The Torridon was built as a shooting lodge in 1887 and maintains a lot of original features, lovingly preserved alongside contemporary furnishings to create a wonderful mix of luxury design.

A lot of the design elements come from co-owner Rohaise Rose-Bristow who has a keen eye for design and has recently renovated three of the hotel bedrooms. Last year Rohaise renovated rooms 1, 3 and 4. These were the first rooms completed by Rohaise without interior design assistance. We sat down with Rohaise to discuss her design process.

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

The inspiration initially comes from magazines and books where I have seen an idea that I like and think it will work.

There will usually be a design thread too. Previous themes have included the Royal Room, and I created the Retro Room  as it was my Granny’s favourite room. The concept for the romantic room came from it being the first room that I stayed in on my honeymoon.

I am also inspired by the guests experience  – creating something special that is different that you wouldn’t have in your own home but feels comfortable that it could be in your own room/home. I like to think of each room as a piece of art, creating conversation and exceeding expectations. I want guests to feel inspired my design so they may look to reuse ideas.

How would you describe your design style and process?

My design inspiration has always been to create a Scottish baronial house using Scottish suppliers but not always Scottish prints and stereotypical tartan.

When looking putting together the interior of a room, I start with the design of the bed and things fall into place around that.  It is a very organic process that can be spur of the moment at times where I rely on inspiration that may come from a colour I feel inspired by or something I have seen outside the window. I may find a picture that I have seen that will fit in the room as it is an odd shape and then take a colour or shape from that to lead me onto the next piece of the room.

Which interior designers do you admire?

I am Inspired by Kit Kemp – who gave me confidence to be a bit more adventurous with a hotel bedroom and interiors. It doesn’t need to look all the same and each room can have a personality and you don’t have to play safe. You can be brave.

I also admire the work of Rita Konig who inspires me to consider the detail of interior design and ensure comfort is key to hotel interior design.

Which local suppliers do you use?

I use suppliers from the Highlands and the rest of Scotland and UK including Fabric Magic for the curtains, Pooky Lighting, John Sankey for the chairs and sofas and Gardiner and Gardiner at Cromarty for antiques and accessories. Clockhouse Furniture also design specifically to our rooms.

Have you always had a passion for interior design?

Interior design has always been important to me. My bedroom was always well designed at a young age. At the age of 18 I was involved in designing the rooms when my parents took over the hotel too which was a great experience.

Has there been any noteworthy positive feedback from guests?

‘Where did you get that from’ is always positive feedback. It is also nice when guests pick a room based on the design.