The Hotels Inspiring Us Right Now
From Portugal’s Douro Valley to Austin, Texas, we love finding design inspiration from hotels near and far. Through work and pleasure, we’ve been fortunate to explore and experience so many beautiful places, and we've narrowed down some favorites that rose to the top for the way they inspired us through design, service, and the overall experience.
Our work in both residential and hospitality design continues to inform and strengthen the other. Having designed 24 boutique hotels, we have developed a keen eye for the balance that great spaces require: comfort, durability, flow, and that all-important sense of place.
Travel has always been a big inspiration for our design, especially within our hotel projects, because a truly memorable hotel stay is about so much more than a beautiful room. It is the arrival, the service, the lighting, the bedding, and everything in between.
Keep reading for some hotels whose designs have really inspired us, not only because of how they look, but also because of the full experience they create.
Six Senses Douro Valley | Portugal
Deeply rooted in Portugal’s Douro Valley, the restored 19th-century manor is primarily a wellness resort set on a vineyard overlooking the Douro River. Equal parts Zen and great wine, the overall design is a balance of quiet luxury, history, and a strong sense of place. Natural materials, neutrals, and old-world structure combine with modern design. It’s a great lesson in preserving and taking in natural beauty, allowing you to walk away feeling rejuvenated.
Brach Madrid | Spain
Rachel first discovered this hotel group in Venice, and their approach to hotel design immediately stood out. Part of the same hospitality group behind Nolinski, Brach Madrid, is layered, stylish, and highly considered, but what made the experience especially memorable was how everything worked together. The atmosphere, service, rooms, and smallest guest details all felt intentional. And sometimes the best compliment you can give a hotel is wanting to bring a piece of it home. Rachel actually bought all of their bedding, because it was that good!
The Covent Garden Hotel | London
We’ve always admired Kit Kemp’s designs and the way she gracefully blends modern sensibility with collected antiques to create a look that is distinctly her own. So when we had the chance to visit The Covent Garden Hotel in London, which features her work, we were beyond excited. And it did not disappoint! The hotel offers such a gentle mix of old and new, with layered patterns, rich colors, and antiques paired with comfort and a sense of play that feels both refined and deeply personal.
The Proper | Austin and Los Angeles
As longtime fans of designer Kelly Wearstler, having the opportunity to stay at The Proper in both Austin and Los Angeles felt like a dream. Known for her use of rich, modern materials and unexpected details, both locations featured Wearstler’s signature bold silhouettes and sculptural furniture. There were so many eye-catching design moments to draw inspiration from. But what really stood out was the overall mood the design created, as if you were transported to a space you never wanted to leave.
Great hotel experiences are not only a great source of inspiration for OUR destination-worthy designs, but it also influences the design wish lists of our clients for their own homes. In fact, “What are your favorite hotels?” is one of the very important questions we ask incoming clients. Because we all bring home (either physically or mentally) that soul-filled feeling of a great hotel experience. We hope this inspires you as much as it did us!
Live well,
