The Cornish Hotel Reinventing Coastal Chic

Perched atop miles of sandy beach in north Cornwall, Watergate Bay Hotel has reinvented coastal decor with its rich tones and earthy textures.

We stepped inside with interior designer Matt Hulme, the man behind Dynargh Design, to explore the hotel’s unique style and get his top tips on how to recreate the look at home…

How would you describe the aesthetic at Watergate Bay?

Texture is a big part of my design, and I wanted to create spaces that were individual and inspiring, with a relaxed and pared-back feel. Although I was influenced by the breathtaking coastal location, I didn’t want it to feel like a clichéd coastal interior with blues and stripes. Instead, my use of texture and tones was inspired by the landscape of the cliffs and the beach, with burnt orange flashes woven throughout in homage to the beach’s stunning sunsets.

What was your approach to designing and renovating the hotel?

I was conscious of being sustainable in a stylish way – the rugs are made from recycled plastic bottles, and I reused pendant fittings from one of the hotel’s previous restaurants. Local joiners produced much of the wooden furniture, as supporting small businesses is important to me. I added textured fabrics and rugs to warm and draw the space together.

Any insider secrets?

Layer up different textures and tones. I love picking one key fabric and then linking the other elements to this – for example, by picking a secondary colour from a patterned fabric and using this as a base for others. Just ensure there is a dominant colour, tone or texture that links everything together.

And your top interior design tip?

Lighting can transform a space – woven shades create beautiful shadows and warmth. Source unique pieces, such as rugs and side tables, as this will give a story and a lived-in aesthetic.

Inside the hotel

Take a look around Watergate Bay Hotel…

There are plenty of comfortable corners in the hotel’s communal spaces to relax while taking in views of the sea.

Matt’s love of texture is evident throughout; this layered look is in the hotel’s casual dining space.

The luxurious beach loft suites command some of the hotel’s finest coastal views.

Many of the rugs were made from recycled plastic bottles.

Matt wove orange and ochre throughout his schemes as a nod to the coastal colours of the surrounding landscape.

Lighting was another key component in Matt’s designs – this glass base and fabric shade allow light to create soft pools beside the bed.

The hotel’s stunning location, perched above a huge stretch of sandy beach, influenced its interior design.

Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.