When the seasons begin to change, there's something quite comforting about a bowl of warm…
Inspiring interiors in Essex
As a designer and manufacturer of luxury bespoke kitchens, we are often asked by clients if we can replicate styles from interiors that they have visited or seen online.
Venues such as pubs, hotels and wine bars are usually the main source of inspiration. Especially in recent times, when designers are often briefed to make a décor ‘instagramable’, to encourage guests to share pictures of their visit on social media.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, our ability to visit these venues has obviously been limited, with inspiration being found primarily online and via traditional home improvement magazines. However, with the reopening of hospitality, we can now visit places in the flesh, enabling us to see colours in real light, feel textures against our skin and experience the multiple layers of an interior in all its glory.
Here are some of our favourite local venues that are a feast for the eyes, as well as your stomach!
The George
Recently restored to its former glory, the George Hotel on Colchester High Street is full of period features and beautiful beams.
The stylish bar, lounge and restaurant all flow seamlessly together with vibrant contemporary colours and textures that work with the heritage of the building.
The hotel is a great place to visit for all occasions; you can enjoy drinks from the contemporary wine bar, dine in the relaxed restaurant that offers a daily a la carte menu or for a lighter bite, a tapas menu is available in the heated secret courtyard which has been designed with a Moroccan influence.
We are also excited to see what their new Victorian themed Tea Room will look like when its open.

This botanical mural created by local designer Lucy Tiffney sits proudly in their reception area, injecting colour and interest amongst the original period beams.

The striking bar area combines elements of traditional styling with modern colours and pattern. We think the colour and detail of the fluted wooden panelling which frames the opulent mirrored shelving is fabulous.
The Marquis
This luxury hotel, restaurant and bar is located in the quaint village of Layham, south Suffolk. Offering elegant country suites,
contemporary British food and a comfortable stylish bar, the Marquis is the perfect escape to the country.
Award-wining interior design company, Rendall Wright were commissioned to redesign the village pub into a smart boutique hotel, and the result is incredible.
The interior is once again sympathetic to the heritage and period of the building, but the colours, fittings and soft furnishings all combine to create an elegant contemporary scheme. There is plenty of inspiration for your own home here, and for every room of your house!
The private ‘Yorktown’ dining room has been finished with traditional-style floor to ceiling panelling painted in the same deep shade of grey as the focal point, contemporary light fitting.
The exposed red-brick wall, rustic oak beams and floor to ceiling glass at the gable end of the main restaurant creates a relaxed, country style to the room.
Milsoms
Milsoms is a popular boutique hotel, restaurant, and bar within a short drive of Colchester, set in the picturesque Dedham Vale.
The architecture of the grand Victorian country house is truly beautiful, and the interior complements the proportions of the space, yet still feels warm and welcoming.

We especially love the trio of large arched-style framed mirrors behind the bar. They mimic the same shape of the room’s arched windows which look out across the beautiful, manicured lawns and gardens.
This is a concept that we often use when designing kitchens to help connect the furniture to the building. However, instead of using mirrors, we try to replicate interesting shapes or details in the glazing of our cabinets.

Maison Talbooth
Also located in the constable country of Dedham Vale, this hotel and day spa boasts an English country pool house. It is the perfect place to escape for some quality time with loved ones or friends, and their afternoon tea and light lunches are delicious!
Due to Covid-19, and the social distancing restrictions we have faced as a nation over the last 18 months, the popularity in creating outdoor spaces has risen. From structured pergolas to garden offices and summer houses, living has extended beyond the traditional four walls.
The poolhouse at the Maison Talbooth provides the perfect inspiration for an outdoor set-up and interior. It balances traditional, rustic country charm with contemporary elegance.
We would like to recreate the outdoor seating area (which is centred around a wood burner), in our own garden. It is literally a few steps away from the heated jacuzzi, and, a glass of something cold is in easy reach from the kitchen area inside of the pool house.
Based in Colchester we are surrounded by lots of interesting venues across Essex, nearby Suffolk and even London. As this year looks set to be another year of staycations for the majority, our interior inspiration will be coming from places we visit in this country.
We would love to see pictures of any interesting places that you come across this summer – if you are on Instagram, all you need to do is follow us @davonport_interiors and tag us on your post, including the hashtag: #davonportinteriorinspo. We will share our favourites on our stories.