Thyme: Inside the luxury Cotswolds hotel and how to steal its style

Part of the appeal of a is immersing yourself in a perfectly curated home from home. But have you ever wished you could steal their style?

We’re spotlighting some of our escapes to give you characterful and decorating ideas – and speaking to the designers behind them to reveal their design secrets and tips to get the look yourself.

First up is the family-run, boutique hotel, Thyme, nestled in the .

With its honey-hued stone buildings and elegant floral interiors, Thyme exudes a country charm with a modern twist.

We stepped inside with founder and creative director Caryn Hibbert to discover more about the hotel’s unique style, and get her top tips on how to recreate the look at home…

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

I love the contrast of old and new, and using colour and pattern to bring the beauty of the outside in. Our buildings are all listed, so I think it is important to respect and enhance their architecture, history and position rooted in the quintessentially English countryside.

I look at the natural light of a room to see what colours will make it seem warm and inviting

And your approach to decorating?

I look at the natural light of a room to see what colours will make it seem warm and inviting. Juxtaposing modern furniture with beautiful antique finds gives spaces an eclectic, comfortable feel – one special piece can make a room. I use colours that complement the transition from inside to out, enhancing the view with prints and patterns influenced by the gardens.

Any insider secrets?

Be brave with colour and pattern: I love mixing different floral prints to create complexity and interest. Green and shades of white can act as neutrals and help to bring colours and patterns together with a sense of calmness, while clean architectural lines and areas of block colour will ensure pattern doesn’t overwhelm a space.

What’s your top interior design tip?

Finishing touches make all the difference: cushions and trimmings are an easy way to add a splash of colour and can effortlessly change the way a room looks and feels.

Inside the hotel

Take a look around Thyme…

The Ox Barn houses the hotel’s restaurant, with a pretty outside seating area

The Ox Barn houses the hotel’s restaurant, with a pretty outside seating area.

Inside, the Ox Barn is full of texture and character thanks to the original exposed beams and the mix of old and new furniture.

Many of the hotel’s bedrooms and suites are decorated with founder Caryn’s own wallpaper and fabric designs, available to buy at .

Every detail has been taken care of, from fluffy white robes to vases of fresh flowers from the hotel’s cutting garden.

Pattern drenching – using the same design over a whole room – is used to spectacular effect at Thyme. Break it up with neutral colours to keep the look fresh.

Not all of the rooms feature florals. Some, like this bedroom in the Lodge, have more pared-back schemes, whilst still exuding plenty of warmth and character.

The bountiful cutting garden provided inspiration for the hotel’s interiors.