Overview
The hotel industry is highly competitive, and nailing the guest experience makes all the difference in keeping rooms full. However, that means much of the industry is caught up on the idea of newness, where design must keep up with the ever-evolving demands of travellers. However, a reimagined room at the four-star Song Hotel Sydney is showcasing a more sustainable approach to hotel design, one that might signal a different way forward.
Created in collaboration with DIY and upcycling designer Jaharn Quinn, The Reclaimed Room proudly steers clear of the latest and greatest fixtures and fittings. Yet what it's missing in pristine condition is replaced by Quinn's characterful refurbishments of existing pieces, along with an assortment of secondhand finds and done-up details. Now complete, it shows pre-loved spaces can feel fresh and elevated without a top-to-bottom makeover.
"I wanted the room to feel calm, easy, and lived in, a place to settle into after a busy day in the city," says Quinn, who has more than 25 years of experience in upcycling and hands-on design. "It is also about showing how reclaimed materials can work beautifully in commercial spaces and where hospitality design should be heading."
The result is a hotel room that feels noticeably more grounded and welcoming. Layered with warm tones and complementary textures, Quinn conceived a space that carefully balances intention with restraint. For guests, that means the makeover hasn't left the room feeling overly curated. Instead, it's an adaptable palette that maintains its lived-in quality while feeling cohesive and functional in all the ways that a satisfying hotel room should.
The updates are obvious from the moment guests enter. By the door, Quinn added a hanging rack made from reclaimed wood, fabric and vintage brass hooks. The existing bedhead was upgraded with the simple addition of walnut panels, while the bedside tables look new after wooden half beads were glued to the fronts. Meanwhile, a thrifted ottoman replaced the tired desk stool, and a fresh coat of paint gave the entire space a calming lift.
Now accepting guest bookings, The Reclaimed Room also leans into Song Hotel Sydney's profit-for-purpose ethos, where 25 cents from every dollar supports YWCA Australia's programs across the nation. Plus, as a conversation starter, the project speaks to the hotel industry's need to reduce waste and meet a growing demand for value-led travel. Leaving behind the idea of aesthetic obsolescence, elevating what already exists can be just as special.
The Reclaimed Room is now available for bookings at Song Hotel Sydney, priced at $250 per night, including breakfast. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Supplied.