This colorful, maximalist home was inspired by the whimsical designs of iconic luxury British hotels

Take a tour of this new-build model home that feels absolutely nothing like a new-build model home

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design
(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

The property 

Model homes, while fun to have a look around, play house in, and even get inspiration from, for us always tend to look like model homes. There's just something about them that feels... set up. Which of course they are. But when we came across this gorgeous modern home, we had to admit this feels absolutely nothing like a model house. 

Designed by Toronto-based interior designer Sabrina Albanese, the interiors were based on and inspired by the whimsy of iconic British hotels. We're talking deep hues, wall-to-wall wallpaper, sumptuous headboards, and bathrooms that feel like they belong in a manor house. And there's a real mix of styles going on here too, Mid-century modern, country rustic, Art Deco, and a touch of effortless Cali vibes in there aswell. So we are just going to swallow our words and take a tour of this unique and inspiring (unmodel-esque) model home...

Kitchen 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

The kitchen feels both contemporary and classic. The Shaker style units and herringbone flooring nod towards the traditional, whereas the mint chosen for the lower units, plus the modern dining set up give the space a modern edge. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

And then you have the fabulous breakfast nook. A great use of space and provides a more casual spot for less formal meal times. The layers of texture are fun and fresh and those cafe curtains add that touch of whimsy that Sabrina brings to every room of this home. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Family living room

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

There are two main living rooms, add you'll instantly see each has a very different feel. This small space has a very laid-back, boho feel to it, with a very soft, neutral color scheme and layers of textures. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Pops of yellow and green break up all the natural colors, giving the room a fun and vibrant touch. 

Sitting room

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

The second sitting room has a much more elegant, grown-up vibe with wood-paneled walls, dark features, and opulent furniture. You can see the British hotel inspiration coming in here with the House of Hackney prints and deep, muted color scheme. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

There's an aged look to the room, in total contrast to other sitting room which felt very new and fresh, this room oozes sophistication. 

Master bedroom

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

The master bedroom has a similar vibe. The deep blue wallpaper used on all four walls creates an enveloping, cocooning feel and the contrasting mustard yellow headboard adds an extra touch of luxury.  

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Again, a House of Hackney wallpaper gives it that British, country house feel. Which is only added to with the oil paintings, crisp white bed linen, and traditional decor. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Master bathroom

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

The master bathroom continues that luxury hotel feel, with an eclectic mix of a traditional wallpaper and very modern marble slab fixtures and walls. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Of course, a freestanding tub is an essential in any hotel bathroom and the simple design is perfect for a space that has so much going on. It just adds to the contemporary twist. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Guest bedrooms

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Again, a completely different feel in the guest bedrooms than in the main bedroom. These rooms feel less bougie English hotel and more Palm Beach vacation house. The pale green walls are fresh and calming, the slubby textures of the bedding add a slightly rustic feel, and the print (we are going to assume that it's on a greek island) all come together to create a minimalist, Mediterranean inspired space. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

The second guest bedroom, which has been designed with a teenager in mind, has a similarly minimalist design but the colors used here feel cooler and more modern, and the black accents create a clear contrast. 

Meditation room

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

The loft has been converted into a sort of wellness retreat, complete with a Peloton room, meditation room, and an extra spa-like bathroom. 

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Utility room

Modern home with cali style mixed with classic British design

(Image credit: Lauren Miller)

Even the very practical utility room still feels stylish, with cool-toned wooden cabinets, porcelain marble work tops and seagrass decor. 

Hebe Hatton

Hebe is the Digital Editor of Livingetc; she has a background in lifestyle and interior journalism and a passion for renovating small spaces. You'll usually find her attempting DIY, whether it's spray painting her whole kitchen, don't try that at home, or ever changing the wallpaper in her hallway. Livingetc has been such a huge inspiration and has influenced Hebe's style since she moved into her first rental and finally had a small amount of control over the decor and now loves being able to help others make decisions when decorating their own homes. Last year she moved from renting to owning her first teeny tiny Edwardian flat in London with her whippet Willow (who yes she chose to match her interiors...) and is already on the lookout for her next project.