Bryan O’Sullivan Studio reveals The Magnolia Algarve design inspirations

1024 683 Katy Phillips
  • 0

‘The best of Palm Springs in the Algarve with a spin on the iconic 1950s motor-hotel aesthetic’.

Interior design firm Bryan O’Sullivan Studio has lifted the lid on its inspirations for The Magnolia Hotel, which recently opened in the Algarve resort of Quinta Do Lago in Portugal.

The idea was to play on the heritage of the resort as a holiday destination and a place for relaxation and enjoyment – The company says its choice of Palm Springs opened design possibilities with the freedom of using as much as colour, texture and items of visual interest that would work well naturally in a warm environment.

The hotel itself attracts a younger demographic looking for a relaxed, affordable and fun new way to experience the Algarve. As alternative accommodation option, The Magnolia Hotel objective is to bring a new energy and character to the well-established Quinta Do Lago resort, appealing to fitness fanatic and gourmet enthusiast alike.

Fresh & Unseen

Bryan O’Sullivan, the design lead for the project, said: “The design brief for the Magnolia Hotel was to bring something completely fresh and unseen to the Algarve. The design is light, playful and inviting for lazy days spent sipping cocktails by the pool or grazing fresh local dishes in the restaurant. First-hand experience during our recent trip to Palm Springs helped shape the design, taking the glory days of the 1950’s American Motel with the pastel art deco hues of Miami’s downtown to create a bright, glamorous travel spot to this beautiful corner of Portugal.”

The existing architecture of The Magnolia Hotel already lent itself to a classic mid-century motel format. The bedroom blocks are separated from the main reception with an outdoor pool and dining area. The theme of Palm Springs starts with a two-tone pastel hued façade on the drive-way entrance, intended as a direct link to classic 20th Century American architecture.

Above the façade is a neon feature of a diving girl, once again connecting the theme with the surrounding environment of the Algarve.

Updated Decor & Amenities   

The Magnolia Hotel offers 74 guest rooms each with a private veranda, 3 suites and 7 exclusive cottages. Each room offers twin or king beds, steam showers and modern appliances, including 300 thread count cotton sheets and high-speed Wi-Fi. All suites and cottages can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children.

The guest rooms are pink and white in colour scheme, with the signature Magnolia red acting as accent colours on the bedroom furniture and amenities. Each of the individual rooms feature new integrated fabric upholstered headboards and retro industrial-style furniture bringing together comfort and contemporary pieces.

The interior of the Lobby and Bar Area sports a graphic striped ceiling and a custom-made botanical tile mural on the main bar by Surface Design Studio. The dusty pink scheme reigns strong amongst an eclectic mix of retro-style furniture, lighting and brightly coloured kilim rugs.  

At the heart of the hotel is the outdoor heated swimming pool area which is punctuated by yellow and white pinstripe parasols and bespoke outdoor furniture. At night the space is complemented with an array of strung festoon lights and a live DJ.

Katy Phillips / 05.04.2018

Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand. During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.

Share

  • 0

You might also like

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.