(viaWhen it comes to luxury boutique hotel design, few hospitality brands embody sophisticated style better than Proper Hotels. This design-forward hotel collection has become essential inspiration for interior designers and hospitality enthusiasts seeking to understand how thoughtful design transforms spaces into unforgettable experiences.
Each Proper property is masterfully crafted by renowned American designer Kelly Wearstler, who brings her signature aesthetic of sculptural furniture, rich layered textures, and site-specific influences to every location. Her approach to luxury boutique hotel design creates interiors that feel both globally sophisticated and deeply rooted in their local context. From the historic-meets-contemporary elegance of Proper San Francisco, where guests can watch cable cars glide past through floor-to-ceiling windows, to the sun-soaked sophistication of Santa Monica Proper with its organic materials and coastal color palette, each hotel tells a compelling design narrative.
With strategically chosen locations in design capitals like Austin and the newest jewel in Downtown Los Angeles, Proper Hotels continues to set the standard for boutique hospitality design. These aren't just places to rest—they're immersive design laboratories where every surface, texture, and detail serves as inspiration for creating soulful, sophisticated spaces.
In this design travel roundup, I'm sharing my favorite interiors from the Proper portfolio, each one brimming with ideas you can adapt for your own luxury-inspired home.
What Makes Kelly Wearstler's Hotel Design Philosophy So Distinctive?
Kelly Wearstler's approach to luxury boutique hotel design centers on creating what she calls "modern glamour with soul." Her philosophy involves layering unexpected textures—think raw stone against polished brass, or hand-carved wood paired with sleek marble—to create spaces that feel both timeless and thoroughly contemporary. Each Proper hotel showcases this mastery, with custom furniture pieces that blur the line between art and function.
Austin Proper: Where Texas Warmth Meets Modern Luxury Design
Austin Proper exemplifies how luxury boutique hotel design can honor local culture while maintaining sophisticated elegance. Wearstler's design here embraces Texas's creative spirit through warm wood tones, handcrafted ceramics, and locally-sourced art that celebrates the city's vibrant music scene. The lobby features oversized leather banquettes in rich cognac tones paired with sculptural lighting that casts dramatic shadows across textured stone walls.
(via The guest rooms continue this narrative with custom headboards featuring geometric patterns inspired by traditional Texan motifs, reimagined through Wearstler's contemporary lens. Natural materials like travertine and oak create a sense of grounded luxury that feels authentically Austin while maintaining the refined sophistication Proper guests expect.
Santa Monica Proper: Coastal California Luxury Redefined
Santa Monica Proper demonstrates how boutique hospitality design can capture the essence of place through thoughtful material choices and color palettes. Here, Wearstler embraces California's laid-back luxury lifestyle with a sophisticated twist. The design features natural linen upholstery in sandy beiges and soft grays, complemented by statement lighting fixtures that evoke ocean waves and sun-bleached driftwood.
(via The hotel's public spaces showcase how luxury boutique hotel design can feel both relaxed and refined. Custom furniture pieces include hand-woven rugs with organic patterns that mirror tideline formations, while the bar area features a stunning onyx backdrop that glows like captured sunlight. These elements create an environment where sophisticated design meets California's casual elegance.
How Do You Incorporate Hotel-Style Luxury Into Home Interiors?
The key to bringing boutique hotel design into your home lies in focusing on a few high-impact elements rather than trying to recreate entire spaces. Start with statement lighting—perhaps a sculptural pendant or dramatic table lamp that serves as functional art. Layer in rich textures through throw pillows, area rugs, and window treatments that add depth without overwhelming the space. Finally, invest in one or two pieces of custom or high-quality furniture that anchor the room with sophisticated presence.
San Francisco Proper: Historic Architecture Meets Contemporary Luxury
San Francisco Proper showcases Wearstler's mastery at blending historic architecture with contemporary luxury boutique hotel design. Housed in a beautifully restored Edwardian building, the hotel honors its architectural heritage while introducing thoroughly modern elements that feel fresh and unexpected.
(viaThe lobby exemplifies this harmonious blend, where original moldings and period details provide elegant backdrop for custom furniture in rich jewel tones. Emerald velvet seating and brass accents create intimate conversation areas, while contemporary art installations add visual interest without competing with the building's historic character. This approach demonstrates how luxury boutique hotel design can honor the past while feeling thoroughly current.
Downtown Los Angeles Proper: Urban Sophistication Elevated
The newest addition to the Proper family, Downtown Los Angeles Proper represents the evolution of luxury boutique hotel design in urban settings. Located in the heart of LA's cultural district, this property embraces the city's creative energy through bold artistic choices and sophisticated material palettes.
Wearstler's design here celebrates LA's diverse cultural influences through custom artwork, locally-sourced materials, and a color palette that ranges from warm earth tones to dramatic blacks and golds. The rooftop spaces offer panoramic city views framed by sophisticated outdoor furniture that extends the hotel's luxury aesthetic into open-air environments.
(via What Design Elements Make Proper Hotels Perfect for Instagram?
Proper Hotels excel at creating "Instagrammable" moments through careful attention to lighting, texture, and unexpected details. Each space features multiple focal points—perhaps a statement art piece, dramatic lighting fixture, or unique furniture arrangement—that photograph beautifully while serving functional purposes. The key lies in creating layers of visual interest that reward closer inspection, from hand-carved details to custom hardware that elevates every touchpoint.
The strategic use of mirrors, metallic accents, and varied textures ensures that spaces photograph well from multiple angles while maintaining their sophisticated appeal in person. This thoughtful approach to visual storytelling makes these hotels as memorable online as they are in real life.
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How Can You Create Kelly Wearstler's Signature Layered Look at Home?
Achieving Wearstler's signature layered aesthetic in your own space requires thoughtful curation of textures, colors, and materials. Start with a neutral foundation—perhaps warm whites or soft grays—then introduce depth through varied textures like bouclé upholstery, natural stone surfaces, or hand-woven textiles. Add metallic accents in brass or bronze for warmth, and incorporate one unexpected element—perhaps an oversized piece of art or a sculptural lighting fixture—that serves as a conversation starter while maintaining the room's sophisticated balance.
Whether you're a design enthusiast planning your next luxury getaway or seeking inspiration for creating sophisticated interiors at home, Proper Hotels offer an invaluable masterclass in boutique hospitality design. Kelly Wearstler's visionary approach transforms each property into a distinctive celebration of place, where tactile materials, curated artwork, and unexpected design details create environments that spark creativity and inspire personal style.
From the urban sophistication of Downtown Los Angeles Proper to the coastal elegance of Santa Monica Proper, these hotels represent more than exceptional accommodations—they're immersive design experiences that demonstrate how thoughtful luxury can enhance every aspect of our lives. The design principles showcased in these spaces—layered textures, sophisticated color palettes, and custom furniture as functional art—translate beautifully to residential interiors for those seeking to elevate their own homes.
If you're planning travel that prioritizes exceptional design alongside luxury service, add Proper Hotels to your must-visit list. For more design-driven destination inspiration and travel recommendations, explore my other Travel by Design features here on the blog, where I share the most inspiring hotels, restaurants, and design destinations from around the world.
