5 lessons in contemporary Art Deco design from Gran Hotel Inglés, Madrid’s hottest hotel

With its showcase of modern interior design trends, it is hard to believe that Gran Hotel Inglés sits amid the oldest hotel building in Madrid. This family-owned property in the Barrio de las Letras neighborhood first opened its doors in 1886 – but its interiors have never looked quite so contemporary. 

The hotel brims modern decorating ideas that combine urban sophistication with the allure of a bygone era – a result of Rockwell Group’s recent artistic direction. This is how you can mirror Madrid’s vibrancy far beyond Spain’s shores – from one of the finest properties in the capital.  

1. Continue to your wall paneling – to the roof 

(Image credit: Gran Hotel Inglés)

Wall paneling knows how to make a statement – but Gran Hotel Inglés has taken this feature a step further by continuing the pattern to the roof. This feature creates a seamless flow between the room’s surfaces to create a box-like effect that is currently making waves in the French interior industry. 

The textured wall – and roof – similarly adds a 3-D effect that boasts bountiful material and touchability, in a nod to one of the biggest interior design trends of the year. 

2. Zone your space with statement fixtures 

(Image credit: Gran Hotel Inglés)

While open-plan schemes remain ever-popular, it is only natural to flirt with the benefits of a broken-plan space. Here, Gran Hotel Inglés exhibits how to break up with your open plan by zoning your room with statement light fixtures. 

This creates distinct sections in one space and gives the illusion of separate rooms – so you can work, live and sleep in different spaces – without leaving the room. It’s the small living room idea to carry into 2022 and beyond. 

3. Curate curves in the bathroom 

(Image credit: Gran Hotel Inglés)

Bathroom trends come and go, but one shape remains timeless: the curve. As exhibited above, Gran Hotel Inglés’s bathrooms are based around this calming shape – from the soft edges on the free-standing tub to the accompanying mirror that pays further homage to the shape. 

And, considering the circle’s wellbeing benefits, there is no reason not to follow suit.  

4. Accentuate brass & metallic accents 

(Image credit: Gran Hotel Inglés)

Interior designers agree that brass accents ooze a boutique hotel ambiance, and all for a good reason. Madrid’s oldest hotel exemplifies their argument through their use of the material throughout the building – from the stylish office corners to the Art Deco-inspired restaurant. 

Then, to emphasize the brass accents further, pair the tones alongside metallic textiles that will give any space a fantastical aesthetic for the year ahead. 

5. Limit your color palette  

(Image credit: Gran Hotel Inglés)

‘Color drenching,’ another favorite of interior experts at present, involves choosing one particular hue – and maintaining its tones throughout all surfaces in your room. However, while this rule may sound initially intimidating, the effect is not as dramatic as the name suggests. Instead, you can experiment with various tones of the same color, as seen demonstrated above with the hotel’s various gray hues. This is the modern bedroom idea that will struggle to go out of date. 

Nightly rates at Gran Hotel Inglés start from €375 per room per night on a B&B basis based on double occupancy. For more information, visit their website.