Karen Walker Design is an interior design consultancy based in Newcastle upon Tyne specialising in hospitality design.

Having worked previously with the Jesmond Dene House management team, Karen Walker Design was commissioned to update the bedrooms and restaurant area in a staged roll out of works.

Contemporary floral-patterned wallcoverings in muted shades combine with warm timber, marble and black metalwork to provide the base design that flows throughout the bedrooms. Vibrant shades of teal, ochre and citron add a modern feel. The Arts and Crafts style property retains many period features and the design has been carefully considered to ensure each room retains much of the original character.

The design of the restaurant (and bedrooms) took inspiration from the hotel’s lush gardens and the nearby Jesmond Dene, taking cues from the natural surroundings and mixing contemporary design with classic lines to create beautiful luxurious rooms and timeless spaces accented with vibrant colour. The scheme creates a seamless link between the natural environment and interior spaces.

A key consideration of the project was sustainability with an emphasis on minimising the carbon footprint wherever possible within the overall design process. Key pieces of furniture were renovated and reupholstered using regionally based craftspeople and UK-based suppliers were sourced for furniture, soft furnishings and accessories.