Designing with thought, care and attention makes a home feel considered and memorable. Design is not only about creating beautiful rooms. It is about evoking a feeling, a spark of delight that makes guests smile and feel at ease. Join us as we share our dos and don’ts on how to design for delight, helping every space feel thoughtful and inviting.
DO: Create moments of surprise in every room
Designing beyond the expected, rather than strictly following traditional rules of interior design, captures attention and curiosity, making a room more memorable. Unusual artwork can engage guests and bring character to a space. It is often the playful details that give a design personality and make it truly unforgettable.
DON’T: Design without considering the guest experience
Every design decision should enhance how a space feels to live in. We want our guests to feel at home in our hotels. A thoughtful mix of antique and contemporary furniture brings warmth, authenticity and a sense of timeless comfort. Staying in a hotel should feel exciting, and opening the door to a bright and colourful room can spark joy and anticipation from the very first moment.
DO: Think about how a space feels as much as how it looks
A joyful interior should feel comfortable, welcoming and uplifting. A smooth flow between spaces helps create balance and harmony. Arranging furniture with intention allows a room to feel calm and considered. We also believe that design should tell a story. Each room should have its own personality, expressed through colour, artwork, textiles and furniture.
DON’T: Ignore lighting temperature
Lighting has a powerful effect on mood. Warm lighting creates intimacy and comfort, while cooler tones can feel clinical if used incorrectly. Combining ambient, task and accent lighting ensures a space feels balanced and inviting at any time of day. Layered lighting is always key.
DO: Add tactile elements
Human touches celebrate craftsmanship and storytelling, grounding a design in something tangible and personal. We favour handcrafted pieces because they carry a narrative, each shaped by the maker’s hand. Guests should feel curious about the objects within a space, encouraged to pick things up, look closer and notice the details. It is this sense of discovery that sparks delight.
DON’T: Forget to have fun
A touch of playfulness prevents a space from feeling overly serious. Whimsy brings charm, individuality and that important spark of delight that helps create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
Designing for delight is about balance, between beauty and comfort, surprise and restraint. The most memorable spaces feel thoughtful and layered, where every detail has been considered yet nothing feels forced. We hope you have enjoyed our dos and don’ts on designing for delight.