The reimagined interiors of Glencoe House draw on the property’s rich history, architectural character and dramatic Highland setting. Working with Newmor Wallcoverings, Malcolm Duffin Design translated these influences into a richly layered interior scheme across the public areas and luxury suites…
Built in 1896-97, Glencoe House was originally the home of Donald Alexander Smith, later Lord Strathcona. Conceived as a grand love letter to his wife, Isabella, the house retains personal details from their life together, including their initials within its architecture.
Image credit: Perle Hotels and Glencoe House
The recent refurbishment was led by Edinburgh-based Malcolm Duffin Design, a studio specialising in the restoration and refurbishment of historic properties. “Working in close collaboration with Newmor, we developed a bespoke wallcovering scheme for the public areas and luxury suites, drawing inspiration from the dramatic Highland landscape,” explained Malcolm Duffin, Head of Design at Malcolm Duffin Design.“Rich textures, organic patterns and a carefully curated palette of colours were selected to reflect the natural beauty that surrounds this exceptional destination, creating interiors that are both timeless and deeply connected to their setting.”
Image credit: Perle Hotels and Glencoe House
At the heart of the scheme is a bespoke scenic mural created for the reception, grand hall and staircase. Layered trees and foliage in deep blue and green tones sweep upwards around the timber staircase, framing the double-height windows and bringing the Highland landscape into the interior. Vicky Ashe, Key Account Manager at Newmor, managed the project and worked closely with Malcolm Duffin Design throughout. “Digital printing gave us the flexibility to tailor the mural to the dimensions and architectural features of the stairwell, creating a continuous design that flows from the reception through to the upper level,” she discussed.
Newmor also produced a stone block panel wallcovering to frame the reception bay window, based on a design by Malcolm Duffin. Its restrained geometry introduces detail without competing with the original joinery.
Alongside the bespoke elements, Malcolm and his team specified several designs from Newmor’s collections throughout the hotel. The large-scale Morris damask from the John Morris collection appears in Sage and Bluebell, alongside bespoke colourways developed to complement individual suites.
Image credit: Perle Hotels and Glencoe House
Newmor’s timeless Herringbone brings subtle pattern and tonal depth to connecting spaces, while the deeply embossed Hessian adds an organic, woven texture. Tussah creates the appearance of raw silk, with metallic threads that gently catch the light. Together, the wallcoverings respect the character of the house while ensuring the interiors feel relevant today.
“It was a pleasure to collaborate with Malcolm and his team, developing bespoke designs for the principal public areas and supporting the wider scheme with wallcoverings selected from our portfolio,” added Vicky. “The project shows how bespoke digital print and our stocked designs work together to create a cohesive interior.”
Image credit: Perle Hotels and Glencoe House
“The partnership with Newmor proved to be outstanding from concept through to completion,” Malcolm concluded. “The finished wallcoverings add depth, warmth, and elegance throughout the property, perfectly complementing the luxurious interiors and enhancing the guest experience. The completed project is a celebration of refined design, exceptional materials, and inspired collaboration.
“We are absolutely delighted with the result, and, most importantly, so are our clients and their guests. Together, we have created interiors that capture the spirit of Glencoe while delivering the comfort, sophistication and sense of occasion expected from one of Scotland’s most distinguished luxury destinations.”
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Main image credit: Newmor
