Flag It

There’s something undeniably uplifting about flags. Whether they’re fluttering in the breeze at a grand event or standing proudly in a village square, they tell stories, celebrate identities and unite people through their vibrant designs. As designers, we draw endless inspiration from their bold colours and dynamic compositions.

We’re known for our hotel facades and iconic flags that frame each entrance, welcoming guests with a sense of grandeur. But take a moment to look closer and you’ll find that flags make appearances in many other unexpected places within our spaces.

In the Drawing Room at Covent Garden Hotel, a cheerful yellow bunting-like pelmet graces the top of the curtains. This playful touch brings warmth and a sense of joy to the room, perfectly framing the windows and inviting sunshine into the space.

We also admire the exquisite handcrafted stitch work of Collin Millington, a retired sailor from the Merchant Navy. His art often depicts boats at sea, with flags proudly flying from their masts. These flags represent the nationality of the ship, signifying which country is at the helm.

The Drawing Room at Ham Yard Hotel is another celebration of fabric, with rusty oranges serving as the main canvas, complemented by vibrant splashes of colour. One of our favourite pieces is the plinth sofa, which features a fabric inspired by Asafo flags from Ghana. The vibrant imagery and bold patterns make this piece a standout in the room, embodying both tradition and modernity.

Perhaps not a flag in the traditional sense, but room 105 at The Soho Hotel embodies the patriotic spirit through its Union Jack colour scheme. The combination of red, white and blue brings a fresh, sophisticated energy to the space — timeless and ever-relevant.

Staying with the theme of patriotism, just before the Platinum Jubilee, we had fun creating our own bunting using scrap fabrics from the office. It was a delightful DIY project and we’re sharing our top tips for making your own here.

Coincidentally, one of our favourite fabrics is called ‘Flag’ by Fermoie. With its geometric shapes and soft palette, it perfectly captures the spirit of flags. We’ve incorporated it into Suite 802 at Warren Street Hotel, which recently celebrated its first birthday.

So let’s continue to draw inspiration from these vibrant emblems of celebration. Whether it’s through a splash of primary colours or a carefully chosen motif, flags remind us that design is meant to be seen, enjoyed and above all, celebrated.