Recently we've been featuring inspiring homes and designers in our Spotlight Series. Today we have a sneak peek into the newly-designed rooms at Careys Manor Hotel - which feature our beautiful XL Duck Egg Herringbone Throws on the sumptuous king size beds - and meet the hotel's interior designer Jojo Macnamara.
Careys Manor Hotel and Spa
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What can people expect when they stay at Careys Manor Hotel?
Pure relaxation - whether that's a pampering afternoon at the spa, soaking up the sights and sounds of nature during a New Forest walk, sailing the Solent with the wind in your hair or cycling the various tracks across the heathland. You can be as lively or as lazy as you like, dress up or dress down, dine lightly or indulgently; the choice is yours.
What elements are important for you when it comes to creating the perfect room for a guest?
The colour palette for the rooms are designed to be elegant and restful with shades of taupe and duck egg blue
Comfort and relaxation is at the core of what we do. We want to create rooms that invite the calm of the forest indoors, places you can relax with a good book after a day exploring the forest, somewhere to escape the daily grind and enjoy the best night's sleep you've had in ages.
Sustainability is also important, and we try to work with as many local or British suppliers and craftspeople as possible. For example, our beds are made locally in Milbrook from natural and sustainable fabrics.
Any tips for future guests on what to do when they stay with you?
A visit to SenSpa, our award-winning Thai spa, is a must during your stay. Thailand's traditional influences combine with state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facilities from Europe to create a memorable spa experience that will leave you glowing inside and out. Try a bespoke Asian massage to ease all tension, followed by lunch at the Thai Restaurant.
A visit to the New Forest would not be complete without a long walk across the heathland, spotting New Forest ponies, looking out at a spectacular landscape.
Meet Jojo Macnamara
How did you get started in Interior Design and where do you find inspiration?
I got started in Interiors after having kids. I have always loved interiors, and after a few years of being a stay-at-home mum, it didn't feel right to go back to recruitment, so I looked around for a part-time role. I was fortunate enough to start one day a week with an interior designer who wanted to expand her business and needed admin support.
I started out helping generally, and it became clear that I had an eye for it. So I was thrown in at the deep end and asked if I would like to work on the whole decorative scheme, from getting bespoke furniture made to buying lamps, rugs, cushions, artwork etc. My first job was to decorate, furnish and style a stunning Robert Dallas designed villa in the South of France.
I am inspired by natural textures and soft colour palettes for walls. Inspiration really comes from the building and the people in it and how they use the space!
What 3 elements are essential for a staycation?
Accessibility to the countryside and the coast with lots of great options for food and really beautiful accommodation. In the current climate, it has to be a treat and better than home!
Is there one piece of advice that you can give to someone who is looking for a quick refresh in their home?
Decorative statement lamps and lampshades are a great way to go. Cushions, rugs and throws always add impact, and don't have to be hugely expensive, but can make a real difference. The main thing is to look objectively at your existing interiors so that whatever you want to do still works with the overall design. Re-thinking how your walls are curated, options for some large statement art or filing space with a grid of pictures can also work really well.
What's hot in interior design right now?
Indoor / outdoor living, outdoor kitchens, maximalist decorating, mixing tribal and ethnic fabrics in with classical, traditional settings, mixing antique furniture with bright pops of colour in artwork. Some trends are always hot, and I personally love grounding a design scheme with muted shades and bringing in colour with artwork, soft furnishings and bespoke upholstery.
Recently you picked one of our throws to use in Careys Manor Hotel, can you share a bit more details on the room scheme, inspiration and why you chose our blanket?
Careys Manor is a stunning family-owned hotel set in the New Forest. We recently re-designed one of the suites adding in a super-luxe bathroom with a freestanding bath. We have created a very calm bedroom with stunning Colefax and Fowler fabric and a beautiful velvet headboard.
I personally feel that an end of bed throw needs to make the bed look inviting, but should also be something you would want to throw around you for an extra layer of warmth. We chose the British Blanket Company throws as the colours are gorgeous, and the extra large size works really well on the king size beds.
How would you style our wool blankets during warmer months?
You could have a few blankets in different colours rolled up in a gorgeous basket and in the living room, or simply folded over the arm of the sofa and, of course, at the end of the bed.
Describe your dream room in 5 words?
Natural, Organic, Luxury, Calm, and White.
Make sure to follow Jojo and Careys Manor Hotel and Spa on Instagram for design and holiday inspiration!
