projects/York Air B&B

Our clients bought this new build apartment in York as a place to stay during their regular trips to the city. Between their visits, they planned to make the apartment available for short stay lets through York Stay (Twenty Seven HQ | Stays York) & Air BnB.

The kitchen, bathroom and floors had already been fitted so no build work was required, and the client wanted to start using the flat as soon as possible, so were not decorating. Our job was to fully furnish and style the flat, ready to welcome its first visitors.

The design concept

The first thing to consider when we were creating the design concept for the flat was the audience we wanted to attract. We devised a creative concept that would appeal to a stylish, professional woman, as evidence suggests she tends to book a city break either with a partner or a friend. We looked at the local competition for short lets and boutique hotels, and found the interiors often fell into two extremes: neutral and bland, or quirky and theatrical. Our scheme sits neatly between the two: inspired by fashion, colourful but elegant with beautifully cut fabrics.

The living space

The flat has an open plan kitchen, dining area and seating area. The existing wall colour and wooden floor provided a warm neutral base for our palette of soft blue and orange.

Key pieces in the living space need to be universally appealing without being boring, so we went for a contemporary geometric print on the curtains, and colourful but calming artworks that create interest and tie the colour scheme together. Splashes of more intense colour and rich fabrics are used in the cushions.

Although the flat is most likely to be used by one or two people, we included two small occasional chairs to make the room feel homely and create a more sociable space when needed.

Our styling service included choosing the glassware, vases, sculptures, placemats and other accessories that were on display throughout the apartment. These are carefully chosen for both visual appeal and practicality. The back of the recessed shelving was the same colour as the walls, so we used a textured wallpaper in a deep orange to add depth and create a more cohesive display.

Lighting is crucial in any interior scheme, so we added lamps to create ambience and provide task lighting where needed.

The hallway

In this small space we make a statement with a deco-style sideboard, which also provides useful storage space. The art, mirror, lamp, books and other accessories create a welcoming, homely first impression. Again, we added colour to the back of the recessed shelving, yet again using an interesting textured wallpaper.

From the hallway it is possible to see how the colour scheme is pulled through the whole apartment, creating a stylish, cohesive look.

The bedroom

Sometimes in a small space it pays to go large. Here we have set a generous made-to-measure headboard against a sumptuous wallpaper, added a pair of large statement lamps and an oversized cushion to the bed. The overall effect is one of luxurious comfort, the perfect place to unwind after a busy day in the city.

Opposite the bed we also added a thin console table and upholstered stool under a large mirror, which opens up the room and acts as a useful dressing table.

guest reviews

“Would give this 6 stars if possible. Beautifully decorated, immaculately clean and tiny and so many lovely little finishing touches around the apartment.”

“The apartment was an excellent find. In a new development and very high spec the interior was beautifully styled.”

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