No.1 by GuestHouse

The former Georgian drawing room and library have been restored to create two spectacularly sumptuous suites: The Bootham Rooms, where four-poster beds and freestanding baths add to the lavish feel. Jay Grierson at Martin Hulbert Design is the mastermind behind the interiors and has packed the spaces full of whimsical wonderment. Engineering themes, beautifully crafted rugs, and upholstery inspired by the textiles industry are all a nod to York's historical heroism.

Northern Lights worked closely with Jay and his team to realise their vision for the regal Georgian building by delivering a range of uniquely designed bespoke light fittings. These ranged from the contemporary floor and table lamps to more traditionally designed lanterns. The lighting in any venue has to match the tone of voice determined by the interior designer. Jay's eclectic mixture of spaces paved the way for an assortment of lighting that feels both accommodating to guests and nostalgic of York's steep history.

The light and airy bedrooms are decorated with elegance and sophistication that utilises the original design of the Georgian building, as the lofty four-poster beds reach close to the ceiling. On each bedside, our understated burgundy table lamps stand proudly to cut through the bright whites of the bed linens and textured walls, marrying perfectly with the richly-painted floorboards and chic fabric armchairs positioned comfortably at the foot of the bed. The space-considered white wall lights provide a more personal light for late-night reading to provide further comfort and convenience. The lampshades have been embellished with a perforated shade.

Downstairs, our octagonally-shaped lanterns are displayed in two contrasting communal areas. The Marmalade Lounge is a quiet study area where refreshments are served next to an elegantly understated
fireplace. The Bar is a drinks lounge that pays homage to York's incredible history of all things steam locomotion with an ornately carved fireplace as a focal point. The hand-applied blackened steel finish on our lanterns ties both rooms together and marries the darker tones in the decorations. Each lantern houses three candle bulbs, all encased within a handcrafted frame and handsomely finished with a chain and flex.

The hotel's restaurant expresses a stark contrast to other rooms on the ground floor. Teal walls and white accents build the profile for this bright eatery, and our feature pendants match the scheme perfectly. The cluster of miniature lanterns is shared between four separate ceiling plates, spanning a total of twelve metres across the restaurant's ceiling. There are a total of fifty lanterns, each having been hand-painted in white to correspond with the accents applied throughout the room.

Finally, a series of blackened steel lantern pendants adorn the staircase and the spa area. The uniquely designed staircase pays homage to York's Gothic history, with a series of black-painted violins ascending the jet-black staircase from bottom to top. The lanterns hang beneath the staircase and provide a warming glow in the darkest space of the hotel. The same lanterns are displayed in the cocooning arches that make up the spa area and match the atmospheric scheme Jay Grierson and his team have created.