Hotel Room Transformation: A Boutique Edinburgh Hotel Case Study

When it comes to hotel room design, size isn’t everything. One of my favourite transformations was for Room #7 at No 11 Brunswick Hotel and Brasserie, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. Despite being one of the smaller rooms, this project proved that smart interior design can maximise space, enhance comfort, and create a memorable guest experience.

About No 11 Brunswick Hotel & Brasserie

Nestled in a historic Georgian townhouse, No 11 Brunswick Hotel is a favourite among both tourists and locals. With its elegant period features and warm, welcoming atmosphere, the hotel provides a luxurious yet intimate stay in Edinburgh. The owners originally approached me to redesign one of their large luxury rooms. They were thrilled with the results, which led to further collaborations, including two additional room designs and updates to the restaurant interior.

The Design Challenge: Room #7

The brief for Room #7 was clear:
Convert a single bedroom into a small double without compromising comfort.
Create a unique, stylish, and quirky design while maintaining the hotel’s overall aesthetic.
Work within a modest budget and short timescale.
Maximise space and light in a compact 12 sqm room with limited natural light.

The existing room felt dark and cramped, with bulky, outdated furniture that overwhelmed the space. Our challenge was to make the room feel brighter, more spacious, and inviting for guests—without major structural changes.

The Design Solution

To achieve the transformation, we focused on:

1. A Soft, Elegant Colour Palette

We created a calm and sophisticated scheme using soft greys, crisp whites, and accents of yellow to bring warmth and energy. These colours enhance the feeling of space and reflect the hotel’s classic-meets-contemporary style.

2. A Nod to the Hotel’s Georgian Heritage

To honour the historic character of No 11 Brunswick, we introduced the beautiful Facade wallpaper by Zoffany. This subtle yet striking design references the hotel’s Georgian roots, tying the room’s contemporary elements to its elegant past.

3. Light, Space-Saving Furniture

We replaced the heavy, dark furniture with sleek, modern pieces that maximise space without sacrificing comfort. The new bed, bedside tables, and storage solutions ensure the room remains functional while feeling much more open.

4. Clever Use of Lighting & Reflective Surfaces

With limited natural light, we introduced strategic lighting solutions to brighten the space:
Soft, warm wall sconces create an ambient glow.
Mirrored surfaces and light-reflecting accessories amplify brightness.
A well-placed statement lamp adds both style and function.

5. A Room Guests Love to Stay In

The result? A stylish, comfortable small double room that guests love! Room #7 is now one of the hotel’s most frequently booked rooms. In fact, it was in such high demand that we had to wait weeks to schedule the photoshoot!

Looking to Refresh Your Hotel or Home?

At Skela Studio, I specialise in transforming hotels, restaurants, and residential spaces into beautifully designed, functional environments. Whether you’re a hotel owner looking to enhance guest experience and increase bookings or a homeowner wanting to create a more stylish and comfortable living space, I can help.

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📩 Let’s create beautiful, functional spaces together!