout of a hotel guest room.  Let’s face it .. they are all pretty much the same in layout, everywhere.  There is definitely rationale for the way they are .. and it works.  The only problem is that it is rather boring to walk into a hotel guest room, no matter where in the world and find the same layout .. entry hall, bathroom to the left or right, bed, desk etc
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The only variation on the theme appears to be where the constraints of existing architecture (in a building not purpose built for a hotel) dictate a change !!! And how refreshing it is to find a bathroom built where a dressing room may have been.  
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In defence of the tried and true layout, there has been considerable success with the opening up of the fully enclosed bathroom to capture natural light and possible views. The introduction of a glass panel/sliding glass panels or even shutters to the guest room and view beyond has been fought for by designers, however not always embraced by hotel operators.  
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The layout above makes a lot of sense in this environment. It reflects the casual beach holiday lifestyle. The shower cubicle with frosted glass panelling, separate to a freestanding bath and basin .. what better way to capture the amazing light and beautiful view.
Lets hope designers keep thinking of ways to reinvent hotel guest rooms or at least try for a little creativity .. particularly where the geography is conducive.
images: bill & coo hotel, mykonos
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My Design Travels

Ham Yard Hotel London … modern British style 2731

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Firmdale Hotels has opened another hotel in London this month with Kit Kemp the designer working her magic.  She is renowned for her confident play with fabric patterns and bold use of wallpaper and artwork.
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Kit Kemp is also incredibly clever with the detail.  I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of her other hotels in London … the Knightsbridge, Number 16 and The Pelham and can say that I have loved all that she has accomplished.  She has a signature style … however each property, very much it’s own look and feel.
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At the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, colour and pattern have been taken to a new level. Even though some of her pattern combinations I find almost too bold, they work and I can only marvel at the attention to detail.
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There are areas with schemes such as the Suite above, that for me, don’t work.  There is just one fabric too many !!! and there will be those who think it is fabulous.
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The drawing room, for reasons quoted above, falls into the same category.  However, I do feel that this room is probably a lot more appealing in reality, so will put it down to the photograph … I find it difficult to imagine the very clever Kit Kemp getting it wrong … or am I not fully appreciating modern British style.
My Design Travels

Loving london’s boutique hôtels 2014 2129

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The Pelham Hotel in Sth Kensington is, for me the perfect location in London.  A short stroll to the V&A or along the gorgeous Walton Street to Harrods … more specifically, their Stationary Department.
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Kit Kemp the designer has created a luxury town house style hotel, the interiors ‘a tailored version of grand English style’.  I love the idea of individually designed bedrooms, and there are 52 to choose from.
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What sets these hotels apart is the unexpected … the combination of antique and contemporary furniture … quirky lighting and modern art set within a a wood panelled drawing room or library … it is perfect.
My Design Travels

Hotel guestrooms with a difference… the siam, bangkok 1875

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Without doubt it is the individuality of The Siam that sets it apart.  Renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley has incorporated the old with the new and created a unique 5 star hotel, full of charm.

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This is not your typical hotel guestroom … with Thai Colonial influences, lamps hanging on black silk ribbons, travel collections … all so very personal.

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The elegance of suites with sumptuous furnishings, exquisite detailing and such interesting memorabilia.

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Memorabilia that has been collected and sourced for each of the individually themed suites.

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Always glimpses to the exotic orchid filled gardens …

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Black and white and distinctly Art Deco.  Such attention to detail.

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I ask the question again, why can’t your average hotel guestroom, or even just the expensive ones, be that little bit more exciting or individual.  It isn’t only about the finishes and furnishings … it is about creating spaces that make patrons feel at home or somewhere better than home.
My Design Travels

Loving the langham, london 2168

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The Langham Hotel, London … just a short stroll from Oxford Street, Regent Street and Marylebone High Street … shops, shops and more shops. This is a very stylish hotel in a fabulous location.

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Classic Room

I love the warmth and attention to detail in all the rooms … from the entry level Classic Rooms to Grand Junior Suite.  There are of course larger suites, however I simply can’t imagine needing anything larger than the gorgeous Grand Junior suite … particularly when you are out and about shopping and exploring all day.

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Grand Junior Suite

I think what I love most is the interesting use of colour throughout … both elegant and adventurous, to say the least. I don’t know why all hotels don’t do doona’s/duvet’s … they are just so inviting.  Well actually I do know why.  Changing covers still remains a nightmare for housemaids. (Have to say I find it a challenge and only have a couple to do at any one time.)

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Artesian

Lovely to know there is the traditional Palm Court to return to for Tea after all that shopping … or the Artesian for a cocktail before dinner.  I do love the exotic Orientalism !!!

A stay at The Langham would not be complete without a stroll through Regent’s Park or a visit to the Wallace Collection (also fabulous Tearoom).
My Design World

The como hotel, melbourne … so elegantly refurbished 1779

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While recharging the batteries last week with a week at the beach, I had the luxury of both starting a new book and devouring as many magazines as I could get my hands on.  Fuelled with inspiration and ideas to share, I was then promptly stopped in my tracks … technical problems … the blog was clearly not going to happen from up there.  After my initial melt down, I came to the conclusion that it was probably a good thing and maybe I was meant to actually have a holiday. 

Anyhow, here I am in my new laid back state of mind … sharing with you some of what caught my eye as I perused.  The Como Hotel in Melbourne (boutique hotel in Sth Yarra)has been slowly and quietly, with doors still open, refurbishing.  Very much of the moment,  this unusual combination of colours is elegant and very clever.  I have always loved chocolate brown with duck egg blue and aubergine … but oh that punch of citrus is gorgeous !!    

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Pure indulgence !!

PS. I think there is something quite luxurious about these deeply buttoned ottomans.

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My Design Travels

la suite west, london …. the latest from anouska hempel 2149

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Anouska Hempel has done it again with La Suite West, a luxurious boutique hotel in a beautiful part of London.

Inverness Terrace is just to the north of Hyde Park’s Kensington Gardens.

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I have spoken before of her first beautiful boutique hotel in London, Blakes.  There have been other hotels in the meantime, however for me, La Suite West combines the best of them all.

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There is something in the way Anouska Hempel places cushions, her lamps in the restaurant, the symmetry of the potted plants in the garden or art on the wall … she has a signature style … and it all started with Blakes.

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The combination of sleek lines, an asian influence in the detailing and yes .. the symmetry, works beautifully in this elegant London Victorian terrace.

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Her very smart colour palette of ‘black and white’ is complimented by the extensive use of luxurious marble and timber finishes and fine detailing.

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La Suite West … Anouska Hempel at her best !!
My Design Travels

The south place hotel London … glamorous and hip !! 1734

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Described as the Shoreditch end of the City of London … this is the part of London where it is all happening.  Every new bar, restaurant and hotel that I read a review of, seems to be in this locale.

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The very smart Conran designed guestrooms appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

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The first hotel venture by the D&D London group, this hotel has 80 guestrooms, two elegant restaurants, three bars (one secret garden bar), roof top terrace and sponsors its own art prize !!!

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… and so much to explore beyond the confines of the hotel.

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