BOUTIQUE HOTEL SUSSEX

Transforming a Regency-Era Listed Building into a Boutique Hotel: Timeless Luxury on a Budget

When approached to design a boutique hotel within a Regency-era listed building, my mission was to embrace the historical charm while infusing the space with a sense of luxury. The client desired a design that would honor the Regency period, incorporating historical colours, chinoiserie fabrics, antique furniture, and accessories. Despite a tight budget, the goal was to ensure each room exuded a luxurious feel. Here's how we achieved this transformation.

Embracing Regency Historical Colours

The colour palette for the hotel was carefully chosen to reflect the elegance of the Regency period. These colours not only pay homage to the era but also provide a timeless backdrop that complements the overall design.

A bedroom with a bed featuring a gray tufted headboard, blue nightstands with brass lamps, a brown tufted sofa with striped pillows, green walls, and gray carpet.
A bedroom with a bed, orange velvet sofa, blue nightstands, a fireplace with a decorative mirror above, and a green accent wall.
Two teal velvet armchairs with yellow pillows on either side of a small round gold side table with a potted plant, in front of a window with gray curtains in a cozy living room.

Incorporating Chinoiserie Fabrics

Chinoiserie fabrics were selected for their intricate patterns and luxurious textures, adding an exotic touch to the Regency-inspired decor. These fabrics were used for draperies, upholstery, and accent pillows, creating visual interest and a sense of opulence. The delicate designs and rich colors of chinoiserie perfectly balance the historical elements with a touch of elegance.

A bedroom with a beige upholstered headboard, yellow and patterned throw pillows, and two blue bedside tables with brass lamps, against a green wall.
A cozy bedroom with a bed covered in white and beige linens, neatly folded towels, a yellow velvet headboard, and yellow pillows. The room has green walls, a fireplace with decorative tiles, a large mirror above it, and modern furniture including a blue chest of drawers, a wooden armoire, and two blue velvet chairs with yellow pillows. A side table with a plant and a bottle is near the window, which has gray curtains. The room is well-lit by natural light.
A vintage fireplace with a black cast iron insert, decorative ceramic tiles, and a white wooden mantel shelf, topped with a large ornate gold-framed mirror, in a room with mint green walls.

Preserving Original Beams and Wood Floors

One of the key features of the building was its original beams and wood floors, which were preserved and showcased in the design. These elements add a rustic charm and authenticity to the space, connecting guests with the building's rich history. In the bathrooms, the wood floors were carefully restored and sealed to maintain their beauty and durability, providing a warm and inviting contrast to modern fixtures.

Modern bathroom with a glass shower enclosure fit with teal tiles, a white bathtub, a large mirror above a white sink, and a chrome towel radiator.
White freestanding bathtub with a towel hanging over its front, set on a dark braided base in a rustic bathroom with wooden and light-colored walls.

Curating Antique Furniture and Accessories

Antique furniture pieces were sourced to bring authenticity and character to the hotel's interiors. Each piece was chosen for its craftsmanship and historical significance, ensuring that the decor remained true to the Regency period. Accessories such as ornate mirrors, vintage lamps, and decorative art further enhanced the historical ambiance, making each room feel like a step back in time.

A neatly made bed with a padded gray headboard against a green wall, flanked by two blue nightstands with gold bedside lamps, and towels arranged on the bed.
Living room with green walls, a gold framed mirror above a white fireplace, a mustard velvet tufted loveseat, potted plants, a wooden armoire, and a wall-mounted flat screen TV.
A neatly made bed with a tufted beige headboard, decorative pillows with striped and floral patterns, and a light-colored striped bedspread in a room with a green wall.
A bedroom with a large bed covered in striped bedding and multiple pillows, two blue armchairs with striped pillows near two windows, a wooden wardrobe, a small round table with a wine bottle and glasses, and a green wall with gray curtains.
A neatly made bed with a beige tufted headboard, striped and floral pillows, a white bedspread, and a white towel on the bed. Next to the bed is a dark teal nightstand with four drawers and a brass adjustable desk lamp.
Living room with green walls, white fireplace mantel, black fireplace insert, large gold-framed mirror above the mantel, two potted plants on the mantel, gold bar cart with a wine bottle and glasses to the left of the fireplace, and carpeted floor.
Bathroom with teal tiled shower, white toilet, white sink, potted plant, chair with floral cushion, and wooden flooring.
A vintage wooden chair with a floral cushioned seat placed next to a radiator, in front of a bathtub with a glass shower door and teal tiled wall, in a bathroom.

Luxury on a Tight Budget

Despite budget constraints, we ensured that each room looked and felt luxurious through strategic choices and thoughtful design:

Repurposing and Refinishing: Many of the original furniture pieces were repurposed and refinished to save costs while maintaining quality. This approach not only adhered to the budget but also added a unique, bespoke touch to the decor.

Bedroom with a bed, two towel sets, and pillows, a pair of orange chairs by a large window with curtains, a mounted flat-screen TV, and a frosted glass door.
A neatly made bed with a padded gray headboard, decorated with light blue floral and striped pillows, and white towels placed on the bed. Beside the bed, there are small tables with gold lamps and green plants. A large ornate gold mirror hangs on the wall above a black radiator, with a white wall and a window with gray curtains in the room.
A cozy seating area with two orange tufted armchairs, white pillows, a round gold and glass side table with a potted plant, and a large window with gray curtains, overlooking rooftops and trees.

Local Artisans: Collaborating with local artisans for custom-made furniture and accessories helped reduce costs while supporting local craftsmanship. These bespoke items added a unique touch to the decor, enhancing the hotel's boutique appeal.

A neatly made bed with pillows and towels in a cozy bedroom, with a mirror and window with curtains, and an orange armchair.
Modern shower with blue tiles, a glass door, and a white sink with soap dispensers.
A modern shower with blue tiled walls, a metal shower head, and a clear glass door. The shower has wood-like flooring and a drain at the bottom.

Creating an Inviting Boutique Experience

The final result is a boutique hotel that captures the essence of the Regency period while offering modern comforts and luxury. Each room tells a story through its historical colours, chinoiserie fabrics, and carefully curated antique furnishings. The preserved original beams and wood floors add a layer of authenticity and charm, ensuring guests feel a connection to the building's heritage.

By balancing historical integrity with modern luxury, and making strategic budget-conscious choices, we created a space that is both inviting and opulent. This project demonstrates that with thoughtful design and careful planning, it is possible to achieve a high-end look and feel, even within financial constraints.