Woodhouse & Law have created bright, inviting spaces for the Royal Crescent Hotel in historic Bath
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is entering a new chapter in its prestigious 250 year history with a fresh new look for 2023.
The hotel occupies two Grade I listed townhouses set in the centre of this iconic crescent. With the initial design work completed earlier this year, Woodhouse & Law were appointed to transform the bedrooms, drawing room and lobby of the landmark building. The award-winning local interior and garden design company specialise in modernising listed and period properties in the city, a natural fit for the next phase of the project.
Woodhouse & Law describe their signature style as luxurious, playful, yet understated and this is recognisable in this latest project which feels vibrant and contemporary. The finished rooms are imbued with new energy while retaining the integrity and elegance of the original architectural features.
Seeking to connect the lobby with the reception spaces and newly refreshed bar and restaurant, Woodhouse & Law looked to the Royal Crescent Hotel’s beautiful and unexpected gardens for inspiration. This sense of bringing the outside in was also a homage to the much-loved magnolia previously occupying the façade, removed due to the damage its roots were causing to the Grade-I building.
The team fell in love with the Italian Promenade fresco design by London based duo IKSEL, reminiscent of the rural scenes so enjoyed by Georgian homeowners. The classical mural is contrasted with a vibrant orange ottoman with brass detailing and a contemporary mid-century style reception desk. Architectural lighting highlights the handsome pediment over the entrance to the drawing room and armoires to either side of the fireplace.
The drawing room of the hotel features ornate plasterwork and triple sash windows; details the Woodhouse & Law team wanted to bring to the fore.
Walls are painted in Zoffany Quarter Mushroom, complemented with Zoffany Mushroom for subtle definition. Original antique portraits are contrasted with an invigorating contemporary piece in bold colours by British artist Debbie Goldsmith, which brings fresh energy to the room. New upholstery in blues, warm neutrals and oranges, layered with colour and pattern from the likes of Zinc, Osborne & Little and Casamance add further interest and depth to the scheme.
Occasional tables create cosy, intimate spaces to sit, while fringed ottomans provide flexible and versatile additional seating when required. New window treatments using one of the team’s favourite Zoffany fabrics are in keeping with the classical style; designed to dress the window neatly, without obscuring the views out across the Royal Crescent.
The drawing room is accessorised so that the grandeur of the space is offset by softer touches. A feeling enhanced by the new lighting scheme which sees a contemporary pendant by Porta Romana, wall lights by Visual Comfort and table lamps to add gentle warmth to the ambience during the evening. Architectural lighting subtly highlights key details, including an LED showcasing the pediment over the door and up-lights accentuating the beauty of the marble fire place, allowing it to remain a focal point.
Each bedroom at The Royal Crescent Hotel is different, from grand suites with triple sash windows overlooking the Royal Crescent at the front of the hotel to cosy attic rooms with garden views at the back.
Rooms looking out to the gardens enjoy palettes in vibrant greens and blues inspired by the views beyond. In smaller spaces, with less natural light, there’s bolder use of colour for depth and interest. From bright sunshine yellows to a striking Iris Apfel fabric on an oversized headboard, Woodhouse & Law adopted a playful approach to each scheme, with contemporary furniture and lighting sitting alongside restored antique armoires.
As befits the modern five-star experience, bespoke new cabinetry by a local maker in each room houses refreshments, while USB ports enable quick and easy tech charging for guests.
If you enjoyed this feature, you may also like Verity Woolf’s piece on creating interiors for historical buildings
(Photo credit: Peter Helme Photography)
