the nomad lab

Honor & Folly B&B.

I’ve been a fan of the Designtripper blog for a long time, and I was so excited when I came across Meghan McEwen’s B&B that she started in Detroit: Honor & Folly. 

The first thing that stands out to me about this place is just how comfortable it feels. It’s absolutely somewhere I could see myself living, and definitely somewhere I’d see myself unwinding after a long day. I also love her focus on really integrating this B&B with the local community and bringing in designers to add their own personal, creative touches. 

The Apartment.

The whole B&B is two bedrooms, which accommodates 4 people. You can rent one room or both rooms, and you’ll get to participate in any fun activities going on in the main room, like cooking classes or shop events from the community.

Not only is the B&B stocked with all sorts of fantastic design goods curated from around the community, but lots of the stuff is actually for sale, so if you fall in love with it, you can take it home with you!

Plus, the amenities are awesome. A fully stocked kitchen, vintage bikes to ride around town, and a specially created Honor & Folly guide to Detroit.

The Location. 

Honor & Folly is located in the neighborhood of Corktown, a charming little area with lots of fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes. It’s actually located upstairs from a BBQ restaurant by the name of Slows which looks absolutely delish to a girl like me who grew up in Texas.

Heard enough? Make a reservation through the website here:

Honor & Folly.

(All photos from Honor & Folly.)

Legado Mitico Hotel.

If you haven’t noticed already, I have a thing for libraries with leather couches.

I’m just in love with the color scheme here: the dark browns, the deep reds, and the neutral cream colors. 

Each of the rooms of this hotel are actually themed after a historical character, for example: Eva Peron or Che Guevara. You’ll find customized elements in your room such as vintage hatboxes or posters… alongside all the modern “necessities” you’d need like jacuzzi tubs and flat screen TVs, of course.

I like that this hotel seems to embrace Buenos Aires and really takes advantage of its rich history to influence design and furnishings, without becoming too cheesy or tacky.

Find out more here: Legado Mitico.

(All photos from Tablet Hotels.)

Lamu Beach House.

Expansive space, white walls and simple wood furnishings. 

This beach house is definitely the right way to escape from all your worries. With an unspoilt panoramic view right on the water, you can take in everything from your backyard.

Things I love: Dark wood ceiling beams. Huge archways on the back patio. Authentic Swahili craftsmanship all around the house. 4 staff members to fulfill your every need! 

For more info, check out Welcome Beyond’s interview with the owners.

(All photos from Welcome Beyond.)

Fancy finding a modern Swiss chalet in the middle of Japan. 

Kimamaya Boutique Hotel is a Design Hotel, located by Niseko, one of Japan’s fantastic ski resorts. The petite 9-room hotel combines a little bit of authentic Hokkaido farm architecture with a little bit of sleek Scandinavian style. 

Get Zen.

I would just love to come home from a long day on the slopes and step into the warmth of this chalet. Alpine-style rooms with supremely comfortable beds to sink into, rain showers in charcoal slate bathrooms, and three (!) different types of pillows to choose from. 

I also have a serious thing for lofts. Climb a ladder up to my bedroom? Count me in. (Although I suppose I should probably factor in the fact that my muscles would be insanely sore after a long day of snowboarding, and would hate me for forcing myself up a ladder to get into bed.)

The simplicity and warmth of the whole lodge makes it the perfect cozy escape from the chilly snow-laden slopes outdoors. The lodge also makes a great setting for other seasons, when travelers come to go hiking and enjoy the outdoors. 

Check out more here:

Kimamaya Boutique Hotel

(Photos from Kimamaya Boutique Hotel)

Lillian from Unstitched, a really fun design blog with lots of travel sprinkled in, asked me to do a blog feature called “How I Travel.” 

Want to see how I pack + travel?  Check it out!

It’s a yacht… that thinks it’s an island.

Don’t get too excited, this doesn’t exist in real life yet.

Designed by Yacht Island Design, a British firm, it’s 90m long and designed to hold 10 charter guests. This yacht includes a helicopter landing pad, deployable beach islands, and the owner’s suite is located inside the volcano.

(Photos from Fubiz and more details from Charter World)