Our Brief
We were delighted to be approached to design the interiors for this A Listed Edwardian building which is being converted from an office building to an extended stay hotel.
Our brief was to bring the building back to life, celebrate its history and enhance the existing period details. We were asked to create concepts for a mix of studios, and one and two bedroom apartments. We wanted the designs to create a high-quality space for long and short stay guests to enjoy and feel comfortable.
We were also asked to design the interiors for the, soon to be built, penthouse extension. A luxury rooftop extension in the centre of Scotland’s most historic city; with a modern interior to contrast the period building it crowns.
The slick, modern extension was to be constructed from metal and glass, opening out into a private terrace overlooking the Edinburgh skyline. This vastly different architectural style had to be reflected in the space’s interiors, and we needed to elevate the design - beyond luxury - to match the terraced views, and satisfy the client’s more premium guests. We were asked to design the concepts for two studios, a one bed apartment and the private terrace spaces.
Our Approach
We worked in close collaboration with the architect and wider design team right from the start to ensure a sympathetic conversion that offered a home from home. Collaboration was key on this project as with the building’s change of use from an office space to an extended stay hotel offering, it was vital to make sure the interior design worked within the layout of the building without designs resulting in unnecessary costs for the client.
Due to the listing of the building, existing dividing partitions and architectural details were to be retained and enhanced to ensure a sense of time and place was retained. We wanted to compliment the traditional style so built the features into our design.
Space was tight which presented a challenge in providing all the amenities an extended-stay guest will expect. We used our wealth of experience to draw inspiration on how to maximise the space available. We approached the design for the lower floors by researching the building and the Edwardian period, drawing inspiration from colour palettes and decorative patterns used at that time.
For the penthouse extension, we needed to make way for the long stay facilities, but keep the rooms feeling spacious and uncluttered to enhance the sense of luxury. We wanted to pay specific attention to the FF&E details as we knew this would be a good opportunity to build on the opulence of the space. We took special notice to ensure all fabrics and fittings suggested were of the highest quality, creating a step change from the rest of the building.
For the master guestroom, we included a standalone bathtub, the true mark of luxury, to be positioned beside the sliding glass doors opening out to the terrace. We wanted to make the most out of the terraces, using the jaw dropping views as the wow factor making the accommodation stand out above the rest. We were aware of making sure that the style flowed throughout the space and the terrace felt deliberate and integrated within the design so Indoor and outdoor planting and floor tiles were recommended to connect the bath space to the outdoor terrace.
The Results
A classic, contemporary, high end residential interior packed with touches that reflect the history of the building whilst bringing it into the 21st century.
Through clever design we managed to create a perfectly formed extended stay offering that any guest would feel at home in, and a modern, stylish, luxury space, fitting for the most prosperous of guests.
The design approach was carefully chosen to sit effortlessly within the existing backdrop. Applied mouldings enhance the period detailing in the lower floors - such as cornicing and fireplaces, which were retained to protect the integrity of the building. The penthouse design conveyed the modern, industrial style of the extension, without spoiling the façade of the traditional Edwardian building.
Quality finishes, neutral palettes and integrated lighting used throughout the hotel make the property unique. With contemporary and classic designs leaving guests feeling like they’ve had exclusive access to their own sanctuary, the leaving impression is a truly unique experience in the city.
