We’re staying further afield again this week with the Limes Hotel, Brisbane.

First opened in 2008, this hotel actually forms part of a group of hospitality and entertainment establishments made up of bars and restaurants.

Though the interiors, designed by Derlot, deliver exceptional contemporary style, what we really admire is building’s façade (pictured below) which presents a large-scale graphic pattern that also doubles as a feature for the windows of the guest rooms. This statement architecture lets you know upon first glance that the building is a design hotel.

Inside, patterns are more subtle with contrasting surfaces and a mixture of different materials. It seems the design subverts expectations by reversing the usual order of things: bolder prints as a pattern for the exterior, and a more architectural approach to the interior.

This week’s inspiration takes us to South Asia and the beautiful La Villa Hotel in Pondicherry, India.

Architects Tina Trigala and Yves Esprit wanted the hotel to welcome it’s guests into a space that provides non-ostentatious luxury. Their use of the building’s original colonial architecture and plenty of natural materials has ensured they achieved their target of understated opulence; the space is simple yet undeniably elegant.

Having come from Indonesian roots where our designer, Eliza, was familiarised with colonial architecture and interiors, she has a particular fondness for this style of décor. The design of this space, however, seems to strike an agreeable balance between the colonial and the contemporary; mixing more modern shapes with natural finishes and contrasting surface textures gives the hotel a restful, sanctuary-like atmosphere.

This week’s hotels inspiration can be found further afield in the Luna2 Hotel, Bali.

This tastefully eclectic hotel is the work of interior designer and founder of Luna2, Melanie Hall, who has skilfully married contemporary chic with zany patterns and Pop Art. The result is actually two spaces: the Studiotel and the Private Hotel, which cater to those who thirst for adventure with a twist of opulence.

Each space combines bold colours with statement prints to create a fun yet fresh style which is stimulating and keeps the eye alert. The contrast in design between the interior and outdoor space is very complementary – the poolside area sees the same themes toned down ever so slightly to let that sense of relaxation to settle in; though the ‘Shoot the Moon’ feature (pictured below) at the Studiotel pool ensures that the sense of joviality is maintained. The furnishings are equally interesting, making good use of slick shapes and rich colours which maintain the feel of contemporary luxury with polished metal framing.

Overall, the Luna2 makes us think of a playground for adults – in the best way possible. It’s funky yet chic, edgy yet playful; think Space Odyssey meets Roy Lichtenstein.

This week’s inspiration comes from Le Royal Monceau, Paris; a beautiful hotel with a true passion for the arts.

Part of the Raffles Hotels and Resorts group, Le Royal Monceau boasts divine opulence at every turn. Much of the interior inspiration comes from 1940s and 50s period style, the influence of which can certainly be seen in the classic glamour of both the Prestige and Signature Suites. Another design treasure is the Presidential Suite 241 which is the epitome of classic Parisian style: sophisticated, understated, just plain beautiful.

The conservative glamour found throughout the hotel is brought into contrast by the Art District, the hotel’s own in-house art gallery (pictured). The work which features in the gallery showcases the contemporary artistic culture of Paris, adding an extra dimension to this otherwise understated decorous space.