Functionality at the forefront

TophoteldesignerAndreas NeudahmgivesYourHome readersaninsightinto creatingaboutique-style look

Andreas Neudahm is one of Europe’s most highly-regarded hotel designers. He’s designed hundreds of hotels for many of the biggest names across the continent and led the design project for the new Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh from start to finish.

For the Edinburgh hotel, he took many cues from the city as well as Scottish landmarks and landscapes.

“I designed my first major hotel 28 years ago not long after graduating from design school,” said Andreas. “Before designing a hotel I spend a few days simply being a tourist, taking in as much as I can.

“I even think it helps not being from the place I am designing the hotel in – as you see it all with fresh perspective. I then make sure that is reflected throughout the design – from major themes to small details.

“Next stage, I focus on separate sections nearly always starting with the customer’s first impression and the lobby area – as well as the bar, which has to be the heart of the hotel.

“For me these are where the lasting impressions are made, so from a design perspective are the most important.

“My background is in carpentry and furniture, so I put functionality at the forefront. Too often I see designers designing for design’s sake – creating something that looks beautiful but doesn’t pay enough attention to the comfort of the customer or the business of the hotel.”

Andreas says he stays away from obvious trends, instead aiming for a look that is timeless and accessible for all. “I want hipsters to relate to it while at the same time an octogenarian couple will feel comfortable. It is always a balancing act,” he said.

Just like our own homes, each Leonardo Hotel is unique to its location.

In Edinburgh, local features include using the iconic view from Calton Hill above each bed, visuals of the Royal Botanical Gardens and images of pipers in kilts, while images of Scotland’s dramatic west coast and the countryside are dotted throughout.

This, along with tallback tartan chairs and lots of tweed and tartan, creates a homely feel which is easy to re-create in your own home.

■ Visit www.neudahm design.com