Karaköy Rooms by RunArchitects // Istanbul, Turkey.

I’m going to have to lay my cards on the table here – I am starting to get slightly sick of the retro look which has taken over the world of design in the last few years. Mad Men has a lot to answer for! Don’t get me wrong – I am a massive fan of retro and vintage (mid-century where possible, of-course). I crave and seek it in my own work when appropriate. So this is not a blanket statement, it’s more of a criticism on what I call “hipster recipe for retro” which consists of chucking in a token vintage chair, an old light, a couple of accessories and stuff. If you’re going to do retro – I say COMMIT and do it WELL. Which is where today’s little gem comes in.

Karaköy Rooms is a boutique hotel with just nine rooms, situated in a century-old building overlooking the Bosphorous in Istanbul. Recently established Turkish agency RunArchitects have done a stellar job at balancing an elegant materials palette with original heritage features to achieve a real sense of authenticity and charm. I am particularly taken by the dramatic dark ceilings and exposed copper electrical wiring which takes center stage agains the white walls. So brave and bloody brilliant!

[Images courtesy of Run Architects.]