If a hotel is hot, likely as not these days it will be all over Instagram. The social media app which celebrates little squares of visual loveliness has become THE place to be seen as far as cutting-edge hotel design is concerned. So, how do you get your hotel noticed on Instagram?
The answer is to create stunning, Insta-worthy interiors. If you create a backdrop that gets people talking and –more importantly –picking up their camera phone, your hotel will soon become the hottest ticket in town.
Here, we guide you through the latest looks in hotel interior design which get cool, young Instagrammers reaching for their iPhones.
The trend
Opulent luxury
The hotel
The Mandrake, London
Since opening its doors in 2017 in the thriving Fitzrovia district, The Mandrake has established itself as one of London’s coolest and most luxurious hotels. The bedrooms are dark and moody with sumptuous fabrics and shimmering chandeliers. And the courtyard terrace is a particular draw with its colonial-style furniture and cascades of opulent foliage.
Just the spot for an Insta selfie in front of all that gorgeous greenery!
How to recreate this style
You can forget about ‘less is more’ with an interior like this. The Mandrake’s maximalist vibe is all about sensory overload. To get this look you need to introduce opulent fabrics, bold artworks, jewel-like colours and lots of lush foliage.
The trend
Under the sea
The hotel
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
The world’s first underwater hotel suite was opened in 2018 as part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. The bedroom of this two-storey villa is submerged beneath the Indian Ocean which means that guests get to watch fish swim by as they relax in bed. On the top floor there is a sun deck on which to soak up the rays and enjoy more conventional sea views. The décor in this sunken paradise is pared back and contemporary to allow the aquatic surroundings to shine.
How to recreate this style
Rangali’s unique offering may be a little tricky to emulate in a more traditional hotel setting, but a nautical theme with gauzy voiles, white bedding and teak flooring would take you in the right direction. The bathroom would need to be equipped with a huge ceramic bathtub, his and hers stone basins and an endless supply of fluffy white towels!
The trend
All white
The hotel
Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini
Some would say that the white-washed buildings and stunning sea views are the biggest draw when visiting the beautiful Greek island of Santorini, but if you’re lucky enough to stay at Canaves Oia Suites, the views inside aren’t too bad either. The light and airy accommodation features white wooden furniture, lots of mirror sand luxurious bathrooms.
How to recreate this style
The key to a predominantly white scheme is to vary the textures and materials used as much as possible. Combine textural white linens with smooth marble floors, and bring wooden surfaces to life with the addition of fresh flowers and sculptural plants.
The trend
Moroccan Magic
The hotel
L’Hôtel Marrakech, Morocco
This achingly stylish hotel is owned by designer Jaspar Conran. His influence is clear to see in an interior that combines exotic Moroccan textiles with some of Jaspar’s own furniture, lighting and art. The result is an intimate and luxurious take on souk chic.
How to recreate this style
This elegant look is all about combining characterful pieces of furniture with cool white linens and vintage berber rugs. Dress beds with flowing white voiles and choose richly coloured velvets for contrast –all set against a backdrop of white-washed walls and pale stone floors.
The trend
Pastel pastiche
The hotel
Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel, Ibiza
If you’re someone who likes their Art Deco style delivered with candyfloss colours and an avant-garde touch, then this is the place for you. Claiming to be the most famous hotel in Europe, the adults-only Paradiso Hotel is an Instagrammer’s dream with its pink kitsch curves and sense of fun. This hotel has a unique style all of its own –even the water in the swimming pool is pink!
How to recreate this style
Circles and curves abound in the Paradiso Hotel’s interiors, so no straight lines are allowed if you attempt to emulate this style. Ice cream colours like powder pink, pistachio and lilac are essential, as is statement artwork, a Smeg fridge and a pinball machine in every room!
The trend
Industrial chic
The hotel
The Williamsburg Hotel, New York
Recognising Brooklyn’s historic links with manufacturing, The Williamsburg Hotel brings industrial chic bang up to date with its stylish interiors. The extensive use of wrought iron, parquet flooring and exposed brickwork gives a nod to the past, but the look is softened with opulent fabrics, glamorous bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows from which to enjoy those Manhattan skyline views.
How to recreate this style
Today’s industrial look is all about texture and subdued pattern. Leather can be introduced into a scheme in the form of a headboard or a covered stool. Antique brass light fittings and herringbone flooring are also key, as are clean lines and geometric patterns.
The trend
Safari style
The hotel
Habitas, Mexico
This hotel on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline offers the ultimate in back-to-nature cool, but with a luxury twist. Tented suites make you feel like you’re on safari with their artisan rugs, dark wood furniture and outdoor rain showers. And the reception area couldn’t be more Instagram-friendly thanks to its tasseled hammocks, long communal tables and colourful seating.
How to recreate this style
Habitas attracts a seriously stylish crowd, and if you want to recreate this look you’ll need to dig out accessories wit ha clear nod to nature. Some colourful kelim rugs would fit the bill, as would macramé wall hangings, animal-hide stools and an array of ferns and palm trees.
The trend
Oriental oasis
The hotel
ArTreeHotel,Taiwan
Inspired by trees and nature, the design scheme of this new hotel in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei features textured wall coverings, moody lighting and luxurious fabrics from FR-One’s product range. Iridescent and metallic fabrics play a key part in this oriental look, as do floral artworks and gently layered lighting schemes.
How to recreate this style
This contemporary take on oriental style relies on clean lines combined with opulent, silky fabrics and an earthy colour scheme. Woven wallpaper is essential, as is purpose-built dark wood furniture and sumptuous textures.
