One of my latest obsessions: the renaissance of roadside inns. Perhaps this trendy resurgence is related to our culture’s hardcore emphasis on nostalgia; reveling in simpler, less ‘connected’ times. Or maybe it’s a design tactic to meet the growing demand for unique and inexpensive lodging options, while millennials fulfill their stylish wanderlust goals. All that aside, I am so pleased the dust is being brushed from the midcentury wonder these historic buildings hold. Any excuse to restore, reuse or revitalize is an ace move in the book of cool.
From jungalow chic to shaker simplicity, these hipster havens blossom with courageous furniture pairings, meticulous branding styles, and locally sourced you-name-it! Yearning to see and do it all, our culture is becoming increasingly aware of the way our everyday spaces look and make us feel – let’s pay some praise to some of the places that do it so well!
The Drifter is a recent roadside inn transformation with the exterior help of Joel Ross of Concordia Architecture and interiors by Nicole Cota Studio. It is located in an up-and-coming neighborhood of New Orleans, LA.
Tucked in the Colorado mountain town of Salida, The Amigo Motor Lodge re-opened in late 2016.
The Austin Motel, was recently taken back to its colorful mid-century roots by designer and hotelier Liz Lambert. The Austin Motel has operated since 1938, and is housed in a mid-century building on the the bustling South Congress strip of bars, restaurants and shops.
The Native Hotel is located along the Pacific Coast Highway, just outside of Malibu. It hosts a series of 13 interconnected bungalows, a lobby lounge and retail area, and an airstream trailer canteen 'Coffee & Waffles' that serves a no-frills quality menu. Originally built in 1947, this property provided an understated hideaway for celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Bob Dylan.
The Ace Hotel, Palm Springs by Commune Design.
Buckle up! The wide open road is calling your name!!