The Criterion Hotel has long been part of Napier’s story. It’s a building many locals recognise and visitors quickly warm to, having welcomed travellers for generations. Over time, it has evolved quietly, holding onto the details that give it its sense of familiarity and make it feel unmistakably itself.

We worked alongside Atkinson Harwood Architecture, who led the overall design of the project. From the outset, the brief was clear. The rooms needed to feel more comfortable and refined, while still respecting the hotel’s heritage and personality. This was never about a dramatic transformation. Instead, the focus was on carefully integrated changes that would enhance the guest experience while allowing the building’s history to remain front and centre.

Our approach centred on three key elements: custom headboards, tailored valances, and bespoke curtains. These were chosen deliberately, offering the opportunity to improve comfort and cohesion while working with the existing architecture rather than competing with it.

Upholstered headboards were introduced to add warmth and softness, creating a more inviting feel and establishing a cohesive look across all rooms. Finished in classic, tonal fabrics, they bring comfort to the space without drawing attention away from the hotel’s architectural details.

Valances, often overlooked, played an important role in bringing structure and polish to the bedrooms. Thoughtfully tailored, they help anchor the beds visually and give the rooms a more considered, complete feel, demonstrating how small details can quietly elevate an interior.

Custom curtains were designed and installed to balance light, privacy, and atmosphere. Fabric selection and fullness were carefully considered so the curtains felt generous without overwhelming the space. During the day, they allow natural light to filter in softly, while in the evenings they help create a sense of calm and retreat, encouraging guests to slow down and settle in.

Together, these elements work quietly in the background, enhancing the rooms while allowing the character of the hotel to remain the focus. The result is accommodation that feels comfortable, cohesive, and welcoming, with a renewed sense of ease that will continue to age gracefully over time.

This project is an example of how bespoke interior elements can breathe new life into a heritage space. By focusing on comfort, materiality, and the finer details, bespoke interiors can work in quiet dialogue with the architecture, complementing its proportions and character while supporting how the space is experienced today.