How to Create Beautiful, Functional Spaces and Hotel-Like Bedrooms: A Q&A with Sabrine of Studio SK

I'm so happy to introduce Sabrine Keir, the creative lady behind Studio SK, an interior design studio specialising in transforming independent cafes, shops, and studios into thriving spaces. Sabrine's passion for design goes beyond aesthetics - she focuses on how interiors shape customer experiences and enhance business environments. In this inspiring Q&A, Sabrine shares her journey, design inspirations, and tips for creating luxurious, hotel-like bedrooms.

 

What inspired you to become an interior designer, and how did you start Studio SK?

I've always been a creative person, and loved drawing and designing ever since I was a child. Even playing video games like The Sims the most exciting part for me was designing your own house! I find interiors fascinating, not just how you can create a visually beautiful space, but how colours, texture and lighting can make people feel a certain way, or how layouts and furniture design directly impact how people experience and interact in a space.

What spaces or environments make you feel the most inspired when it comes to design?

I love visiting spaces in person and not just via Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration... Seeing and experiencing interiors on holiday abroad always leaves me feeling so creatively inspired!

 

What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found inspiration for a design project?

In a museum or art gallery! Often it'll be interesting colour combinations or furniture styles that catch my eye and give me new ideas.

 

What’s your starting point when starting a project from scratch? Do you focus on a specific element first, like colour, furniture, or layout?

With the interior design projects I work on (hospitality, retail and office interiors) getting the most out of a layout that works for that specific business, as well as with any spatial limitations, is so important for a successful project. Things like colours and furniture style can easily be chosen once I know what exactly can fit in the space and what layout will work best for the end user. "Form follows function" is very much my design principle when starting a new project.

How do you incorporate art into interior design, and what role does it play in a space?

You can incorporate art literally into interior design with art prints and sculptures, for example, to add visual interest as well as colour into a space. Art and other decorative elements really are the "icing on the cake" of an interior - without them a space can feel a bit flat. But you can also use art as inspiration for an interior, such as with the colours, textures and materials you use, or even as inspiration for the overall aesthetic.

 

What are the key elements that make a bedroom feel luxurious and hotel-like?

A great question! For me it would be a large, feature headboard and quality bedding, plenty of lighting options to create different cosy atmospheres - think wall lights and/or table lamps, and maybe even a floor lamp if there's space, some artwork of course to add visual interest, and a relaxing scent. I find The Hoxton hotels as great inspiration for achieving a characterful, luxurious hotel room aesthetic in your own bedroom.

 

How important is a colour palette in achieving a hotel-style bedroom, and what colours do you recommend?

I think for me, if it was a client with a hotel or B&B, the colour palette is a key way to add personality to a space, but also as a bedroom it needs to have a relaxing and comforting feel to it. I think you can use any colour, it's more about the tone and saturation of the colours. For example if you love the colour blue, choose something deep and rich, or muted and earthy, that will make you feel relaxed and help you wind down for bed, rather than a super saturated and vibrant blue.

 

What are your tips for selecting bedding that looks and feels as luxurious as a hotel’s?

In terms of look I'd keep it easy with white, quality bedding and then add colour and interest with a bed throw or quilt, and decorative cushions. That way you can change up the throw and cushions seasonally if you fancied, with different colours, textures or patterns. To me, nothing says fancy hotel like crisp, white bedding to dive down into. The trick for luxurious feeling bedding I think is choosing natural, quality fibres such as organic, long staple cotton or sustainable, European flax linen - both feel soft and silky smooth on your skin.

 

How do you balance aesthetics and functionality when designing a space?

I find that both develop side by side naturally when I'm designing. Initial ideas and inspiration for a project are based on aesthetics like colour palette, material palette, and style; whilst achieving my client's design needs and optimising a space are based on functionality i.e. structure, flow/layout and user experience. It's second nature to me to consider both simultaneously when I'm designing!

If you could design a room for any fictional character, who would it be and what would it look like?

The first thing that pops into my head is Scooby Doo and the gang! Not a very sophisticated answer, but I think I would have a lot of fun designing a HQ for them with their own individual rooms as well... There'd be lots of fun colours and patterns!

 

If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be and why?

I'd love to know if there's any subconscious or psychological meaning behind my choice... But what first came to mind was a velvet accent chair, in a burnt orange colour. Something comfortable but still a focal point in a room. Or maybe a statement table lamp

 

What is your ultimate non-neutral "neutral" colour that you think works in almost any space, like a soft green or blush pink?

Maybe I'm biased because I do love most tones of green, but I do think green can be such a versatile non-neutral "neutral" colour that also complements plenty of other colours and materials in a space. An earthy, soft green would be my go-to.

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I hope Sabrine’s insightful answers have sparked some inspiration for your own space! Whether you’re looking to turn your bedroom into a 5-star hotel retreat with carefully curated art prints or have a commercial project in need of transformation, Sabrine’s expertise can help. Be sure to check out her hotel-inspired bedroom collection below, and if you're a business owner, reach out to her through her website to learn how she can transform your space.