Having completed the Drawing Room and three Pavilion hideaways at Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest last year, interior designer Susie Atkinson has returned to renovate 13 guestrooms in the property’s main building as well as 13 Garden rooms, giving each of the spaces its own unique identity, scheme and style.

Atkinson’s brief was to create rooms with a sophisticated elegance that still reflected a relaxed country house aesthetic, working with rather than against the proportions and original architectural detailing of the light-filled spaces. The designer’s passion for natural materials, colour, texture and pattern are evident in each room too, while items from her own furniture collections – all entirely handmade in the UK by British craftsmen – sit alongside vintage pieces and bespoke designs commissioned especially for the hotel.

Inspired by Lime Wood’s forest surroundings, Atkinson introduced warmth and personality through quirky fabrics from suppliers such as Robert Kime, Hazelton House, Larrson, Penny Morrison, James Hare and Claremont. Further complementing the classical backdrop are a curation of contemporary artworks by the likes of Victor Pasmore, Kate Boxer, Tom Hammick, Richard Ballanger, James Dixon and Philip Jones.

“The setting for Lime Wood has been a huge inspiration for me,” says Atkinson of the 13th century hunting lodge, which was restored to open as a hotel in 2009. “I also love to mix details – whether it’s textures, colours, patterns or eras – to create something very individual for an interesting interior. While I of course ensure the spaces are practical and easy to spend time in, for me the joy is creating a unique space that is supremely comfortable and indulgent, appealing to all the senses, so guests can really enjoy their stay.”