Mid-Century Modernism Meets Utopian Design at New London Opening, Sir Devonshire Square

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Housed in a former textiles warehouse in east London, Sir Devonshire Square is a bold reimagining of utopian design, defined by geometric forms, mid-century modernism, and an architecture-first approach. A lobby and lounge adorned with artworks by homegrown artists is set to become a hub for local creatives while restful rooms and suites feature bespoke furniture, rich materials, and unexpected touches.

Opening its doors in September 2025, the new hotel nods to the 18^th-century building’s past: first as a storage facility for the East India Tea Company’s raw silk and fabrics, then the boom of the 1980s when warehouse living became hip. This history—together with the late Sir Terence Conran’s philosophy that good design is for everyone and can be fun, light, and a mix of styles—has inspired the vision of Samuel Wright, interior architect, furniture designer, and founder of multi-disciplinary design consultancy Maison191.

The launch marks the UK debut of Sir Hotels, a company renowned for one-of-a-kind spaces rooted in their neighborhood that are elevated through intentional design—a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the Design Hotels ethos. “Sir Devonshire Square feels like a hidden oasis, right on the cusp of one of the most creatively interesting, continually evolving areas of the capital,” says Stijn Oyen, Managing Director at Design Hotels. “We haven’t added a London member to the collective since 2023 but with its distinctive modernist-meets-utopian aesthetic and boutique size, it stands out from the city’s other larger openings.”

When entering the hotel, the connection to Devonshire Square courtyard is immediately evident. Metro-tiled planters in the lobby bring the outside in to the industrial glasshouse, acting as natural dividers for the expansive open-plan ground floor. These also have built-in seating to encourage moments of stillness in serene, greenery-filled corners. The shape of the original arched windows are echoed in the curving terracotta toned tile-and-marble sculptural staircase that links this space to the lounge beyond. Here too, glazing dictates the spatial layout, flooding the room with natural light.

An earthy Mediterranean color palette is the calming backdrop for seating nooks in deep window bays. A curved corner bar with a chunky sapele wood trim is next to a textured plaster fireplace, forming a focal point for gatherings on chilly winter evenings. And, in a nod to new beginnings, Amsterdam-based art curator Bionda Sno has compiled a collection of genesis-themed pieces that hone in on the essence of life and nature. London-based artists with work on show include illustrator and painter Glen Gashi, photographer Deepak Komath, and multidisciplinary talent Femi Dawkins, while an agave fiber piece hanging above the fireplace is by Mexican artist Beatriz Morales.

The dialogue between heritage and contemporary living continues in the 75 rooms. Fitted wood veneer furniture is designed by Samuel and made bespoke, from the headboards to the wall-hung minibars and desks. This is paired with considered pieces, such as a hidden vanity mirror or a niche for a magazine, that deliberately add an element of surprise.

Textiles also play a pivotal role. The innovative experimentation that bubbled up in the 1970s when fabrics began to be seen as artworks, is channeled through two Bauhaus-inspired weaves that have been digitally printed by Dedar for the eye-catching curtains. Selected rooms also have standalone tubs and window seats overlooking the courtyard that make the most of the building’s deep reveals; suites come with Santa & Cole lighting, and HAY lounge chairs.

In the mornings, breakfast in the lounge begins with nourishing bowls, freshly baked buns and expertly crafted specialty coffee, followed by an all-day dining menu of simple, seasonal plates meant for sharing. Later, the space evolves into a wine bar with a refined selection of cocktails and wines, and a rich cultural program. From DJ sessions and live music performances to art talks, design panels, and fashion conversations, it is designed to foster connection between guests and the surrounding community. To complete the social offering, a restaurant and private members club, plus a gym and yoga studio, will open in phase two.

LOCATION

With the boutiques, bars and restaurants of Spitalfields Market and Shoreditch to the northeast, and the towering skyline of the City of London to the west, the hotel is perfectly placed for both business and leisure stays. A few minutes’ away is Liverpool Street Station for easy access to many of the city’s top cultural landmarks, neighborhoods and museums including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Soho and Notting Hill.

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